🌲 Fine Sebby, you've convinced me... I'll have to book a trip here soon!! I do wonder what the best method of transportation is to the resort though if you're coming from the airport. I'll have to look more into that. I thoroughly enjoyed this review though. Nice work as always!!
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful getaway spot Sebby! I thought the 2 massive hot tubs on ur IG story were amazing on their own.....but that was just the start of the kind of amenities that come with a place like this.
🌲Sebby is showing us the way. I thought I did well with my little 3.3 CPP Hyatt redemption this weekend. I have a long way to go in order to reach the 5+CPP club. Great work Sebby!
Sebby! Those Barry’s bootcamp classes have been making a huge difference! I see those shoulders and legs bro!! AND HEAVY WEIGHTS! Thanks for showing us this amazing room, the pool, the gym, and all the amazing amenities. I would definitely go one day.
🌳 Unfortunately, Big Sur Smokehouse was closed during your visit. Their food is great and quite filling. We were fortunate to book on points when this property was a Category 7. In general, Alila Ventana Big Sur has made me a better person. Some of the workers on the property have been there for decades. Would love to see a review of to Alila Marea Beach Resort.
I enjoyed the smokehouse when wife and I went there, too. But, interestingly, they get a lot of criticism. Obviously though, Sur House is still superior.
I have stayed at Ventana twice (pre-Hyatt). The Falconry Experience is pricey but it is literally one of the most fun activities I have ever done in my life. Highly, highly recommend.
One of my favorite properties ever. I spent the first part of my honeymoon there this past year and was upgraded to a two floor suite with explorist status. It’s great for 3-4 nights. Super relaxing.
We were able to make it when it was 25000 points a night. It was really a relaxing space. COVID restrictions brought the food down a bit but overall one of my favourite properties! The redwoods are just soo nice to be among!
🌲 We stayed two nights last year (Oct 30-Nov 1). Even though it was chilly at night, they still made everyone dine outdoors. They had plenty of gas heaters near the tables to cut down on the cold. They only let us dine indoors for our last lunch because it was raining out. Sad you didn't show any of the golf carts as they seemed non-stop while we were there. Also was only Explorist last year, so no room upgrade, but we did have a fireplace, which was an amazing way to celebrate Halloween, roaring fire and a scary movie.
Thanks for this amazing new video Sebby! 👍🏼 It will be so nice if you can do a video one day of your TOP 10 most luxurious hotels in the world that we can book with points (and a especially the ones where we can get the best value)! 💰🤩
I’m out in Santa Cruz and that’s a very very close drive. How many nights do you suggest and I have the Sapphire Reserve, should I book my stay via the ultimate rewards program? Or wait till I have points to redeem to stay there? Thoughts?
Tried to book here a few months on random weekend availability while I was still with my girlfriend, but she wasn’t down for the spontaneity & drive from LA. We’re no longer together, so I guess it worked out lmao. But very sad I’ll never have a reason to visit this property. Hope you enjoyed it!
🌲great overview & agree it's a great value for Hyatt points. Already looking forward to my next stay there! you did get the pool details flipped, the mountain pool (the smaller one right by the gym) is clothing optional, not the meadow one.
What are category/categories? I keep hearing these places are like a high category etc but idk what they mean by that. Is there a list somewhere I can see?
🌲 awesome review! Just booked a stay for early next year. It'll be my first big redemption and your video makes me so much more excited! Have a question - the food is all inclusive? What meals/how many do you get a day as part of that? I saw you mentioning getting in room service AND a sur house dinner? And you get a free cocktail in the afternoon each day of your stay? Thanks so much! 🌲
Food is all-inclusive. Breakfast, lunch, pool side, and room service (breakfast/lunch/dinner) is unlimited. The only limitation is dinner at the restaurant - which used to be unlimited - where you can pick: 1) 1 x app OR mini pasta 2) 1 x full pasta OR main 3) 1 x dessert But you get unlimited sides (as of our visit) :) If you're a big eater, you could also do dinner at restaurant and then second dinner in room (or pre-dinner like we did).
Great video! So glad you did this review - it's been on my list for awhile, and I can't wait to visit! I'll probably do the glamping cabins, though - those tents look pretty sick and I assume the same common areas are open?🌲🌲🌲
@@AskSebby Ahh - bummer. I knew they changed policies for Covid, and I kept waiting for them to go back. Oh well, I guess I'll *have* to make due with a suite!
