Alila Ventana Big Sur — Hotel in Gonzales

It's like a sanctuary for the soul - this resort is a retreat that transcends a mere vacation, it can be a journey that redefines serenity.||||From the moment I arrived at Alila Ventana Big Sur, I knew I had entered a higher level of Hyatt hospitality. Nestled amidst the towering redwoods and overlooking the rugged, breathtaking coastline, this resort isn't just a place to stay—it's an experience that nourishes the mind, body, and soul.||||The layout of the buildings, the trails, and the location itself is a masterpiece and the free EV charging near the entrance is a nice and very convenient benefit. The resort is built into the landscape, with every turn offering a new, stunning picturesque view, whether it's the peaceful hush of the forest or the dramatic expanse of the Pacific Ocean.||||The short walk between my room and the main restaurant, Sur House, was a ritual I enjoy. To get to the dinner and brunch on the terrace, it was a tranquil stroll through the woods, with soft lighting at night making it feel truly magical.||||My suite is a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern luxury, complete with all of the modern amenities you'd expect and even an unexpectedly nice old fashioned rotary phone and a classic record player.||||The very comfortable bed, rich leather, natural stone, and a cozy fireplace with three complimentary bags of firewood created an inviting atmosphere that felt both grand and intimate.||||There are superbly crafted and recently renovated interiors and perfectly maintained exteriors that make this the ultimate Big Sur resort. Decks, terraces, and balconies are great for an afternoon drink or a bit of stargazing. I especially liked relaxing in a hammock between two redwood trees.||||After driving in traffic and hiking the grounds, the rainfall and wand 🚿 shower and the oversized soaking tub were welcome luxuries.||||Thoughtful touches like complimentary water bottles, bathrobes, slippers, sage bundles, turndown service added a unique, localized flair that made me feel even more connected to the place. The resort Staff are exceptional, professional, kind, and willing to go out of the way to give you a quick ride to anywhere on the resort in the electric carts. They will also take guests to nearby restaurants if their restaurant is too busy.||||The all-inclusive experience at Alila Ventana is in a league of its own. This is not your typical all-inclusive. Every meal, from the exquisite dinner at Sur House to the casual, delicious room service, was a divine and exceptionally delicious culinary adventure. The chefs' commitment to using fresh, local, and often on-site garden ingredients was evident in every bite. Waiters really hustle! The fact that I didn't have to worry about a bill at the end of my stay for meals or even gratuities was a profound relief, allowing me to truly relax and savor every moment.||||Beyond the lovely and luxurious accommodations, fine wines, and gourmet dining, what truly sets Alila Ventana apart is its dedication to creating a holistic experience. I took advantage of the wellness activities, including guided hikes through the redwoods, meditation, and sunrise yoga, which left me feeling refreshed and re-energized.||||The ocean view from the mountain pool at sunset is especially beautiful.||||The two pools and hot tubs, especially the Japanese baths, provided the perfect opportunity to unwind with a spectacular view. And for those who want to disconnect from the world, the serene atmosphere and lack of hustle and bustle is a welcome change.||||This is more than a resort; it's a fun and friendly experience for nature loving travelers. Alila Ventana Big Sur is a place for seekers, for romantics, and for anyone who wants to rediscover themselves in the embrace of nature. My stay here was a symphony of the senses—a masterpiece of tranquility, adventure, and unparalleled beauty. I left feeling not just rested, but transformed. I cannot recommend it highly enough.||||I'd highly recommend the frittata and Greek yogurt, apple juice and (fruit and veggie blend) green juice...

Tranquility Among the Trees: A Sanctuary for the Soul - this resort is a retreat that transcends a mere vacation, it can be a journey that redefines serenity.

From the moment I arrived at Alila Ventana Big Sur, I knew I had entered a higher level of Hyatt hospitality. Nestled amidst the towering redwoods and overlooking the rugged, breathtaking coastline, this resort isn't just a place to stay—it's an experience that nourishes the mind, body, and soul.

The layout of the buildings, the trails, and the location itself is a masterpiece and the free EV charging near the entrance is a nice and very convenient benefit. The resort is built into the landscape, with every turn offering a new, stunning picturesque view, whether it's the peaceful hush of the forest or the dramatic expanse of the Pacific Ocean.

The short walk between my room and the main restaurant, Sur House, was a ritual I enjoy. To get to the dinner and brunch on the terrace, it was a tranquil stroll through the woods, with soft lighting at night making it feel truly magical.

My suite is a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern luxury, complete with all of the modern amenities you'd expect and even an unexpectedly nice old fashioned rotary phone and a classic record player.

The very comfortable bed, rich leather, natural stone, and a cozy fireplace with three complimentary bags of firewood created an inviting atmosphere that felt both grand and intimate.

There are superbly crafted and recently renovated interiors and perfectly maintained exteriors that make this the ultimate Big Sur resort. Decks, terraces, and balconies are great for an afternoon drink or a bit of stargazing. I especially liked relaxing in a hammock between two redwood trees.

