Escape to Ventana Big Sur
Perched above the glimmering California coastline along Highway 1 sits Ventana Big Sur, a world-class luxury resort less than an hour south of Carmel by the Sea. Ventana is the place where the “sky, sea, mountains, and redwoods converge,” melding together in unmatched beauty and tranquility.
Close enough to Silicon Valley yet worlds away, Ventana allows its visitors the perfect place to “slip away” and surround themselves with the rugged and dramatic majesty of nature. The 59-room, 5-star (and dog-friendly!) resort has well-appointed suites tucked among redwood glens and meadows, each with king-size beds, private decks, and a window seat to enjoy the view. Larger suites with fireplaces and spacious decks are also available. The 722 square foot Cottage House offers a secluded luxury space for those seeking to truly get away while the Coast House is a “home away from home” ideal for gathering family and friends.
Ventana also offers a glamping experience, with comfortable, luxurious safari-style canvas tents set among the 160-acre property. Each tent has views of redwoods or the adjacent canyon and all provide the amenities and activities necessary to relax and connect with nature.
There is much to do and explore on the grounds, from enjoying the nightly wine & cheese hour on one of the many desks and patios, to daily hikes, garden tours, yoga and meditation classes. The resort has two heated swimming pools and a Japanese hot bath. Whatever your preference—romantic, spiritual, adventure, or solitary reflection—Ventana Big Sur is the eclectic enclave to “find your center and sooth your soul.”
A visit to Spa Alila for a massage, reflexology or other body treatment is a wonderful way to pamper yourself. The al fresco cabanas add to the holistic experience, heightening your sense of wellbeing and relaxation.
For foodies and wine connoisseurs, The Sur House menu is borne from modern California cuisine featuring seasonal ingredients and unique flavors. Choose a vintage Central Coast wine from the 10,000-bottle cellar carefully curated by The Sur House sommelier and local vintners. Craft cocktails and a thoughtfully chosen beer menu round out the possibilities. And then there’s the view. Inside, the sophisticated yet rustic décor invites you in while the jaw-dropping view of the ocean from every window and the spacious patio are dessert for the eyes. Poolside dining is also available and on Fridays and Saturdays from 3pm to 8pm, Ventana’s SurStream, custom-designed Airstream trailer located in the Redwood canyon, serves beer, wine, and craft cocktails.
Private sanctuaries, interactive social spaces, adventure, relaxation, and some of the most stunning views of the California coast, Ventana truly has it all. The next time you need to disconnect from the frenetic pace of daily life and reconnect with nature, take a drive down Cabrillo Highway to Ventana Big Sur.
