I want to share that my experience with the spa supervisor, Katy Hughes, was not at all what one would expect from a property of this caliber. I booked a day visit through ResortPass and, upon asking about spa services, was told, quite rudely, that guests paying $3,000 a night take priority. I understand policies and limitations, but there is a professional and respectful way to communicate them. The way this was presented felt dismissive and unnecessary. Initially, I gave her poor communication and lack of customer service the benefit of the doubt as a one-off. For context, I have many years of experience in healthcare and customer service, including managing difficult situations and people, so I am very aware of what professional communication looks like. Unfortunately, after interacting with her in person, her behavior continued to feel off-putting and difficult to understand. After enjoying the our spa services that were luckily available, outdoor sauna and pool, I returned to use the shower facilities that were mentioned as available. There were towels clearly accessible to my right as I entered, and I took one to use. Moments later, Katy approached me, after I had already used the towel, and said those were reserved for overnight guests. I explained that I had already used it, yet she still took it from me to check whether it had been used. The entire interaction felt uncomfortable and unnecessary. I'm not sure what her issue was, but the way I was treated made me feel unwelcome. Overall, this experience significantly impacted my perception of Alila Ventana. I was genuinely considering staying at the resort in the future, but this interaction made me want to avoid the property altogether. I hope the resort reevaluates how guest services are handled, especially in roles that are so customer-facing. At this level, the service should reflect the luxury being advertised. read more

This time came for a facial and it did not disappoint. All the other things I mentioned last time still hold true (The spa reception is small and has a small seating area with coffee table books of the surrounding area (eg: carmel, big sur, etc). There's tea, water, some light snacks like trail mix and dried fruit. There is a sauna, though it's outside on the deck / veranda area which overlooks the incredible big sur scenery and ventana pool. You are advised to come in the hotel room robe so there's no changing room in the spa area itself.) Jody gave the best 80 minute facial I've ever had (and I've had many!). The room is situated on the second floor and faces the forest, ocean and as I was there at 3:15pm, a gorgeous afternoon view. Jody provided just the right amount of engagement, sharing a little about the product, asked whether I wanted extractions, etc but mostly let the products and hands do the work. It was serene. I fell dozed off a few times, it was utter relaxation. I left with my skin glowing and plump (full of hydration). It's pricey, but so worth it as we all need to treat ourselves once in a while! read more

If you're not staying at the resort, I would really second guess coming here for a spa day. It's not what I expected when I thought of being able to use their "amenities" which were included in the $100 day passes. It's not really set up as a spa which was highly disappointing considering my husband and my massages + day passes were about $1000. I've spent less at highly rated resort spas that had better amenities and felt way more worth it. There is only 2 poorly lit, small bathrooms in the spa (no actual separate locker room area or space where you can get ready) or even regular showers. Upon check in we were shown to the tiny bathroom/locker area where we were given 2 robes and sandals. I was so confused because I have never been to a spa that didn't offer an actual separate proper locker area/changing area. I asked if they had showers because I was getting worried that they only had outdoor showers available (which is almost the case). Finally after asking for the third time, the receptionist pointed out that there is a double shower in the second poorly lit bathroom right outside the quiet/waiting room. I feel like everything was just so close together and really lacks privacy. Even though I didn't mind the double showers, it would've been nice to be able to have a separate showers and a space to get ready with proper lighting and amenities besides a small steamy bathroom. I really suggest they start mentioning to people when trying to book as this wasn't really clear to us or mentioned before hand. Had I known, I probably would've thought to go somewhere else for a spa day. The massages were definitely great though, the outdoor space was beautiful but the lack of amenities just left a bad taste in my mouth. Didn't expect that coming from this resort. On the bright side, the weather was beautiful and we were actually able to enjoy the pool and view. The pool food was absolute garbage and over priced. Paid $24 for a handful of arugula and 3 pieces of watermelon and feta. If you're looking for a nice spa day and you're not staying at this resort, I wouldn't really recommend. Sadly, I've definitely have felt more pampered at a regular chain spa than here. read more

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Opted for a 50 minute indoor massage and was very satisfied with the experience. Masseuse Aya was very skilled and a professional. Only negative is that the locker room area is small and there is no steam room. read more