After driving in traffic and hiking the grounds, the rainfall and wand 🚿 shower and the oversized soaking tub were welcome luxuries.

Thoughtful touches like complimentary water bottles, bathrobes, slippers, sage bundles, turndown service added a unique, localized flair that made me feel even more connected to the place. The resort Staff are exceptional, professional, kind, and willing to go out of the way to give you a quick ride to anywhere on the resort in the electric carts. They will also take guests to nearby restaurants if their restaurant is too busy.

The all-inclusive experience at Alila Ventana is in a league of its own. This is not your typical all-inclusive. Every meal, from the exquisite dinner at Sur House to the casual, delicious room service, was a divine and exceptionally delicious culinary adventure. The chefs' commitment to using fresh, local, and often on-site garden ingredients was evident in every bite. Waiters really hustle! The fact that I didn't have to worry about a bill at the end of my stay for meals or even gratuities was a profound relief, allowing me to truly relax and savor every moment.

Beyond the lovely and luxurious accommodations, fine wines, and gourmet dining, what truly sets Alila Ventana apart is its dedication to creating a holistic experience. I took advantage of the wellness activities, including guided hikes through the redwoods, meditation, and sunrise yoga, which left me feeling refreshed and re-energized.

The ocean view from the mountain pool at sunset is especially beautiful.

The two pools and hot tubs, especially the Japanese baths, provided the perfect opportunity to unwind with a spectacular view. And for those who want to disconnect from the world, the serene atmosphere and lack of hustle and bustle is a welcome change.

This is more than a resort; it's a fun and friendly experience for nature loving travelers. Alila Ventana Big Sur is a place for seekers, for romantics, and for anyone who wants to rediscover themselves in the embrace of nature. My stay here was a symphony of the senses—a masterpiece of tranquility, adventure, and unparalleled beauty. I left feeling not just rested, but transformed. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

I'd highly recommend the frittata and Greek yogurt, apple juice and (fruit and veggie blend) green juice...

TL;Dr: Did not deliver to the 5 star experience they market and the price they charge, especially compared to the other 5 star resort in the area. This is possibly due to issues attempting to be all inclusive (except alcohol). Mainly falling short in the food, facilities, and spa. That said, if you’re booking with points this could be ok.

Let’s do the good stuff first: service that employees provide is truly 5 star. The valet especially are friendly, speedy, and efficient. Many have been here for decades and they know their stuff. Text support feature was convenient and fast. Made it pretty easy to get what you need. The room interior was nice (except for a chair that had stains all over it) In room shower products were lovely and smelled great View from the restaurant is beautiful the grounds, in general, are woodsy and lovely

Now, the not so good stuff:

Food 1/5 stars dinner was unseasoned and bland. appeared to either have been pre cooked or over cooked. The first course was quite literally 4 leaves. The steak, billed as filet mignon by our server, was so blackened that it was bitter and inedible. The scallop, while delicious, was paired with an over cooked squid ink risotto that had coagulated into a solid chunk such that when you tried to scoop it up it came up in a big blob. The beets had no salt and somehow the heirloom tomatoes—in the seasonal prime—were tart and unripe. The uni pasta lacked any of the mineral briney flavor you’d expect and had so much butter that it also hardened into a solid shortly after being dropped at the table. We ended the night urgently in the bathroom of our hotel. Lunch options were so limited it was almost laughable. I understand that it is an all inclusive resort and food planning is difficult but when we are this remote and the options around are so limited, the hotel should make dining an incredible experience on campus. I have never been at a resort — all inclusive or a la carte—where I have felt anxious about whether there will be something I can eat. I can honestly say I was hangry more than once in a 2 night trip. In room dining was even more disappointing. The charcuterie plate was quite literally less than what you get from the Trader Joe’s pre packed items.

The pools 2/5 stars There is extremely limited seating at the main pool. And when there were no seats were we told to either sit on the grass away from the pool in an Adirondack chair without an umbrella or go to the clothing optional pool. We tried both in an effort to not waste a day. If you are lucky enough to get a chair be advised they don’t have enough umbrellas for all of them. The Adirondack chairs were flaming hot and sitting in a chair while trying to sunbathe literally prevents you from laying out. The clothing optional pool is full of dead bugs. Has no staff on hand, so your only option for pool service is to use the text service and wait. And no view unless you stand on your toes in one corner of the pool deck. I didn’t want to see a stranger’s genetalia. I wanted to see the ocean. Sadly I only got one of those and it wasn’t the ocean.

The room view (vista room) 3/5 beautiful but what’s was billed as an ocean view was largely blocked by a massive hedge. So if you want to enjoy the view you need to be standing, just so. And not in the private hot tub that you’re paying extra for. And definitely not sitting down in the patio chairs.

Spa 50/50 here. My husband had an incredible massage. Mine included getting scratched by the masseuse’s nails, having my hair tousled into knots, and uneven work between left and right side of my body. To the hotel’s credit they did refund the cost of my massage.

Overall, I would not recommend staying here unless you are doing so using Hyatt points. Also pack food to carry you over if you’re staying more...