Just a quick disclaimer, every ounce of this narrative is dipped in genuine admiration and honest experiences, undeterred by the compensation I received to create content for Alila Ventana Big Sur.
What makes Alila Ventana Big Sur so special?
What makes Alila Ventana Big Sur so special is its breathtaking location nestled amidst the serene beauty of the Redwoods. It’s a unique convergence of lush nature and luxury. The journey to Alila Ventana Big Sur alone is a sensory experience in itself. As you drive along Pacific Coast Highway, the stunning landscape slowly unfolds. The sight through your car window, filled with emerald canopies and occasional glimpses of the turquoise Pacific, gradually transitions from a picturesque view to what feels like your own private paradise.
Alila Ventana Big Sur is more than just a resort; it’s a holistic experience. It offers a profound sense of tranquility and relaxation with its exclusive spa treatments, relaxing amenities, and invigorating outdoor activities. As someone whose first choice is usually a quaint inn or bed and breakfast, especially when choosing something along the California coast, I can truly say that this resort is worth every. single. penny.
This is more than just a pretty place to stay. This is a place where you can be vulnerable and comprehend the vastness of the world beyond you. This is where you find yourself. This is where you deepen your connection with whoever you’re with. Staying here is an invitation to get to know yourself better. If you value discovery and connection, this is the place to be.
Moreover, Alila Ventana Big Sur is renowned for more than its exquisite accommodations and world-class service. Its most distinctive feature is the immersive connection the property encourages with nature. The majestic Redwood forests and the tranquil Big Sur coastline are more than just views; they are the very essence of your stay here.
The tranquility of the forest and the roaring power of the Pacific fuse into a harmonious balance, encapsulating the very essence of Big Sur. As a guest, you’re invited to not just view the landscape, but to truly experience it, making every moment spent at Alila Ventana Big Sur an unforgettable memory.
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Exploring Alila Ventana Big Sur’s Breath-taking Natural Beauty
Alila Ventana Big Sur’s location is truly a natural paradise – surrounded by towering redwoods and with unparalleled views of the wild Pacific Ocean. Their facilities range from beautifully appointed guest rooms to an infinity-edge hot tub, each designed to provide tranquil and intimate encounters with Big Sur’s ethereal beauty.
Every corner of this property is bound to make your jaw drop to the ground, I can guarantee you that.
A Glimpse into the Pacific Suite at the Alila Ventana Big Sur
Known as the best suite in all of Ventana Big Sur, the Pacific Suite is a haven of luxury, ideally tailored for couples seeking an intimate retreat. Upon stepping inside, your eyes are drawn towards an elegantly positioned bathtub at the heart of the room (adorned with fresh rosemary, homemade soap, bath salts, and a loofah), an embodiment of opulence and tranquility. Outside, you’ll find a private jacuzzi, nestled amidst lush greenery. Here, you can soak while savoring the serenity of a breathtaking garden panorama.
The Pacific Suite is much more than just a room—it’s a spacious sanctuary that you can call home for a truly immersive stay at Ventana Big Sur. An array of thoughtful amenities await— including a dedicated dining space, a sleek work desk, and a generously proportioned shower.
Enhanced by soaring ceilings, the suite exudes a sense of space, making you feel truly free. A personal highlight of the suite is the inviting fireplace. There’s something enchanting about cozying up by the fire after a day of exploration, indulging in the simple pleasure of handcrafted s’mores, toasted to perfection over smoldering embers.
The gentle daily ritual of turndown service is the perfect end to each day. Returning to your sanctuary to find it impeccably tidy is rewarding enough, but the delight doesn’t stop there. You’ll also find thoughtful gifts laid upon your bed— gifts like coastal jade stones and a fragrant bundle of sage, enhancing the calming ambiance, and making each night spent there truly magical.
I loved the intention behind the gifts, as coastal jade isn’t something you’d often find at a crystal shop, and sage is only meant to be given as gifts.
Gifts from Alila Ventana Big Sur: Let’s Talk About Coastal Jade
Coastal jade, specifically from Big Sur and certain areas in California, is highly prized for its abundance and quality. This unique gemstone can be found on the shores, particularly in an area known as Jade Cove, which can be found right in Big Sur. A renowned destination for jade seekers, this coastal region is known to have one of the largest deposits of nephrite jade in North America and the most substantial underwater concentration worldwide.
