Today we’re taking a trip up the coast of California to one of the state’s most beautiful and untouched spots – Big Sur.  A rustic region where the forest meets the ocean along rocky and oh-so lovely