Rugged, Coastal Enchantment Beneath the Redwoods at Alila Ventana Big Sur
- Share via
Located on cliffs overlooking the Pacific in the heart of California’s wild central coast, Alila Ventana Big Sur is a luxury wedding escape into some of the most rugged and untouched nature in the United States. With its holistic approach to hospitality, Alila Ventana Big Sur invites you and your guests to unwind, explore and get lost in the other-worldly and truly unique magic of the region.
Built in 1975 with a multi-million dollar refurbishment in 2021, the architecture and design of Alila Ventana Big Sur is inspired by the landscape, using natural materials like reclaimed wood and stone to create a rustic chic modern feel. Floor to ceiling windows frame the Pacific Ocean or look out on ancient redwoods, bringing the outside wilderness into harmony with the interiors. The 54 rooms, suites and villas are sanctuaries of comfort and luxury. Each space is designed with earthy tones, fireplaces and private patios or balconies, with bedding made of organic linens. Original artwork has been curated to reflect the spirit of the Big Sur landscape, and some rooms have outdoor hot tubs for a private soak under the stars.
Alila Ventana Big Sur offers numerous bespoke experiences for guests to connect with nature and center themselves. Big Sur’s redwood forests are naturally the primary draw for many of the resort’s visitors. You can take a guided nature walk or participate in a forest bathing session – a Japanese practice of mindful immersion in the forest’s sights, sounds and scents. Big Sur is a stargazer’s paradise and guided astronomy nights are also an option for guests, utilizing either the naked eye or high powered telescopes supplied by the resort. For those who want to get creative, the resort offers photography, painting and other workshops led by local artists.
The Spa Alila is the heart of the Alila Ventana Big Sur experience, a place of relaxation and rejuvenation. Tucked among the redwoods, the spa holistically blends ancient traditions with modern techniques. Treatments like the Redwood Renewal use local ingredients and native botanics to soothe you while connecting you to the surrounding environment. Massage therapies range from Swedish and deep tissue to energy focused techniques like Reiki, and are offered in outdoor cabanas. The gentle rustling of leaves and the scent of redwood trees is the perfect accompaniment to your treatment.
Alila Ventana offers two unique dining experiences with The Sur House and The Glass House. The Sur House is the resort’s signature restaurant, serving the flavors of California’s Central Coast with a menu featuring regional wines and a focus on local, seasonal ingredients from the on-site gardens. The outdoor patio offers a dramatic backdrop of ocean views, or, when the Pacific marine layer rolls in, an extending carpet of fluffy clouds. For a private dining experience, the Glass House offers cliffside pre-fixe custom-designed dinners for smaller parties.
From elopements to big weddings, Alila Ventana Big Sur can accommodate every couple’s vision of luxury integrated with the wild beauty of the California coast. Couples can choose from several amazing venues for the ceremony itself: a redwood grove, the meadow with ocean views, or the deck overlooking the Big Sur cliffs. Each space is designed to feel intimate and connected to the natural world. Wedding services include personalized event planning to make every detail perfect, from gourmet catering using local ingredients to elegant floral arrangements and tasteful decor. Alila Ventana Big Sur’s team works with couples to bring their dream wedding to life with customized packages and access to the resort’s amenities.
Alila Ventana Big Sur is a portal to a world where time stands still and nature triumphs. Whether celebrating your wedding with a few loved ones or extended friends and family, this special place will leave a lasting impression on all long after departure.