The jade originates from an ancient seabed situated approximately 200 feet above sea level, and the constant impact of waves against cliffs causes erosion, revealing jade stones and pebbles that have been embedded in the ground for thousands of years.
After the jade is dislodged, it is then polished and smoothed by the ocean before being deposited onto the beach. This unique natural process contributes to the highly prized characteristics of coastal jade.
Collecting jade is a well-loved activity for both locals and tourists alike, adding an enriching layer to their Big Sur adventure. Whether they’re small pebbles or larger stones, these jade pieces can range in color from deep green to light green, blue, black, or even the sought-after red.
With its fascinating geological origin story and its mesmerizing appeal, coastal jade is a testament to the enduring beauty and allure of nature’s creations. It’s not just a stone, but a token of the scenic coastline of Big Sur and an emblem of adventurous spirit. To be gifted something that was made right in the heart of Big Sur is truly so special, and I will hold it near and dear to my heart forever. I’ve placed one in my purse to carry with me at all times and one right next to my other crystals.
Gifts from Alila Ventana Big Sur: Let’s Talk About Sage
Sage bundles were often used in smudging ceremonies by Native Americans. If you’re unfamiliar with smudging, it’s the act of cleansing your space, individuals, and objects of negative energy. I personally cleanse my home every single day with palo santo, and I’m very intentional with the energy that I have in my home. Your home is your place of peace, so it’s important to always make sure the energy is cleansed and purified.
There’s actually a tradition where you’re not supposed to buy sage for yourself, but instead have it be gifted to you. When it’s gifted to you, it’s an act of exchanging energy and goodwill. To be gifted sage means you’re also receiving it from a place of good intentions and positive energy, which is quite beautiful.
Thus, when sage is gifted, it is believed to be more potent for use in rituals like smudging because of the dual layers of positive energy – from both the giver and the receiver. It is seen as a thoughtful and spiritual gift, often used to foster bonds between the people involved in the exchange.
I couldn’t wait to light my sage bundle and cleanse + welcome Big Sur’s energy into my home. It’s only been a week after checking out of the property and the sage bundle has been thoroughly used. :’)
The Reiki Healing Experience
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Living in the city can honestly take a toll on me. While I am grateful to live in San Francisco just steps away from the ocean, a 20 minute walk away from the Golden Gate Park, and 30 minute drive away from Muir Woods, it’s hard to find the time to do so. As silly as it sounds! When we live in the city or are in a go-go-go mindset, we often forget to ground ourselves. When leaving the property, I made a promise to myself to never let myself get distracted or carried away again. I found that I was always too busy to meditate and journal, but these are the things that bring me peace and keep me grounded.
Everyday, I always want to operate from a place of peace, gratitude, and calmness, and meditation + journaling really does that for me.
We get so caught up in the daily hustle and bustle of life. We sometimes don’t give ourselves time to stop and take a breath. That’s why taking intentional getaways are so good for the soul, and indulging in reiki healings can take us back to heart’s center.
I was inspired to try Alila Ventana’s Reiki healing sessions to disengage from the daily hustle and recenter myself. Guided by Katy, my energies were refocused, balanced, and restored. Every touch sparked a resurgence of tranquillity and a sense of enlightenment that is difficult to put into words.
Reiki healing helped me when I went through the pain of seeing my grandmother go through chemotherapy. It helped me during my break up many years ago. It’s always found itself back into my life during times when I needed it most. Right now I’m at a turning point in my career where business is just booming, and while I am grateful, I am finding myself getting carried away. Doing the Reiki healing allowed me to finally rest for a moment and think about my life in the now and beyond.
I hope you get to try this for yourself sometime. It’s magical. We did it at the Circle of Life, and you can just feel the energy radiating from the ground beneath you as you are embarking on this journey.
What is reiki healing?
Reiki healing is a spiritual healing practice that involves a practitioner channeling universal energy to you. The primary goal of Reiki is to help you become energetically balanced – physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I like to say it’s a spiritual and mental recalibration that we all need every now and then. Like a tune up for a car.
Reiki is particularly beneficial to those who are very spiritual. It promotes a sense of deep relaxation, stress reduction, and symptom relief, which helps to improve overall health and well-being. In addition to aiding in physical wellness, it’s meant to enhance the flow of energy around the body, which can promote spiritual growth by aligning you more closely with you inner self and the world around you.
