Sunset view of the Alila Ventana Big Sur hotel in the U.S., showing the wood-finished exterior of the guest room buildings with warm lights on the balconies, surrounded by large trees and shrubs.

AlilaBig Sur, United StatesJanuary 2025

Alila Ventana Big Sur Review

Name: Alila Ventana Big Sur
Address: 48123 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920, USA, Big Sur, US

An adults-only, all-inclusive resort set in the nature of Big Sur, ideal for focusing on complete relaxation while enjoying the outdoor pool and quiet forest trails.

RomanticWellnessLuxury

Key Points from This Stay

Suite UpgradeJunior Suiteupgrade byGlobalist Benefit

All-InclusiveBreakfast Benefit, Lunch, Dinner

ParkingOutdoor, Valet · Included

Outdoor PoolHot Tub / Spa

Service notesExcellent

This Stay at a Glance

Alila Ventana Big Sur is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort located along California's Highway 1. After checking in, the walk through the forest path to my room naturally slowed my pace. Nestled in the nature of Big Sur, where the Pacific Ocean meets the mountains, the environment allowed me to focus entirely on relaxation rather than just a place to sleep. Even without elaborate activities, the days felt full; dining with an ocean view, walking forest trails, relaxing in a hammock, and using the outdoor hot tub under the stars all flowed together seamlessly.

Lobby area at Alila Ventana Big Sur featuring high wood-paneled ceilings with geometric chandeliers, a central stone fireplace, and a circular table. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide natural light, highlighting the warm, neutral wood-toned interior. — The lobby at Alila Ventana Big Sur, with its natural materials and high ceilings, provided a relaxing space during my stay. The calm atmosphere around the fireplace in the evening was particularly memorable.

Sunset view from Alila Ventana Big Sur in Big Sur, USA. The sun sets over the horizon, turning the sky orange and purple, with the silhouettes of trees and a portion of a building roof in the foreground. — During my stay at Alila Ventana Big Sur, I watched the sunset over the Pacific Ocean from my room's terrace, enjoying the quiet evening as the natural surroundings turned into silhouettes.

A panoramic view of the Alila Ventana Big Sur resort, showing the wooden guest buildings, outdoor pool, and umbrellas across a green lawn under a clear sky. — During my stay at Alila Ventana Big Sur, I enjoyed seeing how the wooden architecture blended with the natural terrain, and the relaxed atmosphere around the outdoor pool was a highlight.

Wooden chairs with blue cushions arranged around a fire pit on the outdoor terrace at Alila Ventana Big Sur, with green mountains and trees visible in the background under a clear sky. — During my stay at Alila Ventana Big Sur, I spent relaxing time in this outdoor area with a fire pit, overlooking the natural landscape of Big Sur.

A cozy room interior at Alila Ventana Big Sur featuring two leather armchairs and a small table in front of a fireplace, with a TV mounted on the wall. — I relaxed in the room with a glass of wine by the fireplace; the calm atmosphere, complemented by the wood interior, made for a comfortable stay.

Room Upgrade Experience

Room on this stayJunior Suite

The room layout is reminiscent of a private lodge. During my stay, I was upgraded to a Big Sur Suite as a Globalist benefit. The room featured an indoor fireplace and a spacious terrace; the hammock on the terrace was the spot I used most frequently. Lying in the hammock, feeling the warm California sun and the Pacific breeze, was a unique experience. In the evening, I spent time by the fire pit in front of the room, listening to music on the record player while enjoying some whiskey.

Bathroom in an Alila Ventana Big Sur Junior Suite featuring a round mirror and a black square sink. The walls are finished with warm wood paneling, flanked by lighting, with a Nespresso machine and glassware neatly arranged next to the sink. — The wood-paneled bathroom in the Alila Ventana Big Sur Junior Suite creates a cozy atmosphere. A Nespresso machine and coffee capsules are provided by the sink, making it easy to enjoy coffee in the room during the stay.

