Alila Ventana Big Sur Hotel Review

Property Overview

• One of the most exclusive hotels in California
• Hardest to book in Hyatt's worldwide collection
• Typical rate: $2,500 per night
• Hosts paid: 40,000 Hyatt points per night (booked 6 months in advance)
• All-inclusive property (with exceptions noted below)
• Location: Big Sur, California

Room Details - Big Sur Suite

Main Features:

• Massive suite size (exceeded expectations)
• King bed
• Indoor bathtub in main room
• Coffee station with Breville espresso machine and tea kettle
• Record player
• Fireplace (with complimentary firewood bundles)
• TV in foyer area
• Cozy couch and chairs

Bathroom:

• His and hers sinks
• Large, spacious rain shower
• Generous bathroom space (good for tall guests)

Outdoor Balcony:

• Massive balcony space
• Additional seating area
• Dining area for room service
• Hammock
• Additional hammocks located throughout property

Room Amenities:

• Complimentary Big Sur-bottled water
• Lens cloths for sunglasses
• Jade Cove rock souvenir
• Beautiful towel folding presentation

Dining Experience

Inclusions:

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
• Room service available ($10 delivery fee)
• Alcoholic beverages NOT included (only exclusion from all-inclusive)

Sur House Restaurant:

• Main dining location for breakfast and dinner
• 0.3-mile walk from room (10-minute walk)
• Three-course dinner included
• Stunning ocean views
• Twinkle lights throughout space
• Individual table heaters
• Relaxed service (approximately 2-hour dining experience)
• Wedding-worthy venue

Food Quality Assessment:

• Breakfast: Delicious but not 10/10
• Lunch: Good, refreshing, available poolside or to-go
• Dinner highlights:
  • Artichoke hearts starter
  • Mussels starter (highly recommended - very flavorful)
  • Daily specials available
  • Delicious desserts
• Standout feature: Homemade marshmallow roasting (vanilla and passion fruit flavors, available 3 hours each evening)

Overall food rating: Good but not five-star exceptional

Pool & Water Facilities

Four Pools Total:

• Main pool (most lively, with food/bar service)
• Heated mountain pool
• Japanese hot baths (clothing optional)
• Fourth pool (clothing optional, more private and peaceful)

Note: Two clothing-required pools, two clothing-optional pools (unique feature)

Spa & Wellness

Facilities:

• Barrel sauna (gets hot quickly, available to all guests)
• Outdoor massage tents
• Must book at least one week in advance (fills up quickly)

Massage Experience:

• 50-minute "Tree of Life" massage
• Heated tables
• Warm towels
• Individual tent heaters
• Peaceful atmosphere (minimal foot traffic noise)
• 10 a.m. first appointment recommended
• Rated 10/10 - best outdoor massage hosts have experienced
• Special bath massage option available (requires advance booking)

Unique Amenities & Services

Equipment Checkout (First-come, first-served):

• Sony A7R camera with multiple lenses
• Record collection for in-room players
• Coolers
• Beach blankets and chairs
• Hiking poles
• Hiking day packs

Other Features:

• Dog-friendly throughout entire property (outdoor patios, pool areas, etc.)
• Seven water refill stations on property
• Golf cart service via text (response time: 1-15 minutes, inconsistent)
• Excellent Wi-Fi available
• Concierge texting service

Activities Offered

Complimentary Activities:

• Redwood walks
• Coastal drives
• Property hikes
• Various hourly activities throughout the day

Paid Activities:

• Ax throwing
• Craft classes

Nearby Attractions:

• McWay Falls (famous Big Sur spot, nearby)
• Highway 1 scenic drive
• Bixby Bridge
• Pfeiffer Beach

Atmosphere & Ambiance

• Feels like adult sleepaway camp or luxury cabin/lodge
• Not typical hotel feel (unlike LA or SF hotels)
• Tucked between redwoods
• Pine scent throughout property
• Very peaceful and quiet
• Strong Big Sur incorporation
• Disconnected, off-the-grid feel
• Deer and wildlife sightings

Getting There

By Air:

• Fly into Monterey Airport (closest option)
• 1-hour drive from airport
• Arrange shuttle or rental car

By Car:

• 5-5.5 hour drive from Santa Barbara area
• Highway 1 reopened (January) after 3 years of closure
• North-to-south access now available from Southern California

Recommended Length of Stay

• Hosts stayed: 2 nights
• Recommendation: 3 nights (to fully enjoy property and nearby attractions)
• Visited: January (70-degree weather, sunny)

Pros

✓ Top 10 hotel experience (past 5 years) ✓ Incredible location near iconic US landmarks ✓ Extremely relaxing and peaceful ✓ Everything included (except alcohol) ✓ Generous equipment/camera checkout system ✓ Tips included ✓ Multiple pool options ✓ Dog-friendly throughout ✓ Beautiful redwood setting ✓ Excellent outdoor massage experience ✓ Perfect for babymoon or romantic getaway

Cons

✗ Inconsistent golf cart service timing (1-15 minute wait) ✗ Slow restaurant service ✗ Food quality good but not exceptional five-star level ✗ Spa must be booked week in advance ✗ Room service has $10 delivery fee ✗ Alcohol not included in all-inclusive package

Overall Rating

Near-perfect experience (just shy of 10/10 due to service timing and food quality) "One of the most incredible spots we have stayed in the past five years" "Epitome of luxury" in California

Special Notes

• January 2021: Original desire to visit
• Perfect weather in January (65-70°F)
• Ideal for couples seeking relaxation
• Annual Big Sur tradition for hosts (8+ years)
• Host has blog with favorite Big Sur stops (linked in video)

Call to Action

• Link to points/miles booking service in description
• Blog post with Big Sur recommendations available
• Encourages likes and subscriptions for more bucket list adventures