The Ventana Big Sur is an Alila Resort, one of the newer Hyatt brands as part of the Hyatt’s acquisition of Two Roads Hospitality last year. What’s unique about this property is its an all inclusive resort, meaning all meals and non-alcoholic beverages are included with your stay.
The resort is a World of Hyatt Category 7 property with free night awards starting at 30,000 points per night. The all inclusive amenities apply to award reservations as well, making this a great redemption value considering paid rates here can be upwards of $2,000 per night.
The property was closed for several months, however has started reopening on July 15, 2020, but a few amenities are still closed including the gym and spa and outdoor hot tub.
Ventana Big Sur Social House
Ventana Big Sur Social House
Ventana Big Sur Social House
As a World of Hyatt Globalist, I was pleased to learn that we were upgraded to the Big Sur Forest Shower Suite. The suite was essentially one large room, with an outdoor terrace that featured an outdoor shower.
The resort has 59 rooms with many suites, so it does seem that Globalist upgrades are a regular occurrence when staying here.
Big Sur Forest Shower Suite
Big Sur Forest Shower Suite
Big Sur Forest Shower Suite
Big Sur Forest Shower Suite
Big Sur Forest Shower Suite
Big Sur Forest Shower Suite bathroom
Big Sur Forest Shower Suite balcony
Big Sur Forest Shower Suite outdoor shower
Big Sur Forest Shower Suite outdoor shower
Ventana Big Sur swimming pool
Ventana Big Sur outdoor hot tub (currently closed)
Ventana Big Sur resort
Being an all-inclusive resort all meals on the property are included with your stay including in-room dining. We were able to order multiple entrees each morning for breakfast and share.
Ventana Big Sur poolside lunch
Ventana Big Sur fish tacos
One of the changes implemented was that all restaurant menus were digital, meaning you had to scan the QR code on your phone. Additionally, the actual menus seemed to be a more limited selection.
Despite being an all inclusive resort, alcohol wasn’t including with the exception of the nightly happy hour, which featured a different drink each night.
Nightly Happy Hour cocktails
Nightly Happy Hour cocktails
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for nice getaway for a few days then I’d highly recommend Ventana Big Sur. As room rates can run $2,000+ per night for this all-inclusive resort, it’s a much better value to redeem 30,000 World of Hyatt points to stay.
World of Hyatt members can receive up to 25% back on award redemptions through January 4, 2021, so when factoring this in, you can essentially stay here for as little as 22,500 points per night which is a phenomenal redemption for the all inclusive resort.
We did have some trouble booking this stay with award availability, as it was constantly changing giving the few rooms the hotel has, however rooms kept opening up last minute as I suspect they were upgrading elite members to suites thus opening back up the lower category rooms.
Also, many of the awards here do have a 2 night minimum length of stay requirement, so if you’re having trouble finding award space, try searching for 2 nights at a time.
Have you had a chance to experience Ventana Big Sur, feel free to comment below on your experience.Â
Great article! Looks good hotel, must visit !
Title: A Journey Through Japan and Scotland: Exploring Five Exceptional Whiskies
Introduction
Whisky, a spirit revered for its complexity and nuance, has long been a staple in both Japan and Scotland. In this article, we’ll embark on a journey to explore five exceptional whiskies, showcasing the unique characteristics and craftsmanship of each. From the misty mountains of Scotland to the tranquil gardens of Japan, we’ll delve into the world of Macallan, Yamazaki, Hibiki, Hakushu, and Nikka whiskies.
Macallan Whisky
Hailing from Scotland’s Speyside region, Macallan Whisky is renowned for its rich, full-bodied flavor profile. With a history dating back to 1824, Macallan has perfected the art of whisky-making, boasting an impressive range of expressions.
Yamazaki Whisky
Yamazaki Whisky, Japan’s first and most prestigious distillery, has been crafting exceptional whiskies since 1923. Nestled in the mountains of Kyoto, Yamazaki Whisky is celebrated for its delicate balance of flavors, with notes of green tea, cherry blossom, and subtle hints of smoke.
Hibiki Whisky
Hibiki Whisky, another Japanese icon, is a masterful blend of grain and malt whiskies. With a name that translates to “harmony,” Hibiki Whisky embodies the perfect balance of flavors, offering a smooth, velvety texture and a subtle sweetness.
Hakushu Whisky
Hakushu Whisky, nestled in the Japanese Alps, is a hidden gem in the world of whisky. With a focus on innovation and quality, Hakushu Whisky boasts a range of expressions, from the smooth, honeyed notes of its 12-year-old to the complex, smoky flavors of its 18-year-old.
Nikka Whisky
Nikka Whisky, a Japanese powerhouse, has been pushing the boundaries of whisky production since 1934. With a commitment to innovation and quality, Nikka Whisky offers an impressive range of expressions, from the rich, fruity notes of its From The Barrel expression to the smooth, subtle flavors of its Coffey Grain Whisky.
Conclusion
As we conclude our journey through these five exceptional whiskies, we’re reminded of the dedication, craftsmanship, and passion that goes into creating each expression. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just discovering the world of whisky, Macallan