The 5 Best Boutique Resorts in Big Sur (2025)

Perched elegantly on a serene hillside, Alila Ventana Big Sur is a luxurious retreat where the rugged beauty of California’s coastline meets sophisticated tranquility. Enveloped in nature's embrace, this inclusive resort invites you to unwind amidst the sounds of rustling leaves and the distant crash of waves, offering an intimate escape that feels both remote and indulgent.

Spa Breaks - Immerse yourself in wellness at our bathhouse, where Japanese-inspired soaking tubs create a sanctuary for mind and body. The soothing scents of eucalyptus and cedar fill the air, inviting you to relax and recharge after your explorations.

Secluded Setting - Set on 160 acres of unspoiled wilderness, each moment spent here reveals breathtaking vistas, from panoramic ocean views to tranquil forest glades. You’ll often find yourself captivated by the ever-changing play of light across the landscape, especially during sunset when the sky ignites in hues of orange and pink.

Romantic Getaway - With private balconies and cozy fire pits, your suite becomes a nest of intimacy, ideal for stargazing or sharing quiet conversations under the canopy of stars. The gentle sound of the wind through the trees adds a melodic background to your romantic evenings.

Guest Experiences - As I settled into my room, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, perfectly complementing the soft glow of lanterns illuminating the path outside. It was in those delicate moments—a late-night soak under the stars followed by a warm embrace by the fireplace—that true magic unfolded.

Nestled in the enchanting Carmel Valley, Bernardus Lodge & Spa is a luxurious sanctuary where elegance meets the rugged beauty of California's coastal landscape. This romantic retreat invites you to unwind amidst stunning gardens and opulent accommodations, all while indulging in gourmet dining and rejuvenating spa treatments that promise a serene escape from the everyday hustle.

Total relaxation - The Spa at Bernardus offers a blissful haven, featuring marine-inspired therapies and an inviting ambiance complete with a warm fireplace in the soothing warming room, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Romantic Break - Each guest room exudes romance, adorned with down feather bedding and a two-person soaking tub, where you can bask in tranquility while fresh roses fill the air with their gentle fragrance, creating an intimate atmosphere just for you.

5* Luxury - Immerse yourself in unparalleled luxury, where every detail is meticulously curated—from the complimentary 'wine grotto' minibar stocked with Bernardus wines to the exquisite dining options that champion local organic ingredients, ensuring a memorable culinary journey.

Guest Experiences - As the sun dipped below the hills, a couple relished their quiet outdoor seating, warmed by the soft glow of candlelight while enjoying delicious bites from the casual lounge menu. They marveled at the vibrant garden colors around them, noting how the evening breeze carried the fresh scent of blooming flowers, making their meal all the more enchanting.

Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Carmel Valley, Carmel Valley Ranch, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, offers a luxurious escape where nature and sophistication intertwine. With its sprawling 500 acres of lush hills and vineyards, every moment here envelops you in tranquility, encouraging you to unwind and savor the beauty that surrounds you.

Total Relaxation - Indulge in the serene embrace of our full-service spa, where the gentle sounds of nature harmonize with rejuvenating treatments designed to restore balance and peace. Feel the weight of the world lift as you sink into a plush robe after a soothing massage, surrounded by stunning views that calm the soul.

Romantic Break - Stroll hand-in-hand along scenic hiking trails, where the scent of wildflowers fills the air, leading you to picturesque spots perfect for intimate moments. As the sun sets over the rolling hills, retreat to your suite's private deck, enjoying a bottle of local wine warmed by the evening glow.

Spa Breaks - Revel in our two outdoor pools, where the soft splash of water and laughter blend seamlessly, creating an atmosphere of pure joy. Engage in wellness activities like yoga sessions on the lawn, where the morning mist mingles with gentle birdsong to awaken your senses.

Guest Experiences - Guests are captivated by evenings spent around cozy fire pits, where the aroma of roasting s'mores wafts through the air, inviting laughter and storytelling under a starlit sky. The delightful surprise of crisp, clean linens and the warm flicker of your suite’s fireplace make each return feel like coming home.

Nestled amidst the rolling hills and serene landscapes of Carmel, The Quail Lodge invites you to escape into a realm where luxury meets tranquility. Here, every moment is enhanced by the gentle rustling of leaves, the soft chirping of birds, and breathtaking views that wrap around you like a warm embrace, creating an idyllic sanctuary for romance and relaxation.

Total Relaxation - Indulge in leisurely days by the sparkling outdoor pool, where the sun-drenched deck beckons you to unwind on plush loungers surrounded by nature's beauty. Take a refreshing dip and feel your worries dissolve as the gentle breeze whispers through the trees.

Romantic Break - From intimate fireside dining at Edgar's, with its tantalizing local organic dishes, to cozy evenings spent sipping craft cocktails at the Lobby Bar, the atmosphere here is infused with romance. Each meal becomes an experience, heightened by stunning vistas of the golf course and the Santa Lucia Mountains at dusk.

Family-Friendly - The Quail Lodge seamlessly blends sophistication with warmth, offering spacious rooms designed for family comfort. Children can frolic on the expansive lawns while parents relax knowing their little ones are just moments away, creating cherished memories together in this picturesque setting.

Guest Experiences - One guest was utterly captivated by the soaking tub in their beautifully appointed room, where they spent leisurely evenings enveloped in fragrant bubbles, enjoying the glow of candlelight. The delightful touch of a cozy window seat became their favorite nook, perfect for savoring morning coffee while gazing out at the breathtaking landscape.

Perched gracefully on a rugged cliff, Hyatt Carmel Highlands offers an intimate escape where the Pacific Ocean meets the towering pines. Here, every sunrise paints the sky in shades of gold and crimson, inviting couples and luxury seekers alike to bask in romance and serenity amidst breathtaking coastal views.

Stunning Sea Views - Each room boasts expansive balconies that invite the salty sea breeze and panoramic vistas, making morning coffee or evening cocktails feel like a ritual against nature's canvas.

Culinary Delights - At Pacific’s Edge Restaurant, gourmet creations crafted from seasonal ingredients tantalize the palate, as soft ocean waves serenade diners, adding a refreshing twist to the experience with every bite.

Wellness & Relaxation - With three outdoor garden spas and an invigorating fitness center, guests can unwind in style, whether it's through a rejuvenating soak under the stars or a mindful workout with ocean sounds as the backdrop.

Guest Experiences - Picture this: watching the sun dip below the horizon from your balcony, the air perfumed with ocean mist, as you celebrate milestones with a glass of champagne, feeling utterly pampered by the attentive staff who treat every moment as special—this is the heart of Hyatt Carmel Highlands.