Ventana Big Sur—home to 59 secluded suites (complete with the requisite fireplace and expansive balcony) plus 160 magnificent acres—offers infinite ways to discover the many splendors of a Big Sur spring without ever leaving the resort.
As March rain subsides, spring in Big Sur ushers in sunny skies as bountiful wildflower blooms carpet the coastal landscapes. With temps rising into the high 60s and mid 70s by day, then dipping into the mid 40s by night, you’ll want a light jacket or sweater handy for daytime outings. Evenings are ideal for cozying up to a crackling wood-burning fireplace.
If first-hand falconry encounters aren’t on your bucket list, they should be. You can get up close and personal with these high-speed winged wonders through Ventana’s Falconry Experience, led by Master Falconer Antonio Balestreri. Curated picnics pair culinary flair with local makers for the ultimate, portable plein-air feast with your choice of fixings—either under the redwoods or in awe of the Pacific. And if pool lounging is your idea of the perfect spring moment, luxuriate at the Meadow Pool while contemplating sweeping ocean and forest vistas or the secluded Mountain Pool, perched high amid the trees.
Find yourself in nature, where you’ll revel in the energy and majesty of Big Sur. Enjoy enhanced exclusivity and privacy. Relish Ventana’s meditative powers of stress reduction that kick in the minute you’re away from it all. And hike the myriad scenic trails meandering through Big Sur’s epic landscapes for breathtaking panoramic views.
As we move toward the end of a stress-packed year, it’s little wonder so many of us are seeking solace in nature. Perched between towering redwood forests and the Pacific Ocean, Big Sur has long been a place for people to restore their well-being—reconnecting with themselves, others, and the natural world all at once.
Here are a few ways to practice mindfulness and renew your spirit at Ventana Big Sur on California’s picturesque Central Coast.
High above the Pacific, breathe in the fresh forest air. Stretch your body. Fully awaken yourself mentally and physically. Morning yoga sets the tone for the rest of your day, allowing for quiet reflection on your day’s goals and intentions. Soon, you will be centered and ready to conquer what’s ahead.
Add more mindful movement into your day with tai chi, an ancient Chinese practice often referred to as “mediation in motion.” Join our expert instructor to make slow, rhythmic, fluid motions from one posture into the next. Paired with fresh ocean breezes, a daily tai chi practice is one of the most gentle, yet wonderfully effective, ways to reduce stress.
Real nourishment begins with real food, and at Ventana, it begins in the Organic Garden. We pull fresh ingredients from the soil to give our dishes, and our guests, more vibrancy and vitality. Join us for an intimate guided tour while you help our gardener harvest that week’s bounty. You’ll also discover how to cultivate your own garden and learn about the herbs and produce that go into our culinary creations.
Of course, food can nourish the mind along with the body, and the secret is in mindful eating—engaging your senses when you’re eating, whatever you’re eating. That even includes s’mores, a signature of the Ventana experience. Made with organic ingredients, fair-trade cacao beans by Tcho Chocolates, and homemade graham crackers, they are best savored while gazing at the Big Sur night sky.
With pounding surf, majestic forests, and endless starry skies, the rugged Pacific coast is a testament to the power and beauty of nature. And you can harness both for your own wellness with hikes and other outdoor activities. During the day, hike among hundred-year-old redwoods and explore cascading rivers and streams, while learning about the Native Americans who once thrived here. At night, find an overwhelming peace in the quiet starlight—or join a celestial guide for a hike lit by the stars and moon above, complete with a nightcap of mycelium extract cocktails and gourmet snacks.
We all have different needs and desires for health and well-being, and that’s precisely why Big Sur is such a hallowed place: Here, both nature and opportunity are unbridled.
To book experiences, contact guest relations at 1-800-628-6500 or email [email protected].
Ventana Big Sur isn’t your typical weekend getaway—and with so much to see and do in this iconic region, we often hear that two or three days just doesn’t feel like enough. So in honor of our third-night-free offer (details below), we’ve put together a fun itinerary to help you get the most out of your Big Sur experience.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, taking a babymoon, or even preparing for the perfect proposal, there’s something for everyone on this four-day journey.
Days 1 and 2
Exploring at Ventana: After you arrive, take your time exploring all our resort has to offer. Check out the unique spaces of Social House, and then relax for a bit in your spacious guestroom. Then, head to the Meadow Pool and infinity-edge hot tub, where you’ll have a front-row seat to spectacular views of the sea and forest. Now that you’re in Big Sur mode, why not try an activity in the Alila Experiences Program? Learn all about local wine with our resident expert in Sip Like A Sommelier, interact with at our birds of prey at the Falconry Experience, take one of our guided hikes, or choose another opportunity for enrichment. And for dinner, The Sur House Terrace awaits with its inventive coastal cuisine and unparalleled vistas.
Day 3
Pfeiffer Beach and Spa Alila: Begin your day with a treatment at Spa Alila, where our skilled therapists meld the healing powers of earth and sea to rejuvenate and regenerate. Choose a treatment just for you, or share the experience in one of our cabanas for couples. Once you’re sufficiently revitalized, you can fill the rest of your day with discovery—visit our Glass House Gallery, try another Alila activity, visit the SurStream in Redwood Canyon for a snack and hand-crafted cocktail. Cap the evening with a short jaunt to Pfeiffer Beach, one of the most picturesque and easily accessible beaches in the region. With sandy areas partly shielded from the ocean by rocks, and a cave through one of the largest rock formations, it’s the perfect place to catch a sunset.
Day 4
Gallery Tour and Smokehouse: On departure day, there’s still time to see the art of Big Sur and meet some of the artists as well at the Hawthorne Gallery, the Phoenix Shop at Nepenthe, and several more. We offer guided tours with a picnic lunch, or you are free to wander on your own among the redwoods and other natural riches. Big Sur Smokehouse, an authentic roadhouse experience where smoked meats pair with craft cocktails, beers, and wines, is a great lunch option, too. And if you haven’t yet visited the Bixby Bridge, be sure to get to this famous landmark before you leave town!
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