A central aspect of spirituality is the pursuit of harmony and balance, both of which can be achieved through regular Reiki sessions. The practice can elicit a meditative state, which is often a sought-after experience in many spiritual traditions. Moreover, being an energy therapy, Reiki is fundamentally based on the belief in an underlying life force or spiritual energy, a concept directly aligned with spiritual philosophies.
Therefore, if you’re on a spiritual path, Reiki healing can serve as an effective tool in your journey towards self-realization and self-improvement, contributing to a profoundly improved quality of life.
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The Cold Plunge in the Forest
Another fantastic experience that I indulged in was the cold plunge experience with Abbie. This was something I’ve never done before and it completely took me out of my comfort zone. I’ve known about the benefits of cold plunging and my boyfriend absolutely loves doing them. Again, we live just steps away from the ocean, so we are able to do this on a daily basis if we wanted to!
This was such an eye opening experience. Right before the plunge, we were taught that the only thing holding you back from doing a cold plunge is your mindset. When she said this I applied it to everything in my life that I always resisted.
You can choose to do the cold plunge morning activity in a group setting or opt for a private session. You’re driven about 15 minutes south of the property by Abbie in one of the property’s Volvo vehicles, who will then take you along a 15-20 minute hike along the redwoods. The hike is just so picturesque, and it warms you up too since it goes uphill. Once you get to the creek, you’re then guided along a 15 minute breath work session that is meant to stimulate heat in your body as well as help prepare your mindset for the plunge. Then, once you take the plunge you’re there for 3 minutes.
Do you ever do something that you didn’t even want to do, and you think to yourself, oh it’s not that bad! That’s exactly what I had when doing the cold plunge. It was liberating. It was amazing.
After doing the cold plunge experience, I can honestly say I am hooked and will be doing it almost daily.
I loved that you also get a backpack with a yoga mat, towel, poncho, hot water + tea (with a dried orange slice), ensuring that you are prepared and comfortable before and after the plunge. It was a 10/10 experience and really changed my entire perspective on life.
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Benefits of doing cold plunges (in the forest)
Taking cold plunges offer a range of benefits for both physical and mental well-being. You absolutely don’t have to do it in the forest or in the ocean, but it does help to be immersed in nature~
- Enhanced Recovery: Cold plunges can improve recovery after physical activity by reducing the perception of pain and delayed muscle soreness.
- Reduced Inflammation: Cold water immersion can help reduce joint stiffness, swelling, and discomfort, thereby improving range of motion and durability.
- Mental Health Boost: Exposure to the forest environment and engaging in cold plunges can foster a sense of tranquility and well-being for your mental health.
- Increased Blood Flow: Offering a natural response to cold water, the body constricts blood vessels, increasing blood pressure and circulation.
- Connection with Nature: Submerging oneself in a forest environment for a cold plunge enhances the experience, allowing you to feel more connected to the natural world.
Please note that it’s essential to approach cold plunges safely and consult with a medical professional prior to engaging in this activity, especially if you have any health concerns.
Foraging: An Immersive Connection with Nature
On one of the afternoons, I went to go spend time with Lazaro, the caretaker of the garden at Alila Ventana Big Sur. He let me practice my Spanish, as we conversed in full Spanish while giving me a tour of the garden. He even let me eat some yummy strawberries, tomatoes, and introduced me to all 27 chickens that reside in the garden.
This is not to be confused with the foraging activity, which is hosted by Katie, who guides you through an in depth tour of the garden and lets you cut pieces of the plants to create bundles with. Guided by her extensive knowledge, I discovered diverse plants and herbs, each with unique uses and benefits. The hands-on experience of identifying, collecting and creating bundles to later burn in my home was such an enriching experience. It made my inner child happy.
I discovered California Everlasting (I picked up a lot of these flowers and I’m now drinking a cup of tea that I brewed with it!!!) and created bundles with calendula and lavender.
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The Dining Experience at The Sur House Restaurant
The Sur House was such an amazing restaurant that I looked forward to dining at for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The property is literally right off the edge of the continent, so you have these remarkable views of the Pacific Ocean to admire while eating your meals. I especially loved eating breakfast in the morning while bird watching through my binoculars, and I loved watching the sunset while drinking a glass of wine before having dinner.