Even with 4 chase cards, i cant seem to build up enough points to do these types of adventures more than once. If i book a category 7 or 8 property for three to four days, i am completely wiped of points and have to start over. I guess i dont spend enough money on my cards because i can only seem to gain 3,000 to 4,000 points per month. Whats everyone's secret? I should mention ive gained all my bonuses already. Used some points on smaller category 3 hyatt trips in the past.
🌲 this is on my list. It’s hard finding award space during the times we would like to go. So hopefully we’ll find some. Also glad to hear you got upgraded to such a nice room with Globalist. Hoping we do too
Please do more shorts like these! Also, from the DPs you've read, is 5/24 enforced on a per-card basis or a per-person basis? I've applied for a few Chase cards over the last few months and only ever got rejected for reasons like "too many recent accounts"/"too many open accounts"/"average length of accounts", not "too many new accounts over the last 24 months" or 5/24 explicitly as I've seen with other people. Lastly, have you been to a Sapphire lounge yet? It's easily the best lounge I've been to so far and was better than the Centurions at PHL, IAH, and DFW.
My tree emoji doesn’t seem to be working (No emojis seem to be working for me)… I haven’t been to Ventana since Hyatt took over, but it and the property across the street have been favorites for the wife and I over the years. It looks like there have been some positive changes - for example your food looked so much better than I remember. Plus we have always had to pay for each meal. You guys should have spent a night or two in the campground. My wife and enjoyed the glamping quite a bit and the little bar/restaurant they had in the glamping area was pretty cool. I might need to go back…
@@AskSebby great! saw some days for 45k points. My next move is finding award flights. Do you have any suggestions on which cards i should get if I’m im coming from the east coast? My options of airports are Florida- Orlando/Tampa(preferred) or NY- JFK/LGA/EWR. Thanks.
🌲🌴 Thanks for the review. So if I’m understanding this, you can get this for approx $450/night with Chase points? Wow, Mandy does a Nordic cycle, but can’t light a match or win the hammock , lol 😅.
I've visited Big Sur a few times and I do think it's a beautiful place, but holy cow is it overpriced. I mean, this hotel looks incredible and relaxing, but $2000+ a night for this is absurd. Points would be the only way I'd go, but even then I'm still not convinced it's really Category 8...it seems a peg lower than that at least
Is food at alila maldives provided, like here, with your bill or is it all need go paid for separately? Especially seeing as thats all you can eat since youre stuck on an island
Do you remember any of that food being gluten free? No gluten free options would be a deal breaker. I didn't see any indication on those menus you showed in your video
💳 Sebby's Card Picks: www.asksebby.com/credit-cards
How to Book Alila Ventana Big Sur on Points: www.asksebby.com/travel/alila-ventana-big-sur-review
Never would've guessed Sebby's 6 feet tall
😏
Is 6ft the tallest of the short men or shortest of tall men? 🧐
- this is coming from a fellow 6 footer
@@ugoeze7360 shortest of the tall men. Don't play Sebby like that lol
Never thought Mandy was5'11 wow
He’s daddy 🤤 😛
Ahh how I miss these kinds of videos! Thanks for sharing both of y'alls experience!
Glad you enjoyed it!
This resort has been on my bucket list for a while and the redemption is too good to beat. I’m glad you and Mandy had a good time
It's a great points redemption!
🌲 Fine Sebby, you've convinced me... I'll have to book a trip here soon!! I do wonder what the best method of transportation is to the resort though if you're coming from the airport. I'll have to look more into that. I thoroughly enjoyed this review though. Nice work as always!!
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful getaway spot Sebby! I thought the 2 massive hot tubs on ur IG story were amazing on their own.....but that was just the start of the kind of amenities that come with a place like this.
🌲Sebby is showing us the way. I thought I did well with my little 3.3 CPP Hyatt redemption this weekend. I have a long way to go in order to reach the 5+CPP club. Great work Sebby!
Thanks! :) 3.3 CPP is great!
The most valuable redemption is the one you actually make.
Sebby! Those Barry’s bootcamp classes have been making a huge difference! I see those shoulders and legs bro!! AND HEAVY WEIGHTS! Thanks for showing us this amazing room, the pool, the gym, and all the amazing amenities. I would definitely go one day.
Thank you!
