Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort Reopens

  • November 28, 2017
Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort Reopens
The reopening of the resort coincides with the October debut of the new Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge, which restored roadway access through Big Sur. Heavy rainfall and mudslides in early 2017 caused the original bridge to fail, closing the region — and Ventana Big Sur — to the rest of the world.

The resort-wide enhancements, new spaces and offerings at Ventana Big Sur include a refresh of all 59 guestrooms and suites; an elevated ocean-view terrace and new outdoor bar at The Sur House restaurant; a re-imagined Social House lobby with distinct spaces for relaxation, connection and play; the signature Spa Alila, featuring beautiful new outdoor areas for pampering; a striking new Glass House Gallery; awe-inspiring event and gathering areas, such as the Ocean Meadow Lawn and Redwood Cathedral; a new Alila Experience Program with discovery-based activities; and the debut of the Redwood Canyon Glampsites, which offer a refined way to connect with nature in the resort’s redwood-canopied forest.

Ventana Big Sur Highlights

ACCOMMODATIONS

The resort’s 59 spacious guestrooms and suites have emerged as refreshed sanctuaries tucked away among the resort’s meadows and redwoods, each featuring a private balcony or patio with mountain or ocean views, with select suites offering outdoor hot tubs and outdoor couple’s rain showers. The rustic design celebrates the iconic Big Sur landscape, and has been enhanced with refined furnishings rooted in rich leathers and woods. Luxury soaking tubs and cozy fireplaces offer serene spaces for inspiration and introspection, while accessories such as walking sticks, binoculars and lanterns invite guests to discover the great outdoors.

SOCIAL HOUSE

Social House, situated at the heart of the resort, features three inspired lifestyle spaces for guests to foster connections and socialize from the moment they arrive:

  • The Library & Music Room: A ’60s lodge-inspired design setting where guests can relax with a book by the stone fireplace, sip a drink and flip through a collection of vinyl records.

  • The Game Room: A lively setting where guests can meet new friends and join in the fun with a pool table, game tables and a variety of board games.

  • The Bar Room: An intimate lounge that features a communal table, which serves as the focal point for the resort’s signature nightly wine and cheese pairing.



Other Social House amenities include an experience coordinator available to arrange activities and an outdoor patio and lounge featuring a fire pit.

THE SUR HOUSE RESTAURANT

The Sur House restaurant rises high above the Pacific where the forest and sea converge, welcoming patrons with breathtaking views from an expansive outdoor terrace and destination bar. Executive Chef Paul Corsentino draws on his vast experience in America’s culinary capitals to craft inventive coastal cuisine using Pacific-sourced seafood, free-range meats from local farmers and homemade accoutrements. The elegant, rustic setting, highlighted by natural wood interiors and furnishings, is every bit as awe-inspiring as the cuisine.

GLASS HOUSE GALLERY

Opening in December 2017, the Glass House Gallery is perched atop a cliff in a striking steel shipping container featuring windows overlooking the coastline. It will showcase artwork and photography from some of the most renowned artists along California’s Central Coast. A deck with sweeping views of the breathtaking vistas will offer a unique location for intimate gatherings.

SPA ALILA AND RESORT POOLS

The Spa Alila sensory experience guides guests through a powerful and energizing process – one that encourages inner peace and connection. With treatments rooted in both traditional and modern methods from around the world, as well as products that meld the healing properties of earth and sea, Spa Alila’s skilled practitioners create a rejuvenating and regenerative experience.

New spa amenities include an iconic outdoor barrel sauna, wooden relaxation decks with ocean and forest views and two outdoor spa cabanas with massage tables and hammered copper soaking tubs that overlook the redwood forest. Refreshed interiors offer a warm and comfortable aesthetic, with new lounge furnishings and black-and-white photography.

Guests can enjoy two outdoor pools — the Meadow Pool, which features a new, jetted infinity-edge hot tub overlooking the hills and forest, and the clothing-optional Mountain Pool with adjacent Japanese hot baths.

WEDDDINGS, MEETINGS AND EVENTS

With 12,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor space in a variety of settings, Ventana Big Sur makes it easy to harness the region’s adventurous spirit for events and celebrations. Framed by the ocean and forest, the new 7,000-square-foot Ocean Meadow Lawn offers an awe-inspiring location with space for up to 200 guests. Other venues include the intimate Redwood Cathedral, The Loft and more.

ALILA EXPERIENCE PROGRAM

The resort’s new signature activities program offers mind-body-soul experiences designed to develop deeper connections to oneself, one’s partner and the natural world. The Alila Experience Program includes a falconry experience, culinary and beverage journeys, photography hike workshops and other activities that encourage discovery.

REDWOOD CANYON GLAMPSITES

This new glamping program in Ventana’s redwood forest offers a rustic-luxury twist on traditional camping. Fifteen safari-style, canvas tents spanning a 20-acre canyon feature inspired cabin-style décor, a custom-designed plush glamping mattress with luxury hotel linens and other comforts. Glampers can experience the splendor of the outdoors while still relishing all the amenities and services of a world-class resort, including daily housekeeping service, morning coffee and tea, handheld lanterns and natural timber walking sticks, fully-stocked bath baskets, a s’mores kit and more. The brand-new glamping Bath House offers a more refined outdoor experience as well, featuring teak-enclosed showers with subway tile, heated floors, full hotel amenities, granite vanities and restroom facilities.

EXPLORE THE BIG SUR WILDERNESS PACKAGE

A new “Explore the Big Sur Wilderness” travel package, starting at $775 per night, invites travelers to be among the first to experience the re-imagined Ventana Big Sur, while also exploring the spectacular hiking destination of Big Sur with an expert local guide. Visit www.ventanabigsur.com or call 800.628.6500 to book the “Explore the Big Sur Wilderness” package, which includes a surprise arrival amenity, private guided hike with picnic lunch for two, evening wine and cheese tasting, daily yoga, access to the Japanese hot baths and a daily newspaper.

OPENING RATES

Ventana Big Sur room rates start at $675 per night; Redwood Canyon Glampsites start at $325 per night. For an additional resort fee of $100 per night, glampers can enjoy access to the Social House, Spa Alila, the resort’s two pools and the fitness center.

For more information, visit www.ventanabigsur.com.