Hotel Review: Our 2 Night Stay at Alila Ventana Big Sur
Updated: Sep 17
Quick Verdict
Aspirational Points Value: At 45,000 Hyatt points per night, it commands a high redemption rate, but the all-inclusive dining, included activities, and uncompromised luxury make it an exceptional use of points.
Ventana Fireplace Guestroom: Combines rustic elegance with plush comfort, featuring a private deck overlooking the forest, cozy indoor fireplace, and a retro record player with vinyl curated by the front desk (from Miles Davis to Dr. Dre).
World-Class All-Inclusive Dining: All meals served at The Sur House with ocean views—featuring fresh-pressed juices and poached eggs for breakfast, wild mushroom flatbreads for lunch, and multi-course dinners (seared scallops, house-made pasta) with an exceptional wine list.
Serene Amenities & Grounds: Explore trails through towering redwoods and open meadows, relax in secluded hammocks, or soak in the Japanese hot baths and cliffside infinity-edge hot tub.
Included Mindful Activities: Complimentary daily yoga classes on an ocean-view deck, guided nature walks through the redwood forest, meditation, and art sessions.
The Bottom Line: Alila Ventana Big Sur stands as the crown jewel of aspirational Hyatt point redemptions. Nestled in a redwood forest high above the Pacific, this adults-only, all-inclusive sanctuary turns 45,000 World of Hyatt points per night into an unforgettable luxury experience—from top-tier multi-course dining at The Sur House to private deck fireplaces and Japanese hot baths. Whether you are unwinding in a Ventana Fireplace Guestroom spinning vinyl records, soaking in the infinity-edge hot tub, or joining guided redwood walks, this resort delivers an effortlessly grounding and deeply indulgent retreat that is worth every point redeemed.
Our recent two-night stay at Alila Ventana Big Sur was an absolutely incredible experience, and we couldn’t recommend it more for anyone looking to unplug and indulge in a luxurious retreat surrounded by nature. This adults-only, all-inclusive resort is nestled in the heart of Big Sur and is located just off Highway 1, 28 miles south of Carmel, offering sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and an immersive redwood forest setting that feels worlds away from everyday life. At 45,000 Hyatt points a night, most would probably think twice about booking this aspirational property but we found it to be worth every point redeemed.
We stayed in a Ventana Fireplace Guestroom that was anything but ordinary. The decor was a beautiful blend of rustic elegance and modern comfort, with natural wood tones, plush bedding, and thoughtful touches throughout. The room featured a private deck, which quickly became our favorite spot to relax with a morning coffee or a glass of wine in the evening while listening to the sounds of the forest. The indoor fireplace added a cozy, romantic element, perfect for the cool evenings in Big Sur. There was even a record player, which offered a bit of nostalgia and triggered fond memories of childhood and teenage years. The front desk conveniently provided a small collection of records for guest use that included artists such as Dr Dre, Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis and more.
The resort grounds are absolutely stunning—well-maintained trails wind through towering redwoods, open meadows, and quiet pockets of nature, giving you plenty of opportunities to explore or just enjoy the peaceful surroundings. There are hammocks tucked between trees, quiet benches with scenic overlooks, and plenty of space to feel like you have the whole place to yourself. The Japanese hot baths, infinity-edge hot tub, and outdoor lounging areas made it easy to unwind and embrace the slow pace of the resort.
What truly elevates the experience at Alila Ventana is the all-inclusive dining. The food was exceptional across the board. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at The Sur House, where the views are as memorable as the meals. Breakfasts included fresh-pressed juices, artisan pastries, and savory dishes like poached eggs with local greens and avocado. Lunch offered creative small plates and hearty mains—everything from wild mushroom flatbreads to fresh-caught seafood. Dinner was a multi-course experience, with beautifully plated dishes like seared scallops, house-made pastas, and grilled seasonal vegetables. The wine list was excellent, and the staff was knowledgeable and happy to offer recommendations that complemented the food.
We also appreciated the many included activities. The daily yoga class, held on a deck overlooking the ocean, was calming and energizing. We joined a guided nature walk through the redwoods where we learned about the local ecosystem, and there were other options like meditation and art sessions available as well.
Alila Ventana Big Sur is the definition of a hidden gem. The balance of nature, luxury, and intentional design makes it a place you truly don’t want to leave. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just in need of a mindful escape, this resort delivers an experience that is both indulgent and grounding. We left feeling completely refreshed and can’t wait to return.
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