🌳 Unfortunately, Big Sur Smokehouse was closed during your visit. Their food is great and quite filling. We were fortunate to book on points when this property was a Category 7. In general, Alila Ventana Big Sur has made me a better person. Some of the workers on the property have been there for decades. Would love to see a review of to Alila Marea Beach Resort.
I enjoyed the smokehouse when wife and I went there, too. But, interestingly, they get a lot of criticism. Obviously though, Sur House is still superior.
I have stayed at Ventana twice (pre-Hyatt). The Falconry Experience is pricey but it is literally one of the most fun activities I have ever done in my life. Highly, highly recommend.
We did something similar at Al Maha (Bonvoy) in Dubai but definitely was a strongly considering it!
One of my favorite properties ever. I spent the first part of my honeymoon there this past year and was upgraded to a two floor suite with explorist status. It’s great for 3-4 nights. Super relaxing.
We were able to make it when it was 25000 points a night. It was really a relaxing space. COVID restrictions brought the food down a bit but overall one of my favourite properties! The redwoods are just soo nice to be among!
Nice!
🌲 We stayed two nights last year (Oct 30-Nov 1). Even though it was chilly at night, they still made everyone dine outdoors. They had plenty of gas heaters near the tables to cut down on the cold. They only let us dine indoors for our last lunch because it was raining out. Sad you didn't show any of the golf carts as they seemed non-stop while we were there. Also was only Explorist last year, so no room upgrade, but we did have a fireplace, which was an amazing way to celebrate Halloween, roaring fire and a scary movie.
wow Sebb, living it up Big Sur!! This place is simply amazing. Hope you had a great time!
Thanks :)
Thanks for this amazing new video Sebby! 👍🏼
It will be so nice if you can do a video one day of your TOP 10 most luxurious hotels in the world that we can book with points (and a especially the ones where we can get the best value)! 💰🤩
🌲 thanks for sharing your trip, great review!
This was great - more of these style videos!
I’m out in Santa Cruz and that’s a very very close drive. How many nights do you suggest and I have the Sapphire Reserve, should I book my stay via the ultimate rewards program? Or wait till I have points to redeem to stay there? Thoughts?
Never heard of this place. Now I want to go! 🌲
Tried to book here a few months on random weekend availability while I was still with my girlfriend, but she wasn’t down for the spontaneity & drive from LA.
We’re no longer together, so I guess it worked out lmao. But very sad I’ll never have a reason to visit this property.
Hope you enjoyed it!
Hopefully for the best :) Maybe a future trip with new P2.
@@AskSebby perhaps! Current plan for my Hyatt points is leaning toward a trip back to Europe next year. SLHs in Ibiza and Croatia 🤞🏾
🌲 Sebby this video was really entertaining love your trips videos and congrats on the redemption
🌳 love this video. Thanks for sharing.
🌲..awesome video. I will add that to my places to visit.
🌲great overview & agree it's a great value for Hyatt points. Already looking forward to my next stay there! you did get the pool details flipped, the mountain pool (the smaller one right by the gym) is clothing optional, not the meadow one.
Good catch!
What dates had those low point values?
Great video Sebby!🎉🎉🎉
This place is so on my bucket list, we live maybe 3 hours south so it's probably more likely than the Maldives.
This place looks amazing. Thanks for the content, Sebby.
Thanks for watching! :)
I figured this is where you went when I saw the wood tiles in the last video. Almost commented, but figured I was wrong lol. 🌳🌲🌳
Going there next year, thanks to your tips. Cheers!
Hope you enjoy it! :)
Good job brother man. Food looks amazing. 🥃🍻🥂 glad Mandy makes this work. Lol have a blessed rest of your summer. Safe travels guys.
Thanks!
Great video! 🌲
Thanks for sharing. Looks fun
Thanks for watching!
That place looks amazing. And there is so much to do! Thanks for sharing 👍 🌳
Thanks for watching!
🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲I have to go there when my wife. Loved the video! Also, I'm curious, do you do RUclips as your full-time gig, or do you do something else?
🌲Not for it’s intended use… had me 😂 for a while. Great review.
What are category/categories? I keep hearing these places are like a high category etc but idk what they mean by that. Is there a list somewhere I can see?
🌲 awesome review!
Just booked a stay for early next year. It'll be my first big redemption and your video makes me so much more excited!
Have a question - the food is all inclusive? What meals/how many do you get a day as part of that? I saw you mentioning getting in room service AND a sur house dinner? And you get a free cocktail in the afternoon each day of your stay? Thanks so much! 🌲
Food is all-inclusive. Breakfast, lunch, pool side, and room service (breakfast/lunch/dinner) is unlimited.
