Ventana Big Sur
Rustic California luxury — raw-timber interiors, Japanese bath houses, ocean-view meadows, beekeeping classes at sunrise. Counterculture roots, five-star execution. The crowd skews romantic couples and wellness-focused travelers.
Book via World of Hyatt points at Category 8 (45,000 pts standard / 66,000 pts suite) — cash rate is $2,000–$3,000+, making this one of the best point redemptions in the portfolio. Award space is extremely limited though, so check frequently.
Why It Matters
Two MICHELIN Key designation. One of the most coveted Hyatt points redemptions in the world (Category 8, 45,000 pts/night), yet award availability is notoriously scarce. Fully all-inclusive — dining, wellbeing programming, minibar, valet, and curated experiences all come with the room rate. The Japanese hot baths open any time of day or night are a genuine standout.
Big Sur's original luxury resort, founded in the early 1970s by writer Lawrence A. Spector using profits from the film Easy Rider — which tells you everything about its California soul. Spread across 160 acres of redwood forest and coastal meadow high above the Pacific, this adults-only, all-inclusive property runs around $2,000–$3,000+ per night and earns every penny for guests who want total immersion in one of the most dramatic landscapes in North America. The 54 rooms and suites are arranged in private clusters through the woods, with king beds, fireplaces, and hot tubs as standard. Everything from meals to valet parking to morning meditation is folded into the rate.
Where You'll Stay
13 room types available
Big Sur Forest Shower Suite
The signature feature here is the open-air shower built for two, framed by redwood forest views. A genuinely unusual amenity that guests remember long after checkout.
King
Big Sur Spa Suite
Built around indoor-outdoor living. A spacious patio with a bubbling hot tub and an oversized hammock faces ocean, canyon, or forest views. Inside: dining alcove, wet bar, bathtub for two, wood-burning fireplace.
King
Big Sur Suite
The core Ventana suite experience: oversized leather chairs, ocean or canyon views from the deck, a hammock, and a wood-burning fireplace. Space without fuss.
KingBig Sur Villa
A two-story, bi-level standalone villa ranging 930–1,198 sq ft depending on configuration. Living room with a wood-burning fireplace, private decks on multiple levels, and forest or ocean views. The most spacious accommodation short of The Coast House.
KingGlamping
Tent-only glamping sites tucked into a 40-acre redwood canyon, following the natural contours of Post Creek. Wake up to the sound of the creek with the forest completely overhead — the most immersive nature experience on property.
Hot Tub Suite
Compact suite that adds a private outdoor hot tub on a spacious deck alongside a wood-burning fireplace — the entry point for the outdoor soak experience.
KingPacific House Suite
Distant ocean views take center stage here with a private patio and hot tub. Vaulted ceilings and abundant natural light make it one of the brightest rooms on property.
KingSuperior Fireplace Guest Room
Steps up from the base rooms with a dining alcove and wet bar added alongside the fireplace and large private deck.
KingThe Coast House
The largest suite on property at 1,100 sq ft. Bookable as a one or two-bedroom configuration, making it the only option for groups or families who need more than one sleeping area.
KingThe Cottage House
A free-standing hideaway that stands completely separate from the main lodge clusters. Hot tub, fireplace, and large private deck. Maximum privacy, maximum quiet.
KingVentana Fireplace Guest Room
Same footprint as the standard guest room but adds a wood-burning fireplace — a genuine upgrade for cool Big Sur nights.
King
Ventana Guest Room
Entry-level room with a private deck overlooking the forest. Still gets you a king bed, forest views, and that signature Ventana atmosphere at the lowest price point on property.
KingVista Hot Tub Suite
One of the larger suites with vaulted ceilings, a canopy-style bed, wood-burning fireplace, and distant ocean views from a private deck with an outdoor hot tub.
KingThe Property
Eat & Drink
5 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
An off-property cold plunge experience reached via a half-mile hike through Big Sur terrain. Full body cold water immersion for an invigorating reset.
Free gear available from the front desk: Yeti coolers and glasses, hiking poles, beach blankets, Patagonia day packs, camp chairs, tripods, compasses, first aid kits, and flashlights. First come, first served; return within 24 hours.
Complimentary guided hikes through the redwood and coastal terrain surrounding the property. Offered daily.
Suit up in the Ocean Meadow and go behind the scenes with the property's working beehives. Learn about the role of bees in the Big Sur ecosystem and see the full honey-making process up close.
Led by Master Falconer Antonio Balestreri. Learn about hawks and falcons in the Big Sur environment, watch flight demonstrations, and handle birds of prey.
Learn to craft durable leather pieces through upcycling. Produces wearable or giftable keepsakes.
Experiential creative workshops offered as part of the Alila Experience Program.
Energy work session conducted in Ventana's Circle of Life, an open-air sanctuary in the middle of the old-growth redwood grove. Offered through Spa Alila.
Complimentary daily wellness classes including yoga, Tai Chi, and meditation as part of the resort's signature wellness programming.
Complimentary evening s'mores around the firepit at Social House — the best way to end a day of hiking and hot tubs.
Guided hikes focused on identifying and foraging edible and medicinal plants in Big Sur's coastal and forest terrain.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
12,000 sq ft of event and meeting facilities including a 24-hour business center. Suitable for executive retreats, corporate offsites, and private celebrations.
A dedicated Leisure Concierge helps pre-plan every aspect of your stay — meal reservations, activity scheduling, spa bookings — before you arrive.
Complimentary wireless internet throughout the property.
Modern gym with treadmills, floor-to-ceiling windows, and natural light. Open 24 hours daily. Complemented by outdoor yoga space and guided fitness classes.
Drinks service at the pool area with Baja-inspired food and specialty cocktails.
A complimentary welcome beverage celebrating local Californian wines is included with every stay.
In-suite minibar stocked and replenished at no cost as part of the all-inclusive rate.
Full valet parking included in the resort rate. EV charging also available.
Electric vehicle charging available at no additional cost.
Dogs welcome (maximum two per room). $150 fee per dog includes a dog bed and water bowl in the room.
Two pools on property including the Ocean Meadow Pool with Pacific views. Open year-round.
Japanese-inspired communal hot baths accessed any time of day or night. One of the most distinctive amenities on property — traditionally believed to foster emotional intimacy.
Complimentary Volvo chauffeur service for destinations within a 3-mile radius of the property.
Outdoor barrel sauna available to resort guests.
BUILD YOUR ALILA VENTANA BIG SUR PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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