Several readers were surprised recently when I wrote that Alila Ventana Big Sur probably plays a role in the dream trip I have that I've never taken.
California's Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most beautiful drives in the world, and I've done Spain's Costa Brava. I can't imagine anything more special than taking that drive in a 1966 Cobra (with red racing stripes, natch).
Shortly before I joined the UCLA Debate Team, which had just won a national title, my debate coach advised and had a cameo in a film loosely based on the team. It starred Kirk Cameron, Jami Gertz, and Roy Scheider and was based at the fictional 'Kenmont College' which used the Pepperdine campus. When you see the standings board in the film UCLA is in first place, its top rival was in last place, and my coach gave out the championship trophy.
Tim Quill played team captain Garson McKellar, and Garson took both Cameron and Gertz along the PCH in his Cobra.
Their drive ended at McKellar's father's home, but for me it would end with a stay overlooking Big Sur.
Hyatt's Alila Ventana Big Sur is a category 7 award property, so 30,000 points per night which is the highest price Hyatt charges for any of their own brands - outside of Miraval properties which are all-inclusive.
Ventana Big Sur has adjusted its service and is currently selling only all-inclusive stays (alcohol extra). Bottom-line is all rates include three meals a day whether taken via room service, as a picnic, or in a restaurant. And One Mile at a Time confirmed this is being honored for award stays at no additional cost.
Each Ventana booking now features the following inclusive offerings:
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- Dining in-room (all meals), poolside on your dedicated chaise lounge (lunch), or at The Sur House (breakfast and dinner)-which has a spacious new seating plan and is now reserved exclusively for resort guests.
t- Convenient, healthy, and inspiring snacks to take on the day's adventures, along with complimentary keepsake reusable water bottles.
t- Access to the resort's Signature Experiences such as Yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, and daily hikes.
t- The Ventana Big Sur picnic program.
t- Access to indoor and outdoor fitness studios.
t- Volvo chauffeur service within a three-mile radius
t- Access to private, reservation-only indoor and outdoor wellness studios.
t- The Excursion Outpost, featuring complimentary items for your use on picnics, hikes, and more.
t- New outdoor lounging nooks across the grounds, perfect for couples.
That means you can spend 30,000 points per night - same as before - and have all of your dining included, booking rooms that run $1500++. The property re-opens in mid-July. It's a special place, and right now a special value when you can find rooms available for redemption. And it means I just need to find someone to rent me a '66 Cobra.
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