The only limitation is dinner at the restaurant - which used to be unlimited - where you can pick:
1) 1 x app OR mini pasta
2) 1 x full pasta OR main
3) 1 x dessert
But you get unlimited sides (as of our visit) :)
If you're a big eater, you could also do dinner at restaurant and then second dinner in room (or pre-dinner like we did).
🌲 Have you been to the Post Ranch Inn? Can you review it? I've always wanted to go
Can't wait to check it out with my dog too!
Great video! So glad you did this review - it's been on my list for awhile, and I can't wait to visit! I'll probably do the glamping cabins, though - those tents look pretty sick and I assume the same common areas are open?🌲🌲🌲
Glamping cabins are separate and not allowed on resort grounds unless you purchase a $250/ day pass 😅
@@AskSebby Ahh - bummer. I knew they changed policies for Covid, and I kept waiting for them to go back. Oh well, I guess I'll *have* to make due with a suite!
This was cool. Would live to see in depth video on resort itself on the other channel.
Coming soon!
Great taste in Music Sebby, Frank Sinatra + Notorious BIG = One hell of a Trip. 😂 🎶 🎵 Keep up the great content.
Thanks! Will do! :)
Great breakdown Sebastian! Definitely a place that needs to be checked out.
Definitely!
How did u get 30k, 35, or 45k award nights because I can't find any for even 45k points. I tried for dates in 2024 too.
🌲cool property, seems like a bucket list kinda place
Did the deal change? It’s now 90,000 points for the $2,500 suite.
Even with 4 chase cards, i cant seem to build up enough points to do these types of adventures more than once. If i book a category 7 or 8 property for three to four days, i am completely wiped of points and have to start over. I guess i dont spend enough money on my cards because i can only seem to gain 3,000 to 4,000 points per month. Whats everyone's secret?
I should mention ive gained all my bonuses already. Used some points on smaller category 3 hyatt trips in the past.
Great video! Please do Alila Napa Valley!! Also, first class/business class air travel bookings with Amex points to Korea/Japan
It's on the list :)
Tip for anyone trying to book, book it as far in advance as possible.
A really nice get away.
Hi Sebby! Considering to get the World of Hyatt Chase card (not business as I’m not eligible), would you have a referral link for that?
No referral for the personal. Thanks for checking! :)
Looked like an awesome trip!
How many days do your recommend? Shorts to longest?
I think 2-3 days is a good amount. Check the activities calendar to coordinate if you want to try anything.
🌲great property .. excellent video .. thanks :)
Glad you enjoyed it
I just booked it as well (last week) 😮💨
Enjoy! :)
🌲❤️
🌲 Looks like a really nice getaway. What’s with the clothes optional bit?
It's an adults only property so there are clothing optional areas 🤷
I’m looking too book in January 2024 and booking with points is starting at 66,000 points per night.. what happened?
🌲 this is on my list. It’s hard finding award space during the times we would like to go. So hopefully we’ll find some. Also glad to hear you got upgraded to such a nice room with Globalist. Hoping we do too
Worth it if you can find availability!
🌲🌴 Great review, any insight to what the incremental cost would be to add a 3 person/kid to your room on award stays?
Not sure how much it is to add an extra person. It's an adults only property.
Nice Daytona! ⌚️
I’m here now. Great hotel!
Enjoy! :)
🌲 good video
Please do more shorts like these!
Also, from the DPs you've read, is 5/24 enforced on a per-card basis or a per-person basis? I've applied for a few Chase cards over the last few months and only ever got rejected for reasons like "too many recent accounts"/"too many open accounts"/"average length of accounts", not "too many new accounts over the last 24 months" or 5/24 explicitly as I've seen with other people.
Lastly, have you been to a Sapphire lounge yet? It's easily the best lounge I've been to so far and was better than the Centurions at PHL, IAH, and DFW.
5/24 is on a per person basis. Sapphire lounges are on the list! Which ones did you visit?
@@AskSebby Visited the one in BOS a few times. Will go there again this week if there's anything you want to know!
Are people actually opting out of clothing in those common spas/ pools?
Wait.. the food is also included? Even at the restaurants?
Yes! Everything except for alcohol and doggie meals.
@AskSebby wow! And thanks for that prompt response Sebby!😂...I may just need to visit there with my lady!👌👌
🌲Looks amazing! I need to find a place like this in Europe!
