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Activities in Big Sur

ALILA EXPERIENCES

An Invitation to Inspiration

For centuries, the stunning beauty and powerful geography of Big Sur have beckoned artists, authors, musicians, thinkers and spiritual leaders seeking creative inspiration, personal transformation and inner well-being. Now, our Alila Experience programming extends a similar invitation to you, with experiences designed to help you develop a deeper connection to yourself, your partner and the natural world. 

Please note that Alila Experiences are private, must be purchased separately and are not inclusive of your stay. To ensure availability, it is recommended that all Alila Experiences are booked a minimum of 24 hours in advance. The following is a sample list—for the most current available experiences, and to book in advance, please contact guest relations at [email protected] 

Cosmic Yoga

Celestial Infused Yoga: A combination of celestial exploration and attunement of the body and mind. This experience draws on the Bohemian roots of Big Sur connecting the individual with the land, the soul and the universe. It begins with an elemental journey and ends with a celestial infused yoga.

Duration: 50 minutes
Price: $325 per person

(Please note a 24 hour cancellation is required for this activity in order to avoid a full charge)

Watch "Cosmic Yoga"

Axe Throwing

It’s pretty simple & deceptively fun! Our talented axe throwing coaches will provide a brief orientation at the start of the event. Our coaches will guide you throughout your session, helping to tweak and hone in on your technique so you can properly, and skillfully, throw an axe. End your experience with a friendly competition that might have you walk away with more than just bulleyes.

Daily: 11:30am - 12:00pm

Price: $35 per person 

Vinyasa and Vinyl Yoga

Music does more than soothe the soul; it brings balance to the mind, body, and spirit. Set to a curated selection of vinyl from Alila Ventana Big Sur, this vinyasa class will synchronize your movements with the music, open your senses, and relax the spirit, getting you ready to fully engage with this day.

Duration: 50 minutes
Price: $90 per person

(Please note a 24 hour cancellation is required for this activity in order to avoid a full charge)

Watch "Vinyasa & Vinyl"


Dive in the Hive

Take your beekeeping experience full circle! Each class will begin in the Ocean Meadow, where you’ll suit up and go bee-hind the scenes for a closer look at these artisans in action! 

Duration: 90 min

Cost: $150 per person

(Please note a 24 hour cancellation is required for this activity in order to avoid a full charge)

Watch "Dive in the Hive"

Foraged Flavors

This foraging food immersion invites you to gather wild plants using your full sensory awareness: eyesight, touch, smell, sound and taste. Acquaint yourself with the flavors of the local land. Learn tips and tricks to plant identification, foraging and processing techniques with recipes. Key themes include ethical and sustainable practices, and sessions vary based on what is in season and what is bountiful. During this hands-on activity you will taste wild flavors you helped create. At the end of this session, you will go home with wild foraged treats. 

Duration: 120 minutes
Price: $150 per person

(Please note a 24 hour cancellation is required for this activity in order to avoid a full charge)



Classic Cars, Classic Highway

The drive through Big Sur on Highway 1 is nothing short of breathtaking—and the grandeur is even greater when your trip down this historic road is in a vehicle with a rich history of its own. Alila Ventana Big Sur has partnered with Monterey Touring Vehicles to provide access to a hand-selected fleet of 40 classics, from vintage Porsche Spyders to classic Volkswagen vans, for you to embark on a journey of the senses and the soul.

You’ll see coves painted in shades of inviting blues and greens, mountains plunging into the sea, and native cypress trees that have taken on otherworldly shapes as they bend to natural forces. It’s a wild, remote beauty unlike anything most have ever experienced, leaving you to ponder the mysteries of the universe as you feel the twists and turns beneath you.

Duration:Half Day or Full day
Price: Beginning at $400 { excluding tax and delivery charge }

Leathercrafting

Learn the benefits of upcycling through making beautiful self-made leather pieces that are not only durable for life-time usage but also make wonderful gifts for your loved ones! Creating an assortment of goods such as bracelets, valet trays, wallets, and more!

Duration: 90 minutes

Cost: $90 per person 

(Please note a 24 hour cancellation is required for this activity in order to avoid a charge)

Glass House Dinners

The exquisite Glass House and its breathtaking ocean views create a private dinner experience like no other. Perched on the edge of the continent, your party will enjoy a prix-fixe menu (modifications available by request) and memories to last a lifetime.

Duration: 3 hours
Price: $2250 location fee, $500 per person { excluding tax and service charge }

Please note that reservations for this experience must be made at least 48 hours in advance.

View the Glass House

Astrology Readings

Experience this one-on-one astrology reading that offers insights into the essential stages of your life’s journey. Whether you are seeking to clarify areas of conflict, or delve into your personal strengths, this reading provides tools for managing life in new and creative ways. 

Tuesdays: 9:30am - 10:30am
Price: $325 per person or $375 per couple

*Private sessions also available

(Please note a 24 hour cancellation is required for this activity in order to avoid a full charge)

Essence Portraits

Watch your inner landscape unfold in brilliant colors while discovering your spirit guides, animal spirits and soul mates as Sofanya paints your essence through your unique color patterns. View a portfolio of previous work in the spa relaxation area. 

