Alila, Ventana Big Sur

This stunning resort somehow blends casual feel with an every-detail-covered luxury resort. From the gorgeous outdoor shower to the lovely walk to the restaurant (with optional golf cart transportation) and the friendly lobby cat, this relaxing stay was a world removed. The pools (and poolside service) were also fantastic, as were the baths. The windows that faced into the room from the walkway meant a little navigating in terms of privacy. Read less

Alila Ventana Big Sur is an amazing property that makes you feel as if the rest of the world is far far away. All of the views are beautiful no matter if you are looking out over the ocean or into the redwood forest. It is so quiet and peaceful. The included food and drinks are high end and the service is great. They were more than accommodating of my sister's dietary restrictions. I want to bring everyone I know Read less

This place is downright epic. I could go into serious detail about everything epic about it, but just trust that from start to finish it's near perfection. The setting, service, rooms, HOT TUB (wow), redwoods, FOOD etc etc is downright amazing. I have to give a special shout out to the fellas at the sur house for dinner: Michael and the two other guys (can't believe I forgot their names but they were here a few years ago too) and were incredible. The walk from the property to the sur house (about 5-7 minutes) is truly magical, as you pass through the redwoods to an amazing fine dining dinner, which is equally as incredible indoors or outdoors in the Sur house. The all inclusive nature of takes the price tag stress away and you can just simply enjoy it all. I could stay a week here easily and just unwind. Best resort in the US by FAR imo. In the spirit of being fair/candid, I do want to point a few shortcomings out that are primarily just feedback for the resort. It's nothing that would dock a start at all. 1 - if you're paying cash rates it probably leaves something to be desired. 4k/night is wild... 2 - I don't think the resort should allow outsiders/campers to buy a massage then use the entire pool area all day long with the resort guests. I don't think the guests paying 4k a night would be thrilled about that. 3 - Put an extra couple mats in the fitness center. 1 for the whole resort? This is an easy fix. 4 - Have some cool meditative/healing workshops at the resort. This is much more of utility than charging $100-$200 for random knife carving, leather, and lecture about bees. A resort like this should have some transformative workshops, which it doesn't have. 5 - This is for the guests: manage expectations. Yes this resort is epic, and the service is as well, by US standards especially. It's not the royalty treatment you'd get in Asia or other 5 start hotels/resorts around the world, but that's just cultural. Still absolutely top notch for the US Will be back here in a heartbeat and can't wait! Read less

The hotel was wonderful and our stay was extremely relaxing. Our room was amazing! We had a suite with a fireplace and private deck with our own hot tub. We got a couples massage which was great. The only part of our stay that I didn't really enjoy was the food. The food was very average in my opinion. A place this expensive really should have much better food. Read less

WARNING: This is NOT a five star property, despite the $3,500 night price tag. We missed that before booking. It’s currently listed as a four star rating. I would put it more in the three star category based on our experience. We redeemed points for our stay, and it was not a good use of points. I would guess that most guests are using some sort of points deal, and very few are paying the listed price. It would just not be worthwhile. The location is beautiful: surrounded by forest, with the ocean to one side. Service ranged from poor to average. I was disappointed by the check-in process (not warm, little guidance on the property and where to go next). Staff members did not seem like they were encouraged to focus on guest experience. We had to “DIY” for most of our trip. Notable exception: the wait staff at Sur House were great. Pools were quite dirty, towels were stained, and overall the property is in need of a refresh. Nothing egregious occurred, I just overall would not recommend this property to friends. There is better value for money elsewhere, and a more premium experience to be had for this price tag. We’ll stay at Post Ranch Inn next time. Read less