1/5
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Alila Ventana Big Sur

Big Sur • Big Sur • OVER THE TOP

avg. $1,967 / night

Includes $104 / night in cash back

Cash back is redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out

World of Hyatt property

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Cash back

5% cash back on all completed stays (redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out)

Credit card points

Credit and debit card charges are processed directly by the hotel (i.e. not PressBeyond), meaning that any travel-specific credit card points or incentives that you normally get as a cardholder for direct hotel bookings are preserved

Hotel loyalty points

Points accrual and status eligibility with major hotel loyalty programs: Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, and others

Free breakfast

Breakfast-included rate options available

Room upgrades

Complimentary room upgrades (subject to property availability)

Extend your stay

Early check-in and late check-out (subject to property availability)

Location

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PB hotel design editorial

Carved into a south-facing ridgeline above the Pacific at roughly 1,200 feet elevation, where coast redwoods give way to chaparral and the Santa Lucia mountains drop almost vertically to the sea, this property has anchored itself to one of the most geologically dramatic sites in American hospitality since 1975. Alila Ventana Big Sur — originally opened as the Ventana Inn and long considered the property that defined California's adult-retreat typology — spreads its cedar-clad structures across 160 acres in a loose, campus arrangement that refuses to compete with the landscape. The architecture defers at every turn: board-formed cedar siding weathers to grey against the hillside, exposed Douglas fir beams carry vaulted ceilings in the larger suites, and fieldstone fireplaces anchor rooms furnished with dark four-poster frames, chunky hand-knit throws, and canvas campaign chairs. The interiors, refreshed under Alila's stewardship after the brand acquired the property in 2018, maintain a Northern California ranch sensibility rather than imposing the cool minimalism Alila favors elsewhere in its portfolio. Outside, the pool terraces step down the slope in flagstone-edged tiers, overlooking a lawn that falls away to an uninterrupted Pacific horizon. The teak-decked restaurant terrace, where woven rope dining chairs face the coastline with nothing between them and the Channel Islands, makes the case that the site itself has always been the primary design gesture here.

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About

Alila Ventana Big Sur is a luxury resort set along the iconic coastline of Big Sur, California. Tucked among rolling meadows and towering redwoods, our 54 guestrooms and suites are thoughtfully spaced across 160 secluded acres, offering privacy, serenity, and connection to nature. Designed with sun-bleached cedar exteriors that blend seamlessly into the landscape, each accommodation features private outdoor space. Your stay includes all meals thoughtfully prepared and inspired by the region, along with daily curated programming designed to immerse you in the beauty and spirit of Big Sur. Guests also enjoy access to luxury amenities including two outdoor pools, Japanese hot baths, and tranquil spaces throughout the property for relaxation and renewal.

Amenities

Free Parking

Restaurant

Pool

Internet

Room service

Free Internet

Wifi

Free Wifi

Fitness center

Suites

Alila Ventana Big Sur Reviews

1,308 reviews

"Our stay at Alila Ventana Big Sur was truly special. The property feels tucked away in nature with luxurious, serene, and exclusive vibes — like a peaceful California version of White Lotus (minus the drama). One of the best parts was the all-inclusive experience. Having all meals included (except alcohol) made the trip feel effortless and elevated. Every meal we had was delicious, and even the poolside food exceeded expectations. It’s rare for an all-inclusive setup to maintain this level of quality across the board. We also loved the Japanese hot baths, which were incredibly relaxing and a standout amenity. Combined with the beautiful setting, pools, and wellness-focused atmosphere, it made for the perfect reset. Service at the restaurant was occasionally a little slow, but the staff was always warm, friendly, and genuinely welcoming, which more than made up for it. Overall, an amazing place for couples or anyone looking to unplug, recharge, and indulge in a secluded luxury retreat. We’d absolutely come back."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Apr 21, 2026

"This was the BEST, most relaxing vacation! We were celebrating our 33rd wedding anniversary and found that it was easy to check out of our busy work lives and be present in the beauty of nature. This resort is nestled in the redwoods and you really feel like you're away from it all. The views are spectacular, the room was lovely and cozy, the service was amazing and the food was SO good!! Such a great variety and we could have eaten all day if we had the room! ;) The staff is absolutely incredible, as well! Would 1000% recommend this Alila Ventana Big Sur!!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Apr 20, 2026

"This is our 4th stay at this beautiful property. We've already booked our next one. Incredible value for Hyatt Globalist. The resort experience includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, smores, and snacks and drinks in the mini bar that are replenished daily. Several hikes and other experiences are also included. The hike around the property daily is a good starting point. There are additional activities that they do charge for. Spa treatments are not cheap, but we've had 2 couples massages that were excellent. The falconry experience is not to be missed if you've never had one. This last trip we did dive the hive and found the beekeeping experience facinating. I used an upgrade award to get into a Vista hot tub room. All the rooms we've been in so far are fabulous. While staying here we stronly encourage you to get to Pfeifer Beach as well as McWay falls. They are 10-20 minutes away from the property. The seaside discovery may go to Pfeifer Beach, not sure about the falls. We also found stargazing to be terrific. If it's a clear night step out onto your balcony and take a look. Or, go to the Meadow, or go to the very top of the property. Bring your binoculars. While there we were also able to see a rocket launch from Vandenberg, so check out that schedule if it's a nighttime launch and sky is clear. We had a bit of a problem with way too much salt on the meals prepared our first day. We made them very aware, but if you need to watch your salt intake I'd ask for low/no salt. Make dinner reservations in advance. At check in they only offered 5:15 or 8:30. Also, book any activities in advance as they do sometimes fill up. It's difficult to find rooms at the current standard rate of 45000 points a night, but if you can that's a great deal. I'll be curious to see what the rooms go for after Hyatt devaluation."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Apr 19, 2026

"Exceptional staff, we felt well taken care of for the whole trip. The grounds are beautifully kept and this was exactly what we were hoping for: the perfect relaxing getaway weekend"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Apr 19, 2026

"Loved my stay! The property is beautiful, the staff was absolutely amazing. The gentleman at the valet remembered my name and room number throughout my stay and when he would happen to be driving by on the cart would always offer a lift to wherever I was headed or to grab bags from my cart etc. I was shocked that almost no one got in the pool/hot tubs! my entire time I saw no one get in the pool and only 3 people get in the infinity hot tub for maybe 10 mins each. Even the japanese bathhouse was 100% empty when i spent 2 hours in there. I felt like I had the resort to myself! There were people there lounging by the pool and plenty at dinner and on the property but no one seemed to be getting in the water. Perhaps they all had hot tubs in their rooms? The food I read reviews that it was so/so. I had the steak entree and the beet salad appetizer along with the cheesecake for dessert. My meal was abosolutely10/10 ( I ate at sur house not room service). The ridge hike was nice to get the blood pumping the hike lead was super cool had a great sense of humor and knowledge on the area/woods etc. Noise level is essentially a zero which is unusual but it was nice. At the pool I kinda wanted a little background music but I recognize this is a resort geared at romance and relaxation and they probably want to keep it calm, quiet and relaxing. The only things that were not 100% were my in room coffee machine- I ran water through it a few times and noticed mold/sediment comming out. Ran it until clear, but my coffee tasted very strong like mold, so I went to the check-in building and got coffee there. The jets at the japanese bathhouse were not workingn when i visited. Other than that this is the the top hyatt property I have even been. I was again, truely blown away by the staff, their kindness, attention to detail and their energy. I was solo and definitely think that although I loved my stay, it would have been enhanced if I had someone to share it with."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Apr 17, 2026

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Alila Ventana Big Sur | Best Design-Driven Stays in Big Sur