Inside Alila Ventana Big Sur, California’s Renovation

Half a century after opening as one of Big Sur, California’s finest retreats, Alila Ventana Big Sur is celebrating its 50th anniversary with renovated guest rooms and new dining offerings.

The 160-acre property has long drawn travelers to California’s dramatic Central Coast, which is known for its sweeping Pacific Ocean views and bounty of activities amid secluded beaches or ancient redwood groves. Today, the resort—a frequent World’s Best Awards winner—is part of Hyatt’s Alila brand and still underscores the region’s reputation as a destination for laid-back luxury.

“For 50 years, we’ve been stewards of this extraordinary place, caring for the land, the community, and each other,” Matt Skaletsky, the resort’s general manager, tells Travel + Leisure. “We honor our legacy while constantly evolving what it means to deliver conscious hospitality. Big Sur has never been about disconnecting from the world; it’s about reconnecting with yourself and with nature. Our role is simply to make those moments as transformative as they can be.”

The resort’s 54 guest rooms have been reimagined with locally crafted furnishings, sustainable materials, and a soothing color palette that reflects the surrounding landscape. Organic textures, spa-like bathrooms, and private terraces (some with outdoor showers) create contemporary spaces while staying true to the hotel’s roots in Big Sur’s rugged character.

Beyond the guest room transformation, visitors can also expect a revamped dining program that marries Mediterranean influences with California’s seasonal and local ingredients, including produce from the on-site organic garden.

At the Sur House, the resort’s signature restaurant, executive chef Andrew Lauer has created a new menu with dishes such as bone-in ribeye with shishito peppers and duck-fat potatoes, and housemade squid ink pasta, a nod to nearby Monterey Bay. A new brunch program showcases shareable Mediterranean plates from Moroccan shakshuka to heirloom wheat waffles topped with sumac strawberries.

Alila Ventana Big Sur has also teamed up with Sony to offer access to pro-grade cameras for capturing Big Sur’s cinematic landscapes. As the hotel eyes its next half century, Skaletsky sees an even bolder approach to hospitality.

“For us, it means pushing boundaries, creating experiences that inspire awe, and most importantly, making a positive impact on the planet we call home,” he says.

Nightly rates at Alila Ventana Big Sur start from $1,800, and you can book your stay at ventanabigsur.com.