Cliffside redwood sanctum
Weathered cedar lodges stand amid 160 cliffside acres, where quiet redwood groves meet panoramic Pacific views.
“Before you even set foot inside one of the 59 suites and villas constructed of weathered cedar, you’ll walk past an organic garden…”
Where it shines
Remarkable
Wood-burning fireplaces in every suite, and all-inclusive coastal dining at The Sur House.
Remarkable
Hillside Japanese hot soaking tubs and outdoor redwood cabana massage treatments.
Remarkable
A 160-acre coastal estate offering resident falconry and guided redwood foraging walks.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Forbes Four-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
the hotel itself comprises some ten or more low wooden structures, hidden around the sprawling 243-acre grounds and connected by winding pathways.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Highway 1 cuts along the coast below, and trails lead straight out into surrounding redwood canyons.
The rooms
Wood-burning fireplaces warm the cedar-clad rooms, and private decks look straight into the redwoods or across the ocean.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The spa
Open-air redwood cabanas hold polished copper soaking tubs and treatment tables positioned right above the forest canopy.
The pools and gym
Heated swimming pools look out toward the hillsides, and the wood-paneled fitness room opens directly to a forest deck.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
The Sur House
Tables on the clifftop terrace look past coastal scrub to the Pacific horizon, serving dishes from the organic garden.
It’s entirely laid-back (with blessedly little cell reception), and the first thing you notice is that you’re surrounded by insanely beautiful nature…
How it began
Hollywood producer Lawrence A. Spector founded the property in 1975, using his box-office profits from Easy Rider.
Good to know
Stay here
Alila Ventana Big Sur
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Big Sur
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.