Alila Ventana Big Sur, All Inclusive Adults Only

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know that feeling when you round a curve on Highway 1 and suddenly everything just clicks? That’s exactly what happens when you first spot Alila Ventana Big Sur tucked into the Santa Lucia Mountains. I mean, you’re already driving one of the most stunning coastal routes in the world, but this place — it’s like someone found the perfect secret spot and decided to build something that actually belongs there.

The whole adults-only thing isn’t just a marketing gimmick here, it’s honestly what makes the experience work. There’s this incredible quietness that settles over everything, especially in the mornings when the fog is still clinging to the redwoods below. You’ll hear more birdsong than you probably have in years, and the only real sounds are the distant crash of waves (the Pacific is right there, even though you’re nestled in the forest) and maybe the occasional rustle of deer wandering through — which happens more often than you’d expect. The all-inclusive setup actually makes sense too, because let’s be real, you’re pretty much in the middle of nowhere out here. Nepenthe is about 15 minutes south if you want to venture out, but honestly? The food here is good enough that you won’t feel like you’re missing anything.

What really gets me about this place is how they’ve managed to make luxury feel… well, not ridiculous. The Japanese-inspired design works perfectly with the Big Sur vibe — lots of natural wood and stone, clean lines that don’t fight with the landscape. Your room (and honestly, they’re more like small houses) will probably have a view that changes throughout the day as the light shifts through the canyon. The spa is built right into the hillside, and I’m not exaggerating when I say the treatment rooms feel like meditation caves. Pro tip: book your spa time for late afternoon — the lighting is incredible then. The infinity pool situation is pretty spectacular too, though it can get busy during peak season (summer and early fall). If you’re looking for a quieter soak, early morning is your friend. Check-in is refreshingly smooth — none of that standing-around-a-crowded-lobby nonsense. They actually make you feel like you’re arriving at someone’s very sophisticated mountain retreat rather than a hotel. Just know that cell service is spotty at best, which might be exactly what you need, or exactly what you don’t want depending on your situation. The drive up from Carmel takes about 45 minutes, and yes, it’s winding, but that’s part of the whole experience of getting away from everything.