Ventana Big Sur
About the Trip & How We Did It
When I went to my first credit card points meet up, I quickly realized that Ventana Big Sur was one of the most sought-after points bookings. Since then, my husband and I have spent two long weekends there and already have plans to go back next year!
This beautiful property sits on 160 acres amidst the beautiful Pacific Ocean and majestic redwood trees. It is a mostly scenic 2 hour drive from San Jose Mineta Airport (SJC) or 2 ½ hours from San Francisco. You can also fly into Monterey Regional airport but we’ve never been able to find decent deals there. Because the road often washes out south of Big Sur, it is not recommended to fly into any airports to the south.
With nightly rates over $2,000, this is an experience made possible by points! Think of a luxury summer camp for adults and this is it! Rooms are rustic but stylish, comfortable and well appointed. All the rooms have balconies with hammocks. Our upgraded room had an outdoor shower. There are fireplaces in every room with a cozy seating area. With only 54 guest rooms, it is a haven of tranquility. Snacks in the room are complimentary and delicious – chocolate covered almonds, gummy bears and homemade granola bars were our favorites. Views from all vantages are spectacular.
All food is included and we loved all the dishes we tried. Breakfast and dinner are served at The Sur House. The Sur house was a short, .3 mile paved trail from the main part of the resort. We loved walking to the restaurant through the Redwoods. Alternatively, you can request a golf cart though we preferred to walk. The Sur House overlooks the Pacific Ocean and has the most magical views. A huge patio with comfortable furniture and a huge fireplace is the perfect place for a pre-dinner drink. Except for a daily free happy hour drink, alcohol is not included. Lunch is served by the main pool. You can also get room service anytime (also free!). We loved all the food and the evening service was a highlight of the trip. The waiters were so warm and treated us like family! Tipping is also included but we tipped as usual anyway.
There is a game room with a pool table and all sorts of board games. Coffee is set up here in the mornings. We went on a couple hikes a day, some of them guided. The main pool had a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean. A vegetable garden and chicken coop add to the ambiance of the place. There are many activities, some free and others paid to keep guests busy. A Japanese bath was a relaxing way to end the day. There are record players in the room and a record lending library. They have a spa that offers your typical spa services. They also have a complimentary bath salt bar where you can go and fill little bags with different combinations of bath salts and dried flowers.
Here's how we booked it:
MCI-SJC on Delta. Paid $217 each with ecredits “earned” with Amex Platinum flight credits
SJC-MCI on Southwest. Used approximately 21,000 Southwest points + 11.20 taxes and companion was free. Rebooked once to save 1,600 points.
Ventana Big Sur – booked 3 nights for a total of 135,000 points. Cash price for a standard room was $8,600 for a 6.4 cents per point redemption.
Rental car - $265 cash
Trip Overall Rating: 10/10. We’ve already booked a stay for next year!
-Mary