Interior of a Junior Suite at Alila Ventana Big Sur. The room features wood walls and ceilings, a queen bed with side tables and lamps, macramé wall art, black-and-white framed photos, and a window with wooden shutters. — The Junior Suite at Alila Ventana Big Sur during my winter 2025 stay had a cozy, cabin-like feel due to the wood interior, and natural light from the window by the bed kept the room warm.

View of the bedroom from the bathroom of a Junior Suite at Alila Ventana Big Sur, showing a bathtub in the foreground and the bedroom area visible through sliding doors with wood-paneled walls and warm lighting. — The Junior Suite I stayed in during winter 2025 featured an open-concept layout connecting the bathroom and bedroom, allowing me to enjoy the cozy, wood-finished atmosphere of the room from the bathtub.

The private balcony of the Alila Ventana Big Sur Junior Suite featuring a white mesh hammock on a wooden deck, with a view of trees, the sky, and a golf cart parked below. — The hammock on the private balcony of the Junior Suite where I stayed in winter 2025. It was a memorable space to step outside and take in the natural scenery of Big Sur.

Interior of an Alila Ventana Big Sur Junior Suite, featuring a cozy living area with a table, leather chairs, wood-paneled walls, high ceilings, and a view of the terrace through the window. — The Junior Suite during my winter 2025 stay had a warm feel thanks to the wood interior; the table by the window was a good spot to sit and look out at the Big Sur landscape.

A Crosley turntable and a Mozart LP record placed against a wood-paneled wall in an Alila Ventana Big Sur Junior Suite, with sunlight streaming in and a view of the forest outside. — The Junior Suite I stayed in during winter 2025 was equipped with a turntable, allowing me to listen to classical music while taking in the forest view outside.

A vintage-style black rotary phone, a sand-filled glass lamp, and a leather notepad holder placed on dark wooden furniture in an Alila Ventana Big Sur Junior Suite. — The Alila Ventana Big Sur Junior Suite features natural wood walls and vintage accents like the rotary phone and sand lamp, creating a calm, cozy atmosphere characteristic of the Big Sur region.

A Nespresso machine, capsules, and blue mugs on a dark tray against a wooden wall in an Alila Ventana Big Sur Junior Suite. — During my winter 2025 stay in an Alila Ventana Big Sur Junior Suite, the room was equipped with a Nespresso machine and Illy capsules, allowing for a relaxed morning coffee in the room.

A vanity area in an Alila Ventana Big Sur Junior Suite featuring a round mirror and black square sink on a wooden wall, with wall sconces, a coffee machine, and wine glasses. — The vanity area of the Alila Ventana Big Sur Junior Suite during my winter 2025 stay, where the wooden interior, round mirror, and black fixtures created a calm aesthetic.

No Lounge

Lounge access was not available on this stay.

Breakfast Experience

Complimentary breakfast

Alila Ventana Big Sur operates on an all-inclusive basis, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. Meals are served at The Sur House restaurant. Having a leisurely breakfast while overlooking the Pacific is one of the resort's signature experiences. The food quality was excellent, but the highlight was starting the day facing the ocean and the morning sun. Unlike the dinner service, the breakfast atmosphere was calm and primarily limited to resort guests.

Breakfast spread on an outdoor terrace table at Alila Ventana Big Sur, including salad, eggs Benedict, a fruit bowl, and champagne glasses, with the blue sea and horizon of Big Sur in the background. — Breakfast at Alila Ventana Big Sur during my winter 2025 visit. The outdoor seating, which allows for a relaxed morning meal with an expansive ocean view, was a highlight.

Outdoor terrace dining at Alila Ventana Big Sur with tables and chairs on a wooden deck overlooking the ocean horizon under a retractable awning in the morning sun. — The view from the terrace during breakfast at Alila Ventana Big Sur in winter 2025, featuring outdoor seating with an unobstructed ocean view.

The Sur House breakfast menu at Alila Ventana Big Sur placed on an outdoor table. The menu lists items such as granola, avocado toast, and the Ventana breakfast, with the blue ocean and trees of Big Sur blurred in the background. — The Sur House breakfast menu from my winter 2025 visit, where I could order breakfast while overlooking the Big Sur landscape during my Junior Suite stay.

