Jun 30, 2023, 9:42 pm
Last edit by: SanDiego1K
Dinner reservations and activities: email [email protected]
Big Sur Smokehouse is closed at least thru end of July 2023.
Your stay includes all meals, whether in-room 24 hours a day, lunch on the Sur House Terrace from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., or dinner at The Sur House—our award-winning restaurant that is open for dinner from 5-9 p.m. Please see our dining menus here.
Signature experiences:
· Morning Movement (Tai Chi, Yoga, Meditation, Big SurCus Poi Dance)
· Coast Ridge Hike
· Bees and Big Sur
Falconry
· Foragers Hike
· Redwood Hike
· Sur House Social
· S'mores
· Astronomy
July 2023 activity schedule:
https://www.ventanabigsur.com/pdf/JU..._AtAGlance.pdf
Big Sur Smokehouse is closed at least thru end of July 2023.
Your stay includes all meals, whether in-room 24 hours a day, lunch on the Sur House Terrace from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., or dinner at The Sur House—our award-winning restaurant that is open for dinner from 5-9 p.m. Please see our dining menus here.
Signature experiences:
· Morning Movement (Tai Chi, Yoga, Meditation, Big SurCus Poi Dance)
· Coast Ridge Hike
· Bees and Big Sur
Falconry
· Foragers Hike
· Redwood Hike
· Sur House Social
· S'mores
· Astronomy
July 2023 activity schedule:
https://www.ventanabigsur.com/pdf/JU..._AtAGlance.pdf
Ventana Big Sur- Alila - REVIEW MASTER THREAD
Nov 5, 2021, 2:52 pm
#1621
Join Date: Sep 2020
Programs: AA EXP, BA Gold, VS Gold, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,945
In some ways it would be an odd move. It’s the flagship Alila in the US and the Alila brand is generally stronger than Miraval. But on the other hand the vibe there (incl. being full board) does seem quite Miraval-y. I’d imagine they’d need to do a significant expansion of their spa, fitness center and activities spaces if they were to become a Miraval.
Nov 5, 2021, 2:54 pm
#1622
Join Date: Apr 2011
Programs: Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 422
If they just do Miraval pricing and leave it Alila, then definitely not great news. If they make it Miraval and move to being more inclusive with nightly credit per person for spa, and including most activities, as well as expanding what activities are available, I think it could actually be a boon for Ventana and I'd be more likely to spend points there.
It's a great property, but it gets a bit boring unless you're interested in and willing to drop a good amount of cash on the few activities they offer.
It's a great property, but it gets a bit boring unless you're interested in and willing to drop a good amount of cash on the few activities they offer.
Nov 5, 2021, 5:05 pm
#1623
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: Manhattan, Palm Beach Island, San Francisco, Boston, & Hong Kong
Programs: Lifetime United Global Services, Delta Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Ambassador, & Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,165
It absolutely was worth keeping when it was the most prominent member of the Alila brand at the time. Hard to convince new owners to join a fledgling brand when existing owners are trying to dump it.
Note the first thing Hyatt did when taking it over was change the branding from Ventana, an Alila Resort to Alila Ventana Big Sur.
They also sold it to Host, a REIT whom they've trusted with owning some of their most prominent divestitures - Grand Hyatt San Francisco, Andaz Maui, Coconut Point - and a company that owns 1/3 of all the US Grand Hyatt properties. They aren't going to pull the flag.
At the time I thought maybe Hyatt were upset with the clear gaming of WoH reimbursements by the owners. It now seems more likely the developers of the hotel always intended to flip it when it stabilized (and rumors are the economics were a bit shaky before the all inclusive model/WoH came along). Hyatt was just being defensive.
Note the first thing Hyatt did when taking it over was change the branding from Ventana, an Alila Resort to Alila Ventana Big Sur.
They also sold it to Host, a REIT whom they've trusted with owning some of their most prominent divestitures - Grand Hyatt San Francisco, Andaz Maui, Coconut Point - and a company that owns 1/3 of all the US Grand Hyatt properties. They aren't going to pull the flag.
At the time I thought maybe Hyatt were upset with the clear gaming of WoH reimbursements by the owners. It now seems more likely the developers of the hotel always intended to flip it when it stabilized (and rumors are the economics were a bit shaky before the all inclusive model/WoH came along). Hyatt was just being defensive.