Beyond the mouthwatering meals and desserts that the Sur House serves to its customers, the service is just impeccable. The servers truly go above and beyond to make sure you’re comfortable, happy, and well taken care of. I love that the Sur House also uses herbs, vegetables, and fruits right from their garden.
As a guest, you have the option of hiking up to the Sur House or getting driven over by one of their electric vehicles. If you’re not a guest, you can still indulge in the restaurant, you just need to make reservations in advance.
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Private Dinner Experience at the Glass House at Alila Ventana Big Sur
One of the most beautiful places to have dinner in in the entire world is at the Glass House at Alila Ventana Big Sur. I mean, imagine this: you’re having a private dinner and you’re watching the sun set, it’s just you and and a loved one, and you feel like it’s just you both against the world.
That’s exactly what it feels like to dine at the Glass House. You have the option of booking this in advance if you’re a guest. This is something I definitely want to do in the future.
Other Memorable Experiences
Beyond dining at the Sur House and partaking in the outdoor experiences that the property had to offer, I reveled in other Alila Ventana Big Sur wellness offerings, such as the soul-soothing morning yoga session. Before the yoga session, I was invited to blindly pull out a card, and my card said, “My dreams are manifesting before my eyes now,” and that was such a pleasant surprise. It was as if the universe was giving me a hug and telling me I’m on the right path.
I couldn’t believe that I pulled that card out, but I guess it was the universe’s way of telling me I had finally made it. I was at this beautiful property, living my dream life, doing what I love doing for a living. It was so comforting reading that.
I loved the morning yoga session. It was such a great way to center myself for a day full of adventures ahead.
@www.bynicalina.com Always putting full trust in the universe — #bigsur #bigsurcalifornia ♬ original sound – NICA LINA / San Francisco
The Spa at Alila Ventana
Offering a curated collection of treatments and therapies that are built on the healing properties of the earth, sea, and air of Big Sur, The Spa is the wellness destination during your stay at Alila Ventana. Each treatment is designed to create optimal wellbeing and relaxation by using ingredients sourced from the surrounding environment, bringing the vitality of Big Sur right to your spa experience.
The Spa’s signature treatments include enhanced services like full-body massages, rejuvenating body treatments, express therapies for those short on time, and custom blends of aromatherapy and massage techniques tailored to individual needs. Each therapy endeavors to enliven the senses and heal the mind, body, and soul.
The Alpine Cabins located at the heart of the resort elevate the spa experience even further. These secluded treatment rooms offer the luxury of privacy while immersing guests in nature’s spectacles. Whether it’s the whistling of the wind, the rustle of leaves, or the mesmerizing forest views, every detail enriches your spa journey.
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The Japanese Hot Baths
Alila Ventana’s Bath House is just nothing short of an amazing, memorable experience. Its Japanese bath-style soaking tubs set in the outdoors, among scenic landscapes, help aid in relaxation, healing, and detoxification. These baths brim with hot salt water, brought to the optimum soaking temperature, providing a soothing therapeutic experience.
It’s the perfect place to go to at night to stargaze or spend the early mornings at before morning yoga. It’s truly the wow factor of this resort.
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Reflections on the Journey
This trip to Alila Ventana Big Sur was not just a regular trip, but a journey towards self-discovery and reconnection with nature and myself. The wellness activities, each grounding and transformative in their way, taught me the power of staying present, marking the beginning of my journey towards a deeper understanding of self-care and wellness.
Every single experience was truly eye opening and invited me to explore more of where my mind has been these last few months. It allowed me to get front and center with my goals and aspirations, and invited me to think more beyond myself. It was truly captivating and it felt so aligned with where I was mentally, spiritually, and physically at.
While eating dinner at the Sur House, I was seated next to an elderly couple, who had been visiting the property for more than 40 years. It made me think of my future and where I’ll be in the next 40 years. I sure hope that in the next 40 years I will also find myself coming home to Alila Ventana Big Sur, because this place is truly so special and it was such a privilege to be there.
My time there was sacred and I look back at it with so much love and ease.
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Alila Ventana Big Sur, the place to be.
Alila Ventana Big Sur, where vibrant wellness practices converge amidst spectacular natural beauty, crafted an unforgettable, rejuvenating retreat for me. If you, too, are seeking a soulful get-away, the magic of Alila Ventana Big Sur awaits.
