Alila Ventana Big Sur - Inclusive Resort

Can't wait to go back...booked for next year. Superb in every way. Pricey, but worth it as a splurge. Relaxed upon arrival. Food was fantastic, especially considering it was all inclusive.

My husband and I visited Alila Ventana Big Sur for the first time over a weekend for our wedding anniversary and it was absolutely wonderful and magical. The service was top-notch throughout and the resort itself is woven into the redwoods so you feel like everything is integrated well. The gorgeous walking around from one's room (we had a standard suite for our special occasion) to either the Sur House (restaurant), Social House, Spa Alila, etc., was very enjoyable and made for easy exercise. We did one of the complimentary activities (Coast Ridge Hike) and that was lovely. The all-inclusive food at Sur House and for in-room dining are delicious. Alcohol and other specialty items (like mocktails or alcohol-free beer) are not included, which is fine, but note that even though you'll intuitively write-in your own tips on those extra dining costs, they'll also add on their gratuity, so try to avoid double-tipping. Got an amazing couples massage for our wedding anniversary at Spa Alila and the views were jaw-dropping. Our masseuses were great and the cost was reasonable given the fact that it includes the gratuity (they explained it better). We also paid for another activity -- Summit Sips, which is a small-group guided hike where the guide also makes cocktails. Our guide, Riley, took us to a gorgeous beach cove that was a decent hike and not long. So memorable. We will absolutely be back!

My husband and I stay at the resort regularly a few times per year. This trip we encountered many changes, no complimentary drinks at happy hour, no separate breakfast and lunch(now there’s brunch), several changes to the menu. The menu is now Mediterranean instead of California/Farm to table, which really did not fix with the hotel location. We had several issues with orders of our meals. The staff is the same and outstanding, but something is not the same. The room furnishing are being replaced with very ordinary quality compared to the original ones. I was told there is a new hotel manager. I hope changes can be adjusted to restore the luxury and exclusive feel of the resort with a relaxed vibe.

Beautiful property, clean and comfy room for us and our pup, the staff went above and beyond to provide quick services for the guests, just walking through the property is relaxing enough, not to mention the location is so close to other great hiking and beach spots around the area. I do wish the resort activity program were better explained in the text.

Alila is a hidden gem in Bg Sur area. We love spending our birthdays there (our birthdays are consecutive). It’s surrounded by forest but has a great ocean view. I heard that “Ventana” means a “window.” Yes, Alila resort located in the forest with a great natural window to overlook the ocean. The room is very private. Cleaning service is spectacular. They do “turn down service” every evening which is rare in US. Most hotels in US has lost its service mind, but this hotel still has one. Best place to relax in the nature and do exercises like hiking and strolling in the forest. The pool is a great one too. Specifically the hot tub overlooking the forest is the best one. Very private and calm with great poolside dining service. This time was the second visit for our birthdays. We will go back next year to celebrate our birthdays too. The best!

This is avery special relaxing reset retreat set in the beautiful coastal redwoods of California's Big Sur coast. This is a 5star luxury resort, and in rating it against other 5 star properties, I had to give it a 4 after staying at Singapore's Marina Bay Sands. Alilia is a place to reset your life- nestled in the magic of the coastal redwoods, with 2 great pools, and our room had a private hottub on our deck which was super nice and we used it a lot. Meals were in the restaurant, and you picked items off the menu (no breakfast buffet, but you could order as many items as you wanted. We enjoyed the naturist pools and the Japanese bath house, which had most excellent hottubs with great jets. Definitely recommend for anyone stressed by society and looking for a reset. Namaste