The Experience

Ventana Inn & Spa, Big Sur

Relaxation, reflection…these are fitting activities at Ventana. This is no ordinary Central Coast resort. The very air induces a sense of serenity and well-being. Should you wish to pursue an activity away from the Inn, you will find a beautiful world to explore just a few steps or minutes away.

On property, Ventana has two heated swimming pools, each four feet deep and 75 feet in length, with adjoining bathhouses containing Japanese hot baths and sun decks, one with its own dry sauna. The bathhouse facility and one pool feature “clothing optional” areas, and are open from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. The fitness room, with a variety of exercise equipment including Stairmaster, treadmill, free weights and more, is open from 7 a.m. until 10:30 p.m.

Explore Big Sur: Ventana Property Walk: The best way to start any day at Ventana! Every morning at 10 a.m. our Ventana guide leads a one-hour walk around the property. Guests learn about the history of the property, Big Sur and the flora and fauna native to the area. Wildlife viewing may include California condors, eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, and a myriad of other birds. Trees and plants include California redwoods, bay laurel, rosemary, Dalmatian sage, chaparral, and pride of Madeira. During migration season (December/January and April/May) whales can often be spotted from several vantage points on the property.

DIRECTIONS: Meet at the lobby at 10 a.m. The loop hike returns to the lobby at 11 a.m

Big Sur Guides & Hiking: Daily excursions into the Soul of Big Sur, these treks are designed for all capabilities and offer a 2 and a half hour to 3 hour adventure, into the beautiful Big Sur Wilderness. Experience gazing upon incredible vistas of the Pacific Ocean as the California Grey Whale migrates; or an array of wildflowers that will overwhelm all of your senses, or marvel at the feeling of the mist hitting your face, fifteen feet from the tallest waterfalls in the area, or most importantly …dance around with the tallest living thing on earth, the California Coastal Redwood.  All hikes are led by Big Sur Guides and Hiking. These hikes cost $75 per person and include lunch.

Accommodations: Designed by Kipp Stewart of Big Sur, Ventana is a completely unique Central Coast California resort where 12  one- and two-story buildings of weathered cedar are scattered in a mountain meadow among landscaped gardens. Accented by redwood, oak and bay laurel trees, 60 oversized guestrooms, and spacious suites offer rustic sophistication and romantic allure.

The Spa: The Spa at Ventana embraces the magical essence of Big Sur through the use of nature’s healing gifts. Treat yourself to the ultimate in rejuvenation at the Monterey-area’s premier resort and spa. All treatments are designed to relax and nurture the body and spirit, and to rejuvenate and revitalize subtle energies. Choose from a variety of massages in the privacy of your room, on your deck or in our spa, either by yourself or with your partner. Take the opportunity to lose yourself in the fragrance of wild mountain lavender and other natural botanical essences. Practitioners are dedicated to providing a sensory experience that offers relaxation and connection where one can find inner peace and sanctity.

Dining: The Restaurant at Ventana

The Restaurant at Ventana’s menu utilizes local, sustainable ingredients from California’s Central Coast to create memorable dishes to pair with our award-winning wine list.  Advance reservations are recommended.

Meetings & Events

Ventana Inn & Spa sets the stage for success for retreats, high-powered sales meetings or corporate strategy sessions. Sweeping coastal views, Pacific breezes and towering redwoods provide the setting for memorable Central Coast meetings. Lush amenities pamper group guests, while a wealth of recreational activities revitalize their spirits. Award-winning cuisine and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence wine list all serve to ensure business is a pleasure. Ventana Inn & Spa is truly a paradise for productivity.

A number of informal settings are available for retreat gatherings.

Beyond meetings, a wealth of recreational leisure activities abound, and Ventana’s staff will be happy to arrange golf outings, fishing, private winery tours, activities for spouses such as visits to art galleries, “chef for a day” programs, spa treatments, painting classes and more.

Weddings & Celebrations

Ventana is the ultimate setting for elopements, small weddings up to celebrations of 200 guests, commitment ceremonies and honeymoons. Overlooking 50-mile vistas of the rugged Big Sur Coastline and Pacific Ocean, the outdoor Wedding Site or Lower Terrace is truly picture perfect. After the ceremony, the Upper Terrace, located outdoors, will be the setting for a memorable sunset reception. TheTerrace also features dramatic ocean vistas, a canopied arbor, soft romantic lighting and an oversize fireplace.

Travelwizard.com Guests Receive:

  • Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability
  • Continental breakfast daily, for up to two in room guests
    • located at our Inn
  • Early check-in/late check-out
    • subject to availability
  • $100 USD Resort or Hotel credit, to be utilized during stay
    • (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
  • 4:00 pm guaranteed late check-out

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