The Spa Alila - Day Spas Near Me - Big Sur, California

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Was able to squeeze in a couples massage during our stay at the property. The receptionist was friendly, lockers and slippers, robes are provided upon arrival. If you choose, you can wait outside on the deck, use the sauna, or enjoy a cozy cup of tea inside by the fireplace while you wait for your treatment. We had a 50 minute couples massage and were lucky enough to have it outside in the couples suite, overlooking the redwoods. Upon our arrival to the massage suite it was nice and clean (see pic). We felt a bit rushed, I rate this a 4 star because there were 2 masseuses. One was a 5 star and the other was a 3 star. The 5 star was Sue, she was amazing, great pressure (wanted her to go deep). The 3 star felt a bit rushed, the energy of this masseuse wasn't quite calming, massage was okay, last to start, took a break, took time to lower some blinds during massage, and first to finish. Definitely didn't get the full 50mins here. read more

The Spa Alila - Day Spas Near Me - Big Sur, California

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The couples massage was amazing! My husband and I really enjoyed the indoor/outdoor atmosphere--it was relaxing and beautifully done (besides the man blowing leaves outfront). However, the rest of the experience was somewhat disappointing. Along with the massage, we purchased a day pass ($100 extra) to use the facilities since we weren't staying on the property. Unfortunately, the property is not set up like a true spa or designed for day guests. There were only two restrooms on site, and just one had a shower. There were no m/f locker rooms, and the outdoor towels were soaking wet from the morning rain. It took multiple requests before we were finally given clean, dry towels. Although we were told there would be poolside wait staff, there were none available, and when we asked where to order food, we were told to walk down to the restaurant in our robes. Ordering lunch was somewhat chaotic, and the food was the biggest letdown--especially for a Michelin-rated experience. The menu was very limited, and the salad looked like bagged greens chopped into tiny pieces with some pre-cooked chicken and vinaigrette on top. Overall, the pools and scenery were beautiful, and the massage itself was a 10/10. But the rest of the day felt disorganized and not worth the high price (over $1,000 total). read more

Make a reservation or you can't get in the 1 freeway is closed been closed for 3 years we found out the hard way. I can't wait to come back read more

The Spa Alila - Day Spas Near Me - Big Sur, California

Great spa! Came from across the street because of the lack of a spa there. Was pleasantly surprised when we got here. We spent some money and got the 20 min soak, 80 min massage. A big stainless tub over looking the forest was so cool. Then the message - I liked mine (make sure you call way ahead in order to get female masseuse). Our package came with lunch and was delightfully light. The service was super friendly and we were able to use the facilities all day. There is a pool (a little cold), infinity hot tub with jets over looking the forest, a bar, and many different lounging areas. This was a very cool place! Thank you read more

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Soak and massage with a treehouse view? Amazing! Our massages were good and so was the service. The views by the pool are gorgeous and the wait staff also wonderful. If money wasn't a factor I would give the spa 4 stars. We came from the Ventana glamping site and booked an 80 minute couple's experience: 20 minute soak, 60 minute massage. The total bill for this was $1169.22. There is a mandatory day pass fee of $200 per person if you get a massage. This is discounted from $250 pp for anyone who would like to purchase a day pass to use the pool. For the price of the day pass and spa, I would hope to have better locker rooms to use. The lockers for the spa are located inside a single occupancy bathroom 3 feet from the toilet. There is one shower you can use but it is also inside a second bathroom. There weren't any hairdryers or toiletries available for guests. We were directed to the Japanese bathhouse where we were told had showers separated by gender, etc. There was one toilet, one shower, and no lotion, hairdryer or toiletries available that you might expect from a high end spa. We called ahead asking if we could come earlier to take a shower and they asked us to shower before. We were instructed to come 10-15 minutes before. Again... comparing this spa to many others 4-5 star resorts, I was VERY disappointed in what the spa and day pass offered. For the privilege of the day pass we spent an extra $230 for a burger, chips + guacamole, grilled cheese sandwich and tomato bisque soup + 4 drinks. We've paid prices like these at the Ritz, Four Seasons, etc. All to say, details matter and expectations weren't met. My husband also wants me to add that the tent squeaked nearly the entire massage due to the wind. Kind of like listening to a squeaky wheel during a scenic drive for him. One final note, it is not obvious where the spa is located. Very little signage. We asked around (everyone was so nice) but spent 10 minutes trying to find the spa. Arrive early! read more

Everything was so much better this time!! My husband and I both thoroughly enjoyed our massages. He said it was the best massage he ever had! We had the Swedish massages and they spent a lot of time on our scalps and our feet. Amazing!!!! read more