This is a very naive view of how this industry works. No one made claims about how costly it is for the contract to be terminated. Just that, for a price, it can be done so trivially (as contracts like this have in the past and will continue to in the future).
Nov 5, 2021, 9:32 pm
#1625
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: ABQ & RNO
Programs: AA EXP 4MM, Piper Dakota, Admirals Club, Hyatt Glob, Hilton Gold, Wyndham Diamond
Posts: 1,425
If they just do Miraval pricing and leave it Alila, then definitely not great news. If they make it Miraval and move to being more inclusive with nightly credit per person for spa, and including most activities, as well as expanding what activities are available, I think it could actually be a boon for Ventana and I'd be more likely to spend points there.
It's a great property, but it gets a bit boring unless you're interested in and willing to drop a good amount of cash on the few activities they offer.
It's a great property, but it gets a bit boring unless you're interested in and willing to drop a good amount of cash on the few activities they offer.
Nov 6, 2021, 11:57 am
#1626
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Upper Sternistan
Posts: 10,031
If they just do Miraval pricing and leave it Alila, then definitely not great news. If they make it Miraval and move to being more inclusive with nightly credit per person for spa, and including most activities, as well as expanding what activities are available, I think it could actually be a boon for Ventana and I'd be more likely to spend points there.
It's a great property, but it gets a bit boring unless you're interested in and willing to drop a good amount of cash on the few activities they offer.
It's a great property, but it gets a bit boring unless you're interested in and willing to drop a good amount of cash on the few activities they offer.
Also, I don't think they'd have nearly enough capacity there to include treatments like Miraval.
Nov 8, 2021, 6:53 am
#1627
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 102
We are just returning from our second trip. This is a phenomenal couples resort. As far as "boring", I suppose if you don't like to hike and/or nature. There are (near) free state parks with incredible views just minutes away.
As for nightly entertainment - kids free nights with the spouse and relaxing in front of a fireplace is good enough for me.
We are planning our third trip (now if we could just find a regular room to use a suite upgrade with).
Cheers
Nov 8, 2021, 7:28 am
#1628
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Charlotte NC USA
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, AA Exec Plat, Alaska 75k, IHG Diamond, Wyndham Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 863
I'll second this. If there is a place that is even close in North America (points), I'd love to know. I'll give in a shot.
We are just returning from our second trip. This is a phenomenal couples resort. As far as "boring", I suppose if you don't like to hike and/or nature. There are (near) free state parks with incredible views just minutes away...
We are planning our third trip (now if we could just find a regular room to use a suite upgrade with).
We are just returning from our second trip. This is a phenomenal couples resort. As far as "boring", I suppose if you don't like to hike and/or nature. There are (near) free state parks with incredible views just minutes away...
We are planning our third trip (now if we could just find a regular room to use a suite upgrade with).
Would so appreciate your and other's suggestions for places to visit and things to do right now, in early-mid November. We've been swamped enough with work that we did very little research or preparation, so we are trying to catch up.
And will PM you now, would be nice to say hello before we leave.
Nov 8, 2021, 7:57 am
#1629
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 703
- Pfeiffer Beach- like $10 entrance fee but beautiful beachy area with awesome rock features.
- Buzzard’s Roost Trail Loop - 2-4mi loop up a bluff, kind of hard to find the trail entrance but if you park near some bridge next to a small river you are close
- McWay falls - super casual walk over an amazing isolated beach/cove. They charge to park in the parking lot but just park on the side of the road for free, a lot of places are like this.
- Andrew Molera Beach - this trail started with having to take off your shoes and wade across the water to get to the beach!
- Grab a cocktail at Nepenthe, assuming they don't close seasonally, quite close to Ventana
- Coastal Road by big sur
- Pfeiffer falls: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/bi...cid=uxbndlbing
- Partington Cove - https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...alifornia.html
- Point Lobos (bit North by Caramel)
Nov 8, 2021, 8:06 am
#1630
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Manhattan NV
Programs: Hilton LTD, Hyatt Glob, Marriott LTTE, AA LTP, Avis PC, National EE, Seabourn DE
Posts: 3,029
Besides the Hyatt flag, Miraval......Ventana.....one has nothing to do with the other. Two different products. Changing award pricing to match Miraval seems logical. I like 'em both for different reasons. Tthere is only one Ventana and it cannot be duplicated, until they buy Post Valley Ranch.