Outdoor terrace dining at Alila Ventana Big Sur, featuring two pink glasses and tableware on a wooden table. The background shows an expansive view of the Pacific Ocean horizon with low-hanging clouds and sunlight reflecting on the water. — The view during breakfast at Alila Ventana Big Sur in winter 2025. Sitting on the outdoor terrace facing the Pacific horizon and morning sun was the most peaceful moment of my stay in the Junior Suite.

Dining Experience

All-inclusive dining

Lunch

Lunch was also a leisurely experience with views of the Pacific. While it requires a short walk from the rooms to The Sur House, the path through the forest and along the coast is well-maintained. Dining is available near the pool, but I found The Sur House more satisfying in terms of food quality and atmosphere. Lunch is included on the day of checkout, which allowed for a relaxed conclusion to the stay.

Salad, nachos with guacamole, and two drinks on an outdoor terrace table at Alila Ventana Big Sur. In the background, the sunlit lawn and the Pacific Ocean are visible beyond the glass railing. — Lunch ordered during my Junior Suite stay at Alila Ventana Big Sur in winter 2025. I spent a relaxing afternoon on the terrace with a salad and nachos, facing the open ocean view.

Lunch served at Alila Ventana Big Sur, featuring a chocolate cake, raspberry and lime sorbet, and a side of nachos with guacamole on a black table. — A dessert and snack menu enjoyed for lunch during my winter 2025 stay at Alila Ventana Big Sur, part of a relaxed dining experience while staying in the Junior Suite.

A lunch plate on an outdoor table at Alila Ventana Big Sur, featuring grilled steak topped with chimichurri sauce, served with green herb rice, cilantro, and sliced red onion. Outdoor terrace furniture is visible in the blurred background. — Lunch at Alila Ventana Big Sur, featuring steak and herb rice with fresh chimichurri sauce, served on the outdoor terrace.

A lunch served at Alila Ventana Big Sur featuring two tacos topped with grilled shrimp and fresh salsa, served with a side of fries in a copper cup, a salad, and ketchup on a table. — The tacos and fries I ordered for lunch during my stay at Alila Ventana Big Sur. The tacos were topped with fresh ingredients, and the sides made for a suitable meal to enjoy at an outdoor table.

Guacamole, nacho chips, a salad, and an iced drink with a lemon slice on an outdoor terrace table at Alila Ventana Big Sur, with other guests dining in the blurred background. — During my winter 2025 stay in a Junior Suite at Alila Ventana Big Sur, I had a light lunch on the outdoor terrace, taking advantage of the warm sunshine.

Dinner

The restaurant tends to get busier with outside visitors during dinner, so it is recommended to book your dining times with the front desk upon check-in.

A dessert plate on a table at the Alila Ventana Big Sur restaurant in dim lighting. It features a warm cake topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a crispy tuile, served over a red sauce. — Dessert served to finish dinner at Alila Ventana Big Sur. The combination of warm cake and cold ice cream was memorable, and it was one of the items I sampled from the dining menu during my Junior Suite stay.

Dinner entree at Alila Ventana Big Sur featuring roasted meat served over an orange puree, garnished with edible flowers and herbs on a table in low lighting. — The main course served during dinner at Alila Ventana Big Sur in winter 2025; the roasted meat and puree were plated neatly and served in the dimly lit dining area.

A dinner dish at Alila Ventana Big Sur featuring a crab cake and salad on a white plate, garnished with five dots of yellow sauce. A wooden table and other tableware are visible in the blurred background. — Crab cake dish served during my winter 2025 stay at Alila Ventana Big Sur, showing the dining menu and plating for Junior Suite guests.

The dinner menu at The Sur House at Alila Ventana Big Sur resting on a dimly lit table. The menu lists appetizers at the top and main courses categorized by Land & Sea and Pasta at the bottom, with key ingredients and allergy information detailed for each dish. — The dinner menu provided at The Sur House during my winter 2025 visit. It featured various dishes using ingredients like Angus New York strip and Iberico pork chop, where I spent my evenings dining during my stay.

