The hype
The location and food are world-class, but service can be 'relaxed' (slow) and the new nickel-and-diming on fees is annoying loyalists.
Alila Ventana Big Sur Inclusive Resort
$1,800-2,500+/ night
Book this if You want the ultimate 'forest luxury' escape where you can hike among redwoods in the morning and soak nude in a Japanese bath by afternoon without opening your wallet.
Why People Love It
- Truly all-inclusive dining that actually tastes gourmet (not buffet slop)
- The 'clothing-optional' Mountain Pool and Japanese Baths for uninhibited relaxation
- Spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean meeting the redwoods from private decks
Quick Take: It's a bucket-list splurge that ruins you for other hotels, provided you don't mind the occasional 'rustic' bug in your outdoor tub or the foggy marine layer blocking your view.
Reviewed by @efrainisimo: I spent a weekend here to disconnect, and honestly, the mix of redwoods and ocean views is unmatched. The drive in was spectacular, but the silence in the forest suite was my favorite part. It’s expensive, but for a special occasion, it’s absolutely worth the splurge.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Lower-floor rooms suffer from significant noise transfer—you will hear every footstep and housekeeping vacuum from the room above.
- You are a Hyatt loyalist with points to burn (best redemption value globally)
- You love the idea of 'glamping' but actually require a $2k/night mattress and heated floors
- You are comfortable with nudity (at the specific pools/baths)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally excellent twice-daily service, though recent reports of balcony debris from upper floors.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean, but some complaints about calcification on fixtures and chlorine smell in water.
- Maintenance: Rustic charm means some wear and tear (creaky floors, weathered wood) is intentional/unavoidable.
- Linens & towels: High quality, plush, and plentiful.
- Odors & scents: Smells like campfire and redwood forest (amazing), with a hint of chlorine near the water.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Footsteps from upper-floor guests
- Housekeeping carts on wooden walkways
- Occasional highway noise in rooms closest to Route 1
Before you book
Good to know
- Arrive by 12:00 PM on check-in day to snag a 'bonus' lunch before your room is ready.
- Cell service is non-existent; download offline maps and enable Wi-Fi calling.
- The 'Resort Fee' is waived for Hyatt Globalists and points bookings.
What to pack
- Hiking boots (the property trails are legit)
- Layers (Big Sur gets chilly at night, even in summer)
- Swimsuit (for the main pool) and confidence (for the Japanese baths)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Vista Hot Tub Suite (unbeatable privacy and views)
- Pacific House Suite (vaulted ceilings, ocean views, private hot tub)
- Any 'Upper Floor' room to avoid noise from above
Rooms to avoid
- Room 14 (Forest Shower Suite) - directly behind Social House, less private
- Standard rooms on the ground floor of two-story buildings (noise issues)
- Rooms facing the parking lot (often sold as 'Forest View')
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am celebrating a special occasion and would greatly appreciate an upper-floor room to ensure quiet. If possible, a unit in the Pacific House or Vista buildings with a private hot tub would be ideal.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is alcohol included?
No. Alcohol is extra and expensive ($20+ cocktails). However, there is usually a small happy hour with a complimentary 'Marine Layer' cocktail.
Do I need a car?
Yes. You'll want one to drive down Highway 1 to McWay Falls or Pfeiffer Beach, though you can stay on property the whole time and be happy.
Is the food actually unlimited?
Mostly. You can order as much as you want for breakfast and lunch. Dinner is now capped at one entree per person (appetizers/desserts are still unlimited).
Are the pools heated?
Yes, but they can still feel chilly in winter/windy days. The infinity hot tub is the real MVP.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes! It's very dog-friendly ($150 fee). Dogs can even dine with you on the Sur House terrace.
Is the Japanese Bath clothing optional?
Yes. There are men's, women's, and co-ed sections. All are clothing-optional. The Mountain Pool is also clothing-optional.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Order the 'Big Sur Bars' from room service or the pool—they are legendary and free.
- ✨
The 'Forest Shower Suite' sounds cool but lacks a hot tub; the 'Spa Suite' or 'Vista Suite' is a better trade.
- ✨
You can text the front desk for almost anything—firewood, s'mores kits, or extra blankets.
5 things to know before you go
💡The tap water in the showers is heavily chlorinated and can be harsh on sensitive skin.
💡You might find bugs or leaves in the Japanese baths—it's outdoors in a forest, deal with it.
💡The walk to the Sur House restaurant is uphill and can be long; call for a golf cart if you're feeling lazy.
💡Lunch on checkout day is strictly policed now; don't expect a free meal unless you have status.
💡The 'ocean view' is often a 'distant ocean view' through trees, not a 'waves crashing below you' view.
Local Playbook
Map
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