Nov 8, 2021, 9:03 am
#1631
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 102
Soccerjosh
Soccerjosh Provided a good list. I’d add, the Bluff’s trail is the best overall I’ve done in the area. You are walking alongside the ocean for a lot of it, and it takes you to a cove in the beach as well. On the road, otherwise I’d post some pictures.
personally, I’d skip the buzzard’s trail. It’s a tough hike and, in my opinion, the view at the top isn’t worth the hike. Can’t go wrong, but it wouldn’t be a the top of my list.
for an easy trail, definitely check out the newly opened Pfeiffer Falls trail- redwoods, waterfall, etc.
cheers
personally, I’d skip the buzzard’s trail. It’s a tough hike and, in my opinion, the view at the top isn’t worth the hike. Can’t go wrong, but it wouldn’t be a the top of my list.
for an easy trail, definitely check out the newly opened Pfeiffer Falls trail- redwoods, waterfall, etc.
cheers
Nov 8, 2021, 10:50 am
#1632
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Charlotte NC USA
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, AA Exec Plat, Alaska 75k, IHG Diamond, Wyndham Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 863
Thanks Soccerjosh and RioAg, for the very helpful comments. Much appreciated!
We're just getting ready for the 10am property tour, then we're going to go do a bit of exploring per your suggestions.
Just got back from a scrumptuous breakfast outdoors, overlooking the a gorgeous ocean view, where they were seating all the diners under the heatlamps. (Very tasty. Not quite the level of last night, which my foodie partner pronounced "sublime", but still impressive.)
We're just getting ready for the 10am property tour, then we're going to go do a bit of exploring per your suggestions.
Just got back from a scrumptuous breakfast outdoors, overlooking the a gorgeous ocean view, where they were seating all the diners under the heatlamps. (Very tasty. Not quite the level of last night, which my foodie partner pronounced "sublime", but still impressive.)
Soccerjosh Provided a good list. I’d add, the Bluff’s trail is the best overall I’ve done in the area. ...personally, I’d skip the buzzard’s trail. It’s a tough hike and, in my opinion, the view at the top isn’t worth the hike. ...for an easy trail, definitely check out the newly opened Pfeiffer Falls trail- redwoods, waterfall, etc.
cheers
cheers
Nov 8, 2021, 10:55 am
#1633
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 102
Nov 8, 2021, 5:05 pm
#1634
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 703
Thanks Soccerjosh and RioAg, for the very helpful comments. Much appreciated!
We're just getting ready for the 10am property tour, then we're going to go do a bit of exploring per your suggestions.
Just got back from a scrumptuous breakfast outdoors, overlooking the a gorgeous ocean view, where they were seating all the diners under the heatlamps. (Very tasty. Not quite the level of last night, which my foodie partner pronounced "sublime", but still impressive.)
We're just getting ready for the 10am property tour, then we're going to go do a bit of exploring per your suggestions.
Just got back from a scrumptuous breakfast outdoors, overlooking the a gorgeous ocean view, where they were seating all the diners under the heatlamps. (Very tasty. Not quite the level of last night, which my foodie partner pronounced "sublime", but still impressive.)
Nov 8, 2021, 5:40 pm
#1635
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 102
Just returned - but had to go all in and get a premium suite with points. Last year we had a standard room and used a suite upgrade.
what are they considering a standard room now? I know this has been discussed at one point, but can’t seem to find it. Apparently it’s not a king bed with fireplace.
No availability next fall.. a year ahead of time for the “standard” award.
we loved the hot tub suite- but definitely not worth double points over standard room + suite upgrade cert to Big Sur suite.
thanks!
what are they considering a standard room now? I know this has been discussed at one point, but can’t seem to find it. Apparently it’s not a king bed with fireplace.
No availability next fall.. a year ahead of time for the “standard” award.
we loved the hot tub suite- but definitely not worth double points over standard room + suite upgrade cert to Big Sur suite.
thanks!