Pools & Facilities Experience

Outdoor poolHot tub / spa

There are three infinity pools at the resort. Two overlook the Pacific, while the third faces the mountains, creating an atmosphere of being deep in the forest. Even if you aren't swimming, the pools are great spots to take in the scenery. I have fond memories of watching the sunset from the pool with other guests.

The Japanese-style outdoor bathhouse, which can be used under the stars, was one of the most memorable facilities during my stay.

There are many inviting spaces throughout the resort, and the restaurants, pools, walking trails, and bathhouse are naturally connected, making it easy to spend your entire time within the resort grounds.

The outdoor pool deck at Alila Ventana Big Sur at sunset. Sun loungers and umbrellas are arranged with the Pacific Ocean in the background, and the orange glow of the sky reflects on the pool water. — View of Big Sur from the pool at sunset during my winter 2025 visit. I visited during the evening while staying in a Junior Suite and enjoyed a quiet rest watching the sunset over the Pacific.

Outdoor pool view at Alila Ventana Big Sur overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Gray umbrellas and sun loungers are lined up along the pool deck, with green lawns and trees in the background. — During my winter 2025 visit, I spent time at the Alila Ventana Big Sur pool looking out at the Pacific horizon. The well-appointed sun loungers and umbrellas made it a comfortable spot to take in the natural scenery.

The private outdoor hot tub in my Junior Suite during my winter 2025 stay. The wooden privacy screen allowed me to relax in the warm water while enjoying the cool Big Sur air.

Service Impressions

Service notesExcellentService notes are still being written.

At the time of my visit, a welcome cocktail was served at The Sur House, but please note that operational policies may have changed.

Spent the evening at the bar during my stay at Alila Ventana Big Sur, watching the bartender finish a cocktail with a smoke bubble.

A single feather placed on a dark wooden table next to an Alila Ventana Big Sur information card titled 'THE POWER OF THE FEATHER,' which explains the historical significance of the feather. — This card in the Junior Suite at Alila Ventana Big Sur explains the symbolic meaning of the feather, a small detail that reflects the resort's philosophy of harmony with nature.

Resort Fee & Parking Check

Parking typeOutdoor parking, Valet parkingComplimentary parking on this stayNo valet fee recorded for this stayNo resort fee recorded for this stay

Complimentary parking and valet service are provided for all guests.

Late checkout was honored on this stay: 4 PM

Before You Book

Alila Ventana Big Sur is an adults-only resort. Since Big Sur is a destination for nature rather than traditional sightseeing, I recommend staying at least two nights to fully experience the resort and its surroundings. Guests can still enjoy lunch and use some facilities after checking out, allowing for a relaxed schedule on the final day. This property is well-suited for those seeking quiet relaxation and time in nature.

Location & Getting Around

48123 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920, USA

Big Sur

Big Sur, CA, USA

See More Photos & Video

Alila Ventana Big Sur: A Big Sur Reset (Inclusive Stay | California Coast Retreat)YouTube

Alila Ventana Big Sur: From Lunch to Sunrise at The Sur House (Inclusive Dining Rhythm)YouTube

Stay Photos & Video

A long bench-style sofa with soft cushions placed by the window in an Alila Ventana Big Sur guest room. Outside the window, the lush forests and mountain ranges of Big Sur are visible, and the interior features wood-paneled walls. — The window seating in the Alila Ventana Big Sur guest room provided a great view of the forest and mountains, and the wood interior created a calm atmosphere during my stay.

The dark wood exterior and circular windows of Alila Ventana Big Sur under a clear blue sky, surrounded by dense forest and mountain ranges. — View of the exterior of the Junior Suite at Alila Ventana Big Sur during my winter 2025 visit, showing the architecture nestled in nature against the backdrop of the Big Sur mountains.

The outdoor terrace at Alila Ventana Big Sur under a clear blue sky. Outdoor chairs with blue cushions and tables are arranged on a stone floor in front of a dark brown wooden building, with string lights hanging overhead. — I relaxed on the outdoor terrace at Alila Ventana Big Sur during my winter 2025 visit. This space, accessible from the Junior Suite, blended with the surrounding lush trees to create a calm atmosphere, perfect for enjoying the warm sunlight during the day.

