By Jenni Olson (with Ed Salvato); photo of main entrance above, courtesy Jenni Olson; other photos courtesy Ventana Inn & SpaAn oasis of spectacular
natural beauty at any time of year, Big Sur is located just a few hours South
of San Francisco. Recently renovated to the tune of $26 million dollars, the Ventana
Inn & Spa is one of the area’s premium destinations -- notable for its
expansive grounds overlooking the Pacific Ocean and backed by the stunning
Santa Lucia Mountains.
Characteristic of other Joie
de Vivre boutique hotel properties, the Ventana is simultaneously luxurious and
low-key. Visitors are greeted by the unmistakably relaxing scents of lavender
and jasmine at the peacefully appointed main check-in. Ambling along the
walking path to your weathered-Cedar room brings thoughtfully landscaped
greenery (live oak, lemon and magnolia trees and more) and relaxation with
every step.
Tucked away off Highway 1,
this unassuming and quintessentially California escape features two outdoor
swimming pools (one is clothing optional), outdoor Japanese baths, plus an
on-site spa and restaurant. The Ventana’s sixty guest-rooms and suites offer up
romance and relaxation with their swank bedding, private decks with views, and
terry-cloth robes (plus, most have in-room fireplaces and you can even spring
for a suite with a hot tub).
All the technology you need is on-hand as well -- with high-speed Internet, flat screen TV & DVD player, and Bose radio/iPod
dock. Old-fashioned naturist amenities in each room include: binoculars,
walking sticks, flashlights and umbrellas. Additional amenities include: Daily
yoga class, guest fitness facility, guided property walks, book and DVD
libraries; plus complimentary afternoon wine & cheese reception and
complimentary continental breakfast (and both of these repasts are eminently
edible)!
Recently named one of the
Top 10 “Most Romantic Hotels” in the U.S. by Fodor’s Travel, the Ventana is a
great choice for any special occasion or anniversary.
A five-minute woodsy walk
from the Inn, the Restaurant at Ventana(pictured at left) is a must-see (and must-eat) for its
panoramic indoor-outdoor dining experience. The ultimate California
architecture is elegant yet earthy with floor to ceiling windows opening out to
that stunning Pacific view. Go for the prix-fixe tasting menu for two and
you’ll get a steady stream of truly flavorful California cuisine to your table
(much of it straight from their on-site garden).
Accommodations range from
guestrooms, suites, villas and cottages. Rooms start at $600 for Ventana
Guestrooms (all rooms feature king-size beds) on up to $1,340 (starting rate)
for the spacious free-standing Cottage. For reservations call 800-628-6500 or 831-667-2331;
email ventanareservations@ventanainn.com; or visit www.ventanainn.com
The Ventana Inn & Spa
48123 Highway One, Big Sur,
CA 93920; 800-628-6500 or 831-667-2331; ventanareservations@ventanainn.com; www.ventanainn.com
The Restaurant at Ventana
48123 Highway One, Big Sur,
CA 93920; 831-667-4242; https://www.ventanainn.com/dining.aspx
By Jenni Olson (with Ed Salvato); photo of main entrance above, courtesy Jenni Olson; other photos courtesy Ventana Inn & SpaAn oasis of spectacular
natural beauty at any time of year, Big Sur is located just a few hours South
of San Francisco. Recently renovated to the tune of $26 million dollars, the Ventana
Inn & Spa is one of the area’s premium destinations -- notable for its
expansive grounds overlooking the Pacific Ocean and backed by the stunning
Santa Lucia Mountains.
Characteristic of other Joie
de Vivre boutique hotel properties, the Ventana is simultaneously luxurious and
low-key. Visitors are greeted by the unmistakably relaxing scents of lavender
and jasmine at the peacefully appointed main check-in. Ambling along the
walking path to your weathered-Cedar room brings thoughtfully landscaped
greenery (live oak, lemon and magnolia trees and more) and relaxation with
every step.
Tucked away off Highway 1,
this unassuming and quintessentially California escape features two outdoor
swimming pools (one is clothing optional), outdoor Japanese baths, plus an
on-site spa and restaurant. The Ventana’s sixty guest-rooms and suites offer up
romance and relaxation with their swank bedding, private decks with views, and
terry-cloth robes (plus, most have in-room fireplaces and you can even spring
for a suite with a hot tub).
All the technology you need is on-hand as well -- with high-speed Internet, flat screen TV & DVD player, and Bose radio/iPod
dock. Old-fashioned naturist amenities in each room include: binoculars,
walking sticks, flashlights and umbrellas. Additional amenities include: Daily
yoga class, guest fitness facility, guided property walks, book and DVD
libraries; plus complimentary afternoon wine & cheese reception and
complimentary continental breakfast (and both of these repasts are eminently
edible)!
Recently named one of the
Top 10 “Most Romantic Hotels” in the U.S. by Fodor’s Travel, the Ventana is a
great choice for any special occasion or anniversary.
A five-minute woodsy walk
from the Inn, the Restaurant at Ventana(pictured at left) is a must-see (and must-eat) for its
panoramic indoor-outdoor dining experience. The ultimate California
architecture is elegant yet earthy with floor to ceiling windows opening out to
that stunning Pacific view. Go for the prix-fixe tasting menu for two and
you’ll get a steady stream of truly flavorful California cuisine to your table
(much of it straight from their on-site garden).
Accommodations range from
guestrooms, suites, villas and cottages. Rooms start at $600 for Ventana
Guestrooms (all rooms feature king-size beds) on up to $1,340 (starting rate)
for the spacious free-standing Cottage. For reservations call 800-628-6500 or 831-667-2331;
email ventanareservations@ventanainn.com; or visit www.ventanainn.com
The Ventana Inn & Spa
48123 Highway One, Big Sur,
CA 93920; 800-628-6500 or 831-667-2331; ventanareservations@ventanainn.com; www.ventanainn.com
The Restaurant at Ventana
48123 Highway One, Big Sur,
CA 93920; 831-667-4242; https://www.ventanainn.com/dining.aspx
