The Resort

Perched on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean and forested canyons, Ventana Inn & Spa is a luxury resort located amidst the California coast’s most mythic backdrop - Big Sur.

Even here, where a magical combination of natural beauty and remoteness has long inspired writers, artists and travelers alike, Ventana occupies a special place - one of privacy, romance, and judging from many guests’ reactions, awe. Designed by the noted mid-century modern architect Kipp Stewart in the 1970s, Ventana was the first luxury resort in Big Sur, while also remaining sensitive to the pristine surroundings. This has been the resort’s underlying mission ever since: environmental stewardship and commitment to elegance within a majestic backdrop.

In today’s frenzied, crowded world, the Ventana style of comfort is perhaps more needed than ever before. Now adults-only, the resort’s attention to luxury is rarely found on this stretch of the Central Coast, if anywhere else.

Throughout the grounds, rustic architecture blends easily into the 243 acres of meadow, trails, gardens, and native trees. Guests choose from accommodations that range from suites to villas to cottages. All are finely furnished and emphasize privacy, quiet and outdoor space, including a deck or patio (usually with a personal outdoor spa), and often a wood-burning fireplace, as well.

As they would tell you, one has to come to Big Sur to truly understand its powers. At Ventana, there’s nothing in your way. Those elements that are so alluring - the light, mist, woods, vistas, food, way of life – are at arm’s length, patiently awaiting your arrival.

The resort’s signature restaurant, The Restaurant at Ventana, has long been considered one of the area’s best, and serves California cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, always emphasizing carefully chosen ingredients from local farmers, foragers and fishermen.

A sumptuous continental Big Sur breakfast buffet is included with each night's stay. Arrangements may be made for in-room delivery. Guests are invited to enjoy a wine and daily hors d'oeuvres welcome reception as well as a yoga or pilates class and guided "Ventana Discovery Walk".

Custom designed packages and activities, including nature exploration, hiking, photography, and yoga, allow guests to experience firsthand the unique state of consciousness and setting that is Big Sur from the people who know it best.

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.

To make requests for specific accessibility needs, complete the “Special or Accessibility Requests” section of “Trip Preferences” when you book your hotel.

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.

Caters to couples

Minimum guest age is 18

Caters to adults only

No rollaway/extra beds available

No cribs (infant beds) available

Early departure fee charged

No elevators

Resort fee charged at hotel/condo

Children 17 years old and younger are not permitted at this adults-only property. All guests staying in hotel guestrooms must be registered with the hotel. Some facilities may have restricted access. Guests can contact the property for details using the contact information on the booking confirmation. Construction is underway at a neighboring building and there may be noise disturbance from the construction work.

This property has performed a self-assessment, also known as First Party certification, of its sustainable tourism practices through Green Key thus taking steps to understand its impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy. The property's claims have not been independently verified by a second or third party certification program.

• Ventana Inn And Spa, a Joie de Vivre Boutique Hotel is listed in the 2012 Condé Nast Traveler Gold List of the world's best places to stay and the 2012 Travel + Leisure 500.