Ventana Big Sur, California

In many respects, Ventana Big Sur is reminiscent of a hillside alpine village, scattered with luxury log cabins and cosy fire lit living spaces. The 59 rooms and suites are tastefully decorated with splashes of colourful fabrics, monochrome artwork on the walls and stylish modern bathrooms which soften their wooden frameworks beautifully. Views are either towards the ocean (note that the resort is located on the east side of the Pacific Coast Highway and therefore not on the cliff edge) or onto the forest and mountains of the adjacent Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. For privacy and romance, the Vista Hot Tub Suite’s (Rooms 1&2) are our top pick. As the sun starts to descend on the horizon, the wildflower fields make their journey from green to gold through coral and crimson. Where better to enjoy this natural phenomenon than on your private balcony, from your bubbling hot tub, with the one you love. For the more intrepid, there's even a glamping option under the redwood trees - nature at it's best! The tents are stylish and very comfortable and whilst there are no ensuite facilites, the shared Bath House has heated floors for added comfort!

The Sur House restaurant at Ventana arguably boasts the best location within the 200 plus acre estate. Perched at the highest point on the hillside with a rosemary scented, pergola ornamented outdoor terrace overlooking the ocean view beyond, if the sky is blue and the sunshine warm, there are few places we would recommend more to enjoy your breakfast, lunch or dinner. Synonymous with the rest of the hotel, the main restaurant has the ambience of an alpine lodge dining room. Originally from Illinois, Executive Chef Paul Corsentino put this restaurant on the map as a food destination in its own right when he arrived in 2015. Having followed his dream to create dishes inspired by the seasons using fresh local ingredients, his menus continually wow visitors and regularly include his two favourite ingredients; local foraged mushrooms and fresh wild-caught yellowfin tuna.

Big Sur is place to escape to and breathe fresh air through, leaving travellers feeling invigorated and rejuvenated. Embracing this mantra, Ventana Big Sur offers guests daily guided walks through the miles of surrounding hiking trails - walking sticks and binoculars can be found in your room. Pilates, yoga, tai chi and workshops encouraging a deeper connection with yourself, your partner and your natural surroundings are regularly available to enhance your stay. The concierge team are on hand to recommend a whole host of suggested excursions and local ‘must do’ activities to complete your Big Sur experience. When legs are weary, enjoy one of many herbal treatments at Spa Alila, whose therapists use natural products and traditional techniques to revitalise your mind, body and soul, especially memorable if you are lucky enough to get one of the two open-air cabanas with uplifting redwood forest views. The ‘Social House’ is the hotel's living room, lobby area and social hub, a place for guests to relax and share Big Sur stories by the open fire whilst enjoying a drink, a game of pool or a board game together.