It offers specialized treatments like Reiki, vibrational resonance, and too many other transporting services to list here. So it’s with good reason that booking one of the 39 rooms usually requires reserving well in advance (and no kids allowed). It’s a testament to Ventana that even with some of the best hiking and most gorgeous beaches in the world right outside the door, it’s still hard to leave the property. The diversions here include swimming in the two heated outdoor pools (make sure you know which pool you want to go to-one of them is clothing optional), napping in one of the many hammocks strung around the grounds, or anything else equally relaxing. At sunset, the kitchen offers a wine tasting, when guests can grab a glass and settle into one of the Adirondack chairs (it’s just as idyllic as it sounds). The 59 guest rooms were recently given a modern makeover, but with redwood-paneled walls and floors, and the sense of place is strong. Most rooms come with a private deck and fireplace, and the views of the ocean and hills are spectacular.

It’s not all lounging and relaxing, if you don’t want it to be: The hotel offers guided walks around its 160 acres every morning, and they’ll book more challenging hikes with local guides, too. The latest addition to Ventana Big Sur, these souped-up campsites are a wholly different (and decadent) way to connect with the great outdoors. Set within a 20-acre, redwood-covered canyon, the 15 safari-style canvas tents are outfitted with all the creature comforts you’d possibly want for a weekend in the wilderness.

Go2shell big sur