Let me know if you find anything!
My tree emoji doesn’t seem to be working (No emojis seem to be working for me)… I haven’t been to Ventana since Hyatt took over, but it and the property across the street have been favorites for the wife and I over the years. It looks like there have been some positive changes - for example your food looked so much better than I remember. Plus we have always had to pay for each meal. You guys should have spent a night or two in the campground. My wife and enjoyed the glamping quite a bit and the little bar/restaurant they had in the glamping area was pretty cool. I might need to go back…
If you going to stay 1 night. Can you go there before check in?
Yes, you can go early and walk around or have lunch (might not be included before check-in).
Not sure if its worth 3k a night
The majority of ppl staying there were on points 🤐
i got 2x nights for 45000 hyatt points each last year, standard room. so $900 in points. Worth it for views, food, light hiking, quiet property!
🌲🌲🌲🌲Amazing redemption!
🌳Fantastic video! My wife and I love Big Sur. If you have been to Post Ranch Inn, how would you compare the two?
I don't believe Post Ranch Inn is bookable on points, but heard the hard product is more modern. Reviews say food is better at Ventana.
How long did you stay at big sur 🌲
3 nights!
Is there time of the year that its 45k points? I only see 66k and 90k for spa suite…
You'll need to check periodically for the 35k-45k standard rooms. 90k is for suites.
@@AskSebby great! saw some days for 45k points. My next move is finding award flights. Do you have any suggestions on which cards i should get if I’m im coming from the east coast? My options of airports are Florida- Orlando/Tampa(preferred) or NY- JFK/LGA/EWR. Thanks.
🌳🌳 nice place. 😊
I just got eloped there last month! ❤
Congrats!! :)
Mandy doesn't know about the Castling move in chess?
🤐
@@AskSebby You should show her Queen side castling and really mess with her, lol.
Sebby, they’re called treadmills 😂 🌳
it’s 66k points now. is it still worth it
Can you still get globalist upgrade even if you book with pts?
Yes, if upgrades are available. We booked with points.
A friend with 🌲 is a friend indeed, but a friend with gold is the best I'm told.
do a video on a good honeymoon spot!!😁
Haha, search for Ask Sebby Maldives, Bora Bora, or Al Maha ;)
30k-40k points per night seems like a steak for an all inclusive resort like this. I'll have to definitely make plans to go here next year.
Steal*
But also 🥩
Call me crazy but this video may have wiped out all lowest cost rooms for award stays as all I can find in the next 13 months are 66k/night.
🌲🌴 Thanks for the review. So if I’m understanding this, you can get this for approx $450/night with Chase points? Wow, Mandy does a Nordic cycle, but can’t light a match or win the hammock , lol 😅.
That is correct 😂
I've visited Big Sur a few times and I do think it's a beautiful place, but holy cow is it overpriced. I mean, this hotel looks incredible and relaxing, but $2000+ a night for this is absurd. Points would be the only way I'd go, but even then I'm still not convinced it's really Category 8...it seems a peg lower than that at least
I just went to their website and it was about $2500 for 4 nights.
I'm so glad you did this video. Now I'm sure this isn't for me. Too out-of-the-way and isolated. Thanks for saving me money/points!
Glad it was helpful!
Is food at alila maldives provided, like here, with your bill or is it all need go paid for separately? Especially seeing as thats all you can eat since youre stuck on an island
Would you expect a room upgrade in cancun with ihg platinum elite status?
I guess I'd booked My parents the same time you (80k for two nights) were there coz they just recognized you while the video was playing on YT.
Nice! Hope they enjoyed their stay :)
Making me second guess using my hyatt points for wild dunes resort Charleston next year.
Hey Sebby or anyone else here: Any opinions on how FedNow might effect the credit card points and miles game?
Not worth the price. I think Post Ranch Resort has better views, but I will not pay anywhere near that price ever again.
Is this a property for couples or families?
Adult only property
adults only
5 11 the new 6 ft
😆
Do you remember any of that food being gluten free? No gluten free options would be a deal breaker. I didn't see any indication on those menus you showed in your video
Yes, there are a few gluten free options. You can also make special requests at the restaurant. Super flexible.
Running machine..? A treadmill? 😂
😜
Looks like a good experience but I’m not paying $3K…points it is
Points > Cash
Huge room
620 sq ft!
I believe that was a legit chess move.
yup 🤐