Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1010195
T he majestic drive overlooking the Pacific along Highway 1 to Ventana Big Sur is the perfect prelude to the deep beauty that awaits on the recently remodeled property. Spanish for "window," Ventana, an Alila Resort, offers stunning views across meadows into Redwood forests and over rugged cliffs into the wild sea, along with glimpses into inner places of one's psyche that may have been locked off by modern life. The unlimited access over 160 acres to unrivaled natural sights, coupled with elegant and rustic comforts allows guests to be swept into a state of being that effectively washes away the constraints of structured, stressful routine demands. The iconic property, which was a homestead of the Post family in 1890, opened to guests in 1975, funded by the producer of "Easy Rider." Celebrities such as Steve McQueen were among the first visitors; today Ventana is a discreet getaway for those wanting the purity of nature to impact their travels. After the Soberanes Fire of 2016 and the resulting flooding which tem- porarily restricted access to the resort, Ventana took the 10 months it was closed off from the public as an opportunity to remodel the property. The new owners added in glamping, a cliff-side glass house art gallery housed in a shipping container, programming which includes falconry, an upgraded spa, an infinity edge hot tub, and an expanded terrace with an amazing bar at the Sur House. The 59 guest rooms offer balconies with options of soaking tubs, hammocks, and outdoor showers, and are designed with natural elements that bring the vibrant energy of Big Sur into the setting. "People just love being here," says General Manager Kristina Jetton. VENTANA B i g S u r, C a l i f o r n i a B Y S A B R I N A S P E I D E L D E S T I N A T I O N S C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R / F A L L 2 0 1 8 283 Photos: Courtesy of Ventana Big Sur