Hotel Diary: What to Expect at Ventana, Big Sur

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It’s been about 5 years since our last Big Sur trip (see my full Big Sur Travel Guide here), so it’s safe to say I was super excited to have the opportunity to visit again and stay at Ventana. The words Big Sur and Ventana are pretty much synonymous; Ventana was the OG luxury hotel and has only grown in popularity with the addition of the their glamping property. The hubs and I visited for two nights and were able to soak in both hotel AND glamping components as well as indulge in a few of their luxe + learn sessions like: cooking classes and reiki/breath work classes. Keep scrolling for my full Ventana review and the answer to the big question: “is it worth it?”

Sidenote - Ventana is currently running a third night free promotion. My TOP tip for a Big Sur vacay, among other things, is that 3 nights is the perfect amount of time. Two nights is a little quick especially if you’re making the trek from Los Angeles!

Views from Ventana Big Sur

During our trip most of my DMs we related to budget and/or “is it really worth it?” If I’m being honest, Big Sur is not a place for someone on a tight budget. It could be budget friendly if you’re camping in a public park, assuming you bring ALL your food and already own all your camp gear. But the reality is that Big Sur is a destination unlike any other and you’re paying a premium for the location, location, location. The premium extends outside of hotels and glamping to restaurants, stores, and gas. (During our trip gas was $6 a gallon!) So it’s safe to say, if you go into a Big Sur trip with the mindset that it’s a real treat-yourself-experience you won’t be disappointed with the views, nature, and what a place like Ventana has to offer.

Glamping at Ventana Big Sur

Glamping at Ventana Big Sur

Views from Ventana Big Sur

Babymoon Ventana Big Sur

Couples getaway at Ventana Big Sur

Glamping at Ventana Big Sur

Glamping at Ventana, Big Sur. Perk? All resort amenities are extended to glamping guests.

GLAMPING at Ventana Big Sur

Personally, I LOVE a good glamping situation: you get the best of camping (adventure + nature) with the best of modern technology (electricity + running water). At Ventana the glamping is about a 10 minute walk from the main resort or an easy 2 minute drive.

Upon arrival, you check-in at the social house located at the main part of the resort to get the low down on your stay. Then you drive straight up to your glamping tent which is surrounded on all sides with huge trees that go as high as you can see. Access is very easy! The tents are canvas and perched up on wood decks. Your private area is equipped with two fire pits: 1 wood and 1 propane, cold running water, boiling water (for tea and coffee), lounge chairs, and ours had a hammock! Inside the tent you can expect a modest set-up of a queen size bed, night stands, yeti cooler, and hat stand. It’s really all you need for an enjoyable time in nature.

But Ash, what about the bathrooms? There is a huge bath house located nearby that has multiple indoor showers, toilets, sinks, and a large get ready area. It’s really so chic and honestly the only way I ever want to camp!

Bugs? There are some mosquitos and moths but for the most part nothing crazy. The key is to always zip up your tent. From what the team told me there’s also no need to worry about wildlife outside of deer and turkeys.

It’s really such a beautiful experience to wake up in nature. I also really enjoyed the turn down service: s’mores set and heated blankets. YES, please!

A HUGE perk of glamping at Ventana is access to all the resort amenities: free shuttle service to local Big Sur restaurants, daily happy hour, two pools, infinity hot tub, Japanese bath, spa, guided hikes, social house, and options to sign up for meditation, yoga, and luxe + learn workshops.

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Babymoon Ventana Big Sur

Glamping at Ventana Big Sur

Views from Ventana Big Sur

Babymoon Ventana Big Sur

Couples getaway at Ventana Big Sur

Yummy treats at Ventana Big Sur

Luxe & Learn at Ventana Big Sur

Luxe & Learn is a brand-new quarterly series at Ventana Big Sur designed for more than immediate enjoyment; these workshops will also create a lasting impact as you apply the lessons, tools, and newfound skills in your everyday life. You can participate in immersive experiences set among the beautiful 143 acres of redwoods and meadows at the resort such as:  

• Morning Meditation: This practice specifically designed for couples will teach you to be more present for each other

• Aphrodisiac Cooking: Learn about the blending of romance and food, and receive specialty recipes that you can make at home to keep the romance alive

• Couples Reiki: Balance your major energy centers and find greater awareness and peace within and with your partner

• Couples Hike: Journey through the towering redwoods as you learn to take incredible photography and cap off the experience with falconry in the forest

• Japanese Hot Baths: retreat for a soak in these baths traditionally believed to foster emotional intimacy. While separate areas for men and women are provided, you can meet in the middle for a co-ed experience.

Andy and I were able to do the cooking class and made some INSANELY delicious champagne truffles that we enjoyed fireside after dinner the first night. We also did a reiki/breathwork/yoga class that was very different for us but pretty awesome. I think Andy got into it, too! The instructors were very knowledgable and also accommodated my baby bump; we both walked away so relaxed and refreshed.

Babymoon Ventana Big Sur

Glamping at Ventana Big Sur

Ventana Romantic Getaway

Couples getaway at Ventana Big Sur

Glamping at Ventana Big Sur

Highly recommend a romantic couples getaway to Ventana. It’s a great way to reconnect, re-charge, and indulge!

booking a room at Ventana Big Sur

There are a handful of room types and I cannot imagine any of them being bad. Our room was very spacious and had it’s own hot tub on the patio! Obviously it’s a huge step up to go from glamping to the main resort rooms but TBH, I really really loved the glamping. If I could just get a jacuzzi outside of my tent it would be the perfect combo - hah!

An EDP follower DM’d me saying her hubby wouldn’t let them stay at Ventana because there were no TVs in the rooms. Happy to say there are actually TV’s in the room with tons of Direct TV channels, so if that’s a deal breaker no need to worry!

As I mentioned above Ventana has amazing resort amenities: free shuttle service to local Big Sur restaurants, daily happy hour, two pools, infinity hot tub, Japanese bath, spa, guided hikes, social house, and options to sign up for meditation, yoga, and luxe + learn workshops. The free shuttle service comes in really clutch when you want to go off the property, especially at night. While the drive can be exhilarating it can also be a little scary, especially in the dark. Not to mention if you have cocktails at a nearby restaurant or bar - having Ventana as your DD is great option.

I totally forgot to mention that when you check-in, they give you a number to text whenever you need something. It’s like having your own personal concierge the entire trip.

A long weekend at Ventana is really such a great options if you live in Cali. The drive is stunning (slightly nerve-wrecking) and it feels like a totally different world. I highly suggest a Ventana stay for a romantic getaway, babymoon, birthday trip, even a girl’s spa weekend! Don’t forget that Ventana is currently running a third night free promotion. My TOP tip for a Big Sur vacay, among other things, is that 3 nights is the perfect amount of time. Two nights is a little quick especially if you’re making the trek from Los Angeles!

Views from Ventana Big Sur

A+A FAVES

The top 3 things we each loved at Ventana:

Andy

1. Glamping! I loved everything about it especially that we could use the pool and other amenities at the resort. Also the fact that you can drive your car right up to the glamping site.

2. ALL of the bathroom products in both glamping and hotel; I’m a sucker for good toiletries.

3. S’mores kit at glamp site - such a treat.

Ashley

1. The amenities: between the restaurant and all the resort has to offer, you really don’t have to leave which makes for an extra relaxing trip.

2. The cinnamon rolls: get them at breakfast and thank me later.

3. Attention to detail at glamp site: I now expect heated blankets to be turned on before I get to my tent anytime I go glamping!

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