Duration: 90
Price: Single 90 minutes, $325 Couple 90 minutes, $400 { excluding tax + service charge }

(Please note a 24 hour cancellation is required for this activity in order to avoid a full charge)

Big Sur Bike Tours

There are few better ways to experience the magnificent beauty of Big Sur than cruising up the Central Coast on a bike. Feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your face while soaking in nature’s beauty on Ventana Big Sur’s e-bike tour in partnership with Big Sur Bike Tours. Guided by an expert, you’ll enjoy a backcountry adventure following the original wagon trail into Big Sur on the Old Coast Road, including a visit to the magical redwood groves along the Little Sur River, for an immersion into the area’s rich history and pristine environment.

Please note that this is not a smooth, easy ride, but it is suitable for all skill levels. While our e-bikes mean this is not a demanding activity in terms of fitness or endurance, the ride does include a fairly steep descent on loose gravel, and the trail can be muddy and/or dusty depending on weather conditions. Big Sur Bike Tours can tailor the ride based on the ability and preferences of group members.

Duration: 2 hours
Price: $250 per person

This experience requires a minimum of two guests. Reservations must be made at least three days in advance.

Gratitude Sound Journey

Allow yourself to be transported into a state of deep inner peace and relaxation through the healing vibrations of alchemy crystal singing bowls. A guided meditation focused on consciousness, connection, and compassion.

Duration: 60 minutes
Price: $300 per couple

(Please note a 24 hour cancellation is required for this activity in order to avoid a charge)

Champagne in Colors

Bubbles and painting overlooking the Pacific Ocean with Palo Colorado artist, Sofanya White. Our artist will guide you through the process with simple to follow instructions. Have no fear: there are no painting “rules” at Alila Ventana! You have complete freedom to create your painting any way you like and to make it your own! Let your creativity run wild! All necessary art supplies are provided.

Duration: 60 minutes
Price: $300 per couple (minimum of 2 people required)

(Please note a 24 hour cancellation is required for this activity in order to avoid a full charge)

Botanical Pours

Our mixologist will teach you the tricks of the trade using locally crafted liquors, mixers and fresh ingredients you will hand pick from our garden. This workshop will put you hands on, creating a delicious cocktail.

Wednesdays & Saturdays: 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Duration: 60 minutes
Price: $60 per person

(Please note a 24 hour cancellation is required for this activity in order to avoid a full charge)

Wild Apothecary

Journey with us through Ventana’s wild and cultivated land for a short nature walk with an introduction to sustainable foraging techniques and local native plants. We’ll create a salve and infused oils with herbs collected on our walk.

Mondays: 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Price: $60 per person

(Please note a 24 hour cancellation is required for this activity in order to avoid a full charge)

Wind Down Evening Yoga

Smooth and steady. Restore and relax. This class allows you to arrive to your mat in the most authentic way at the end of the day, move the body with gentle foundational yoga postures, and wind down to a deeper state of relaxation as you prepare for your evening.

Sunday and Friday: 3:30 pm - 4:15pm
Price: $30 per person

Reservations required 48 hours in advance.

(Please note a 24 hour cancellation is required for this activity in order to avoid a full charge)

Macrame and Cabernet

Cozy up and join us for a glass with a view while you create your very own macrame wine tote to use on your next picnic adventure. Don’t like Cabernet? Try an IPA or maybe a Chardonnay. Don’t drink? That’s okay, we’ll still find a way to make your day.

Sundays and Thursdays : 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm 

Price: $60 per person

(Please note a 24 hour cancellation is required for this activity in order to avoid a full charge)

Circle of Life Meditation Experience

Join one of our Meditation Facilitators and Big Sur residents on this inspiring journey for the spirit, body and mind. You'll experience nature's wisdom and the deep power of inner and outer peace as you gather for a centering practice and guided walking meditation. The Circle of Life is a natural ring of 100-year-old redwoods, a place that awakens awareness and revitalizes your connection with yourself and your surroundings. (The trail is a mild to moderate 10-minute walk. Please bring water and wear supportive hiking shoes.)

Duration: 60 minutes
Price: $300 per couple

(Please note a 24 hour cancellation is required for this activity in order to avoid a full charge)

Soapmaking

Bring on the suds! Learn to use essential oil blends, Ventana sourced botanical ingredients, these soaps will look beautiful next to your bathroom sink. Or, lather your friends and family in love and gift them a self-care night with the soap’s natural, skin-nourishing ingredients.

Tuesdays and Fridays : 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm 

Price: $60 per person

(Please note a 24 hour cancellation is required for this activity in order to avoid a full charge)

Falconry Experience

Join Master Falconer Antonio Balestreri for an exciting introduction to hawks, falcons and owls , where you'll learn about the role of raptors in the Big Sur environment, see a flight demonstration, have a meet-and-greet with the birds, enjoy photo opportunities and more. Private and group experiences include a "hawk walk," a short hike where you'll be accompanied by a special flying guest.

Wednesdays and Fridays: 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Price: $245 per person for group experiences or $345 per person for private experiences (requires a minimum of two guests)

Please note a 24 hour cancellation is required for this activity in order to avoid a charge

Private Yoga

Create a new beginning, or enhance your current body program with a private yoga. Available in a group or an individual format.

Duration: 50/80 minutes
Price: $150/$275 per person

(Please note a 24 hour cancellation is required for this activity in order to avoid a full charge)

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