A bottle of Glenfiddich whisky and two empty glasses on a table in front of a fireplace in an Alila Ventana Big Sur Junior Suite. — During my winter 2025 stay at the Alila Ventana Big Sur Junior Suite, I spent a quiet evening by the fireplace enjoying some whisky I brought along.

Night view at Alila Ventana Big Sur, featuring a clear starry sky above the dark landscape and the silhouettes of illuminated trees. — During my stay at Alila Ventana Big Sur, I could see a clear, deep starry sky from the terrace of my Junior Suite, a view rarely seen in the city.

A metal signpost at Alila Ventana Big Sur at night, showing directions and distances (0.1 to 0.3 miles) to the restaurant, The Loft, and the gallery. — The illuminated signposts at Alila Ventana Big Sur made it easy to navigate at night, and it was helpful to see the walking distances from the Junior Suite to the restaurant and The Loft.

Sunset at Alila Ventana Big Sur, with an orange glow on the horizon, illuminated pathways, and tree silhouettes. — A view from a walk along the paths during my stay in a Junior Suite at Alila Ventana Big Sur in winter 2025, capturing the quiet evening atmosphere where the illuminated guest buildings blend with the Big Sur landscape.

A black reusable water bottle and a wooden sustainability notice placed on the window-side table inside an Alila Ventana Big Sur guest room. — Alila Ventana Big Sur provides reusable water bottles to guests to support sustainability, and I used the water refill stations located throughout the resort for drinking water.

A view from the outdoor wooden stairs at Alila Ventana Big Sur, showing the wood-paneled guest room building on the right and a sunlit path and garden on the left. — The outdoor stairs leading to the Junior Suite during my winter 2025 stay; the wooden structures built along the natural terrain of Big Sur reflect the resort's quiet atmosphere.

The exterior of The Sur House at Alila Ventana Big Sur under a clear sky, surrounded by trees and gardens with lanterns placed at the entrance. — The entrance to The Sur House at Alila Ventana Big Sur during my winter 2025 visit, where the lush trees and natural wood exterior created a calm environment.

A view from the outdoor terrace at Alila Ventana Big Sur, featuring the Pacific coastline and cliffs under dark gray umbrellas, with stone walls and wooden chairs. — I spent some relaxing time overlooking the Pacific coastline from the outdoor area at Alila Ventana Big Sur during my winter 2025 stay.

View from the outdoor terrace at Alila Ventana Big Sur, featuring a long fire pit on a stone railing, with the blue sky, dense forest, and the horizon visible in the distance. — During my stay at Alila Ventana Big Sur, I spent relaxing time on the terrace taking in the Big Sur landscape beyond the fire pit.

A lounge area on the outdoor terrace at Alila Ventana Big Sur with a large stone fireplace, blue sofas, and a wooden table. The wall is finished with dark wood, string lights hang above, and firewood is stacked to the side. — During my winter 2025 visit, I relaxed in this stone fireplace area on the outdoor terrace at Alila Ventana Big Sur while enjoying the crisp air.

The entrance to Alila Ventana Big Sur, featuring a unique sun-shaped metal gate at the end of a narrow path, with dense trees and wooden buildings set against a blue sky. — The iconic gate on the way to the Junior Suite at Alila Ventana Big Sur during my winter 2025 visit; the calm atmosphere blending with the surrounding nature was memorable.

The information sheet provided at check-in was useful during my stay, detailing everything from dining hours at The Sur House to the operating hours for the Meadow Pool and infinity hot tub.

A resort map of Alila Ventana Big Sur showing the reception, guest room buildings, infinity pool, Japanese hot baths, and walking trails. A wooden key card for Junior Suite 49, with the checkout time written on it, is placed at the bottom. — The resort map provided at check-in during my winter 2025 stay helped me navigate the large property, including the infinity pool and Japanese hot baths, and locate my assigned Junior Suite 49.

During my winter 2025 stay at Alila Ventana Big Sur, I enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of the natural surroundings while listening to the sound of water from the garden fountain during my walks.