Summary
Camping in luxury? It can be done, and Glamping in Big Sur offers some of the most luxurious camping experiences you’ll ever encounter.
We arrived just before sunset at Ventana’s Redwood and Canyon Glampsites, conveniently located off California’s scenic Highway 1. The Big Sur Coast Highway is the ultimate drive in California, and staying at Ventana presents a prime location to explore all the major highlights.
From here, you can visit iconic attractions such as Morro Bay, McWay Falls, and the famous Bixby Bridge, made renowned through Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon’s hit show Big Little Lies.
Glamping in Big Sur
Typically, when you arrive at a campground, you receive a number and map, left to navigate on your own. However, Ventana elevates the camping experience the moment you step foot on the property. Upon arrival, we provided our names to the park ranger, who directed us toward our first canvas tent. A friendly representative greeted us with a smile and escorted us to our lodging in a high-powered golf cart.
What is Glamping and Who is it For?
Dave and I have enjoyed several glamping experiences in our travels, and we believe it’s the perfect introduction for individuals looking to enhance the adventure in their lives while still enjoying comfort. It is also an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts like us who appreciate adventure but prefer a cozy bed without the hassle of packing gear each day.
Ventana Redwood and Canyon Glampsites
Ventana has truly thought of everything, featuring heated beds and blankets, fire pits (both wood and gas), running hot and cold water, electric lights, and rechargeable battery-operated lanterns. We were pleasantly surprised to find a S’mores kit waiting on our bed, ready for us to enjoy after our day of exploration.
Stops Near Ventana Glamping and Campsites
As we arrived close to sunset, we hurried to witness the sun descending over the famous rocks of Pfeiffer Beach, one of the most photographed locations on Big Sur. It’s merely a 15-minute drive from Ventana Resort.
While the pull-off from Highway 1 is nearby, it’s still a 10-minute drive down a narrow, bumpy road to reach the beach. This makes Pfeiffer Beach one of the top stops on the Big Sur drive, as it tends to be less crowded compared to other iconic stops along the highway. We enjoyed stunning views with only a handful of other visitors.
People set up blankets to watch the magnificent sunset; some walked down the beach, soaking in the scenery, while others captured the vibrant colors overhead with their cameras. No matter how you choose to experience it, this is a sunset you won’t soon forget.
Afterward, we returned to Ventana for an exquisite five-star meal.
Ventana Big Sur Amenities
The beauty of Glamping at Ventana lies in access to luxury resort amenities.
Rated as one of the top luxury hotels by Travel and Leisure magazine, Ventana has hosted well-known guests including Mark Zuckerberg and Taylor Swift in their luxurious suites.
Guests can enjoy a spa, Japanese hot baths, two swimming pools (one clothing optional), and infinity hot tubs overlooking the majestic redwood forest. They even provide yoga classes, excursions, and guided walks—making it the perfect escape from city life.
We had the opportunity to move to the suites the following night after our glamping experience, but more on that later.
Dining at Ventana
Not everyone is eager to cook meals over an open flame. Since we were glamping in Big Sur for only one night, we didn’t visit the grocery store to prepare food. However, if you prefer outdoor cooking, we suggest giving it a try! We opted for the locally sourced cuisine at The Sur House crafted by Executive Chef, Keith Potter.
We appreciated both the restaurant’s atmosphere and the delightful cuisine. Ventana presents a selection of signature cocktails and a well-curated wine cellar for perfect food pairings. The set menu is available for $90 ($80 for the vegetarian option) and includes three generous courses.
Dave raved about the braised ribs, while my risotto was simply divine.
Breakfast at Ventana
We enjoyed breakfast twice at Ventana, each experience uniquely different. The weather is unpredictable along the California coast, and our first morning greeted us with chilly temperatures as we hurried to our car, cranked up the heat, and drove to the dining room. There, we reveled in cappuccino and a hearty breakfast of eggs by the comforting fire.
We knew we had to continue on our day, yet that cozy fire lured us into ordering another coffee to fully enjoy the tranquility.
Day 2 at Big Sur Ventana
The subsequent morning unfolded entirely differently. The sun shone brightly, the weather warmed, and we dined outside on a high ridge, witnessing a whale breach in the ocean. (You might think, “They didn’t!” but it’s true!)
Whales migrate through this area year-round, and if our neighbors hadn’t spotted it, we might have missed the spectacular splashes below.
What a show it was! We delighted in watching the enormous whale breach time and again, its body glimmering in the sunshine.
Our Big Sur Glamping Experience
Following the breathtaking sunset at Pfeiffer Beach, we spent the remaining night enjoying our glamping campsite. We returned to our tent, ignited our fire, and marveled at the beauty of the surrounding redwoods.
The majesty of the trees enveloping us was overwhelming. It wasn’t until Dave captured a long exposure photograph that we noticed the giant redwood towering overhead—a stunning setting that offered a sense of complete seclusion.
Diving into the chocolate and marshmallows set aside for us, we sipped tea by the fire, enveloped in serene silence.
Hot water bottles awaited us, and we filled them with piping hot water from the taps nearby. Nestled between the sheets, we were toasty warm as we settled into bed.
Initially, we didn’t realize just how heated the blankets would become. Rolling into bed, it felt cool except for the water bottles, but we awoke later in a sweat from the heating pads set high.
I quickly removed my hat and long johns, drifting back into a deep slumber until dawn.
I yearn to go glamping in Big Sur during the summer months; I believe it would provide the ultimate outdoor luxury experience with time to explore the Coastal Highway by night.
What is included in Glamping at Ventana Big Sur?
Included amenities feature a wine opener, icebox, glasses, mugs, and a cutting board, creating perfect opportunities for romantic outdoor experiences.
The bathrooms are luxurious for glamping standards. Running water is conveniently located just outside our tent. A short stroll leads to indoor restrooms.
The glamping bathhouse boasts heated floors, marble vanities, and teak showers, presenting a cozy ambiance. For those unable to make the short walk, portable toilets are even closer.
These are not the typical port-a-potties found at construction sites; instead, these portable washrooms resemble RV bathrooms, enhancing the comfort of outdoor camping.
In conclusion, we had all we needed for an unforgettable outdoor adventure in California while still relishing in the finer things in life. If you’re looking to try camping without going all in, consider Glamping at Big Sur Ventana. It’s a night to cherish.
Amenities for Glamping Big Sur – Ventana
- The Glamping tents are set away from other campsites at Ventana, offering a more secluded experience.
- Restrooms and portable toilets are available, ensuring it’s never a long walk for convenience.
- Guests of Glamping Big Sur can access the Ventana resort amenities for a fee of $100. We experienced the hotel on the second night but found this price steep.
- I wouldn’t advise this fee. It’s likely intended to keep the resort portion of Ventana exclusive; guests pay significantly for tranquility.
- Wifi is available, though connectivity can be limited. We utilized our 4G instead.
- The running water at your campsite is potable, suitable for washing and drinking.
For more information on Glamping in Big Sur and Ventana Big Sur Resort, visit their website.
Our trip to California was in partnership with Visit California. For additional information on California travel and itineraries, visit their website. As always, all opinions expressed are our own.
