You’re driving down Highway 1 on the California coast, the warm October sun shining in the fall sky. You’re headed to a hotel you’ve dreamed about since you found out it existed. There is nowhere more picturesque than Big Sur, California. You try to take enough pictures, but absolutely nothing can do this landscape justice. Winding roads pass beaches, cliffs, redwoods – and literally non-stop views of the Pacific Ocean. You can’t help but want to pull over at every turn-out to look at the views of the rugged coastline. Nestled up one of these cliffs is a magnificent luxury resort: Alila Ventana Big Sur. Not even COVID could ruin this stay.
WAKING UP IN BIG SUR CALIFORNIA
While the drive to Big Sur is breathtaking; it is also a trek. Getting to open your eyes in your peaceful hotel room and look out your window, the sun peaking through the redwoods is a true treat. You’re already in paradise. All there is to do is disconnect and enjoy the day. And there is no better way to start relaxing than with a coffee. Luckily, your room comes with a Nespresso machine. You brew your cup and step out onto your private deck.
Sitting out in the cool morning air, you take ALL the deep breaths. The aroma of coffee and the smell of the trees takes away every worry and sends you into a relaxed trance. You sip on your coffee, a perfect slow start to your day.
BREAKFAST WITH A BIG SUR VIEW
The grounds at Alila Ventana Big Sur are sprawling, and to make sure you’re in a constant state of relaxation, they are prepared with electric golf carts to drive you to the on-site restaurant. You hop in and zip the winding road through the redwoods to The Sur House.
For once, COVID restrictions played to your favor — ONLY OUTDOOR SEATING. The patio area at The Sur House has by far one of the BEST views of the Big Sur coastline that you could ask for. On one side you have mountains surrounding you and on the other you’ve got 180 degrees of Pacific Ocean. This is the place to be.
For late October, the sun is warm on your face. It. Feels. Glorious. The only way this could be better is to add in one of Ventana Big Sur’s mimosas. You order pancakes, a pastry basket, and some coffee… and silently thank yourself for choosing an all-inclusive resort. You’ve soaked in the view and the sunshine and you realize it is not even 10am. Still so much of the day left to enjoy!
EXPLORING THE GROUNDS
The electric carts are nice, but after that filling breakfast and sun, you opt to take the shady trail back to the room. You enter the trail through a door on the side of the restaurant and are immediately transported into the woods. This one-third-of-a-mile leisurely stroll is just what you need to walk off some of that deliciousness.
The trail is easy (thank goodness – you’re in flip flops) and loops around the edge of the property. You can’t help but look up in awe of the giant redwoods surrounding the path. The trail wraps around the gym and the Japanese Baths, both closed due to COVID, but you try to sneak a peek through the windows anyway. Mentally you start booking your next trip to Alila Ventana Big Sur when COVID can’t keep you out of these amazing amenities.
You pass by the event tents that have been made into personal workout rooms that can be reserved while the gym is closed. They overlook the gorgeous forest and probably make you forget you’re working out. The nearby sauna and picturesque hot tub are also closed due to COVID – but you don’t complain because you’ve got a private hot tub on your deck.
You make your way back to the Social House and head back to your room. There’s not a cloud in the sky, the weather is perfect, it’s time to hit the pool. You get changed, grab your free reusable Ventana Big Sur water bottle, and head out.
DRINKS BY THE POOL
Is there anything that says “vacation” more than laying by the pool having tropical beverages? No. There is not. And Alila Ventana Big Sur really has the whole service-by-the-pool thing DOWN. You find yourself a perfectly situated oversized daybed with an umbrella and set-up shop. You’ve got your book, phone, hat, and sunscreen. You’re in this for the long haul.
The waiter comes by and you order the guacamole & chips, salmon poke, and a hazy IPA. While you await your delectable snacks, you admire the view. Yet another expansive view of the Pacific Ocean. The sun is hitting the water just right so it twinkles. You can’t believe you’re really at this magical resort.
Your food arrives. You vow to order these exact same items every day of your stay. They are the perfect companion for your poolside afternoon. You read a few pages of your book but the calm takes over and you drift into a nap. The warmth of the day awakens you and you order another IPA and hop into the pool.
With limited guests visiting the property, you’ve got the pool pretty much to yourself. You swim and float around until you see your beer arriving. After drying up and finishing your beer, it’s time to head back to the room for some pre-dinner resting.
RELAXING IN THE ROOM – VENTANA BIG SUR STYLE
Your room is spacious and inviting with vaulted ceilings and wood paneling, giving off that luxurious cabin feel. The decor is minimal, allowing you to fully appreciate the view — the true ambiance and experience of Ventana Big Sur. To top it off, a wood-burning fireplace … but you’ll get to that later.
The bathroom on the other hand, is pure luxury. Double-sink vanity, a shower, and full size jacuzzi tub. All of the soaps were made locally with natural ingredients and smell heavenly.
But before you get all cleaned up, you want to take advantage of one of the rare occasions that you have your own private hot tub. Especially a hot tub with a view of Big Sur. As you sink into the tub, all of your cares melt away. You soak until you literally forget what day of the week it is. Because when you’re on vacation, why do you even need to know?
Time for a soothing shower to rinse away the day. A small amount of primping is all that’s required. Despite the level of luxury at this exclusive resort, all the guests seem to be in on the secret that comfort always trumps dressing up.
DINNER WITH A SIDE OF CALIFORNIA SUNSET
Aside from the poolside treats, there is only one restaurant on property. So it is back to The Sur House for dinner. You made a reservation just before the sun sets. You arrive a few minutes early and are seated in the outdoor waiting area with a fire pit and order your pre-dinner glass of wine. The sky starts to turn colors over the ocean as you wait for your table to be ready.
There’s not a bad seat in the house. The view is incredible from every table. You’re seated at your table and are so captivated by the show in the sky, the waiter has come by a second time to see if you’ve decided what you want to order. As the sun sinks below the horizon, you finally take a look at the menu. Every meal at Ventana Big Sur is well-done, so you can’t go wrong on any order.
The sky has grown dark, dinner is served. You savor every bite and each sip of wine until there’s nothing left. Just then, the biggest, brightest, full moon you’ve ever seen rises above the mountain peak behind the restaurant.It illuminates the sky like a spotlight that seems magically suspended in midair.
After dinner, you pop over to the Social House. Every evening, they offer hot chocolate and s’mores by the fire. Despite the full dinner, you can’t help yourself but top off with a s’more and a hot cocoa.
ENDING THE DAY BY A GOODWOOD FIRE
What’s the best end to a relaxing day? You guessed it – more relaxing. In the comfort of your room, you turn down the lights, and start a fire in your fireplace. An incredible eco-friendly feature provided by Ventana Big Sur is Goodwood. Goodwood is a cleaner-burning sustainable firewood, from a local (woman-owned!) business. With it’s easy-light bags, you can get your fire burning and get right back to relaxation.
There’s not a sound more calming than the crackle of a fire. You climb into bed and snuggle in to watch the flames dance and eventually dwindle down. You drift off into a deep sleep, dreaming of your perfect day at Ventana Big Sur.
If you enjoyed this, check out our Perfect Day at Joshua Tree Acres!
