Inside Ventana Big Sur’s Multimillion-Dollar Renovation
Ever since the Ventana Inn opened in 1975, it has been a quintessential stop on any road trip through Big Sur. But when landslides damaged the only bridge into the coastal California town from the north in early 2017, Ventana’s new owners decided to use that time to give the iconic property a refresh. While the essence of this peaceful retreat—now called Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort—hasn’t changed, the multimillion-dollar renovation introduced several elements that are worth stopping by to see the next time you drive down Highway 1 now that the new Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge is officially open again.
One of the most popular additions to the newly reimagined Ventana Big Sur are the 15 luxury glamping tents in the 20-acre redwood canyon located below the main resort. While you’re still technically camping, the safari-style canvas tents include real beds outfitted with white hotel linens, hot and cold running water, a propane fire pit as well as daily housekeeping service. Did we mention that there’s also turndown service each night with hot cocoa to drink and hot-water bottles to warm your sheets?
Previously used as an employee parking lot, this space in front of the spa was transformed into the Ocean Meadow Lawn when the new owners realized that no parking lot should ever have that great of a view of the Pacific Ocean. Now it can be used for weddings or just a quiet spot to watch the sun set when celebrations aren’t happening.
All 59 rooms, suites, and villas were given a refresh so that they now each have their own private balcony or patio along with soaking tubs and wood-burning fireplaces. Finishing touches include cozy details like macramé wall hangings, chunky knit blankets and black-and-white photographs of the surrounding landscape.
This infinity hot tub placed right above a redwood grove on the edge of the property is a guest favorite. The hot tub was part of the introduction of the Spa Alila, which added two outdoor cabanas for massages with views of the redwoods to the existing spa.
The hotel’s restaurant has also been reimagined as The Sur House, featuring locally-sourced free-range meats and vegetables from the property’s own garden for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The terrace has also been expanded to capitalize on its epic panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, while adding outdoor fireside seating so guests can enjoy the space well into winter.
As part of the re-imagining of the hotel, the lobby was expanded into the Social House with space for guests to enjoy listening to vinyl records, play a game of pool or enjoy the daily wine and cheese happy hosted in the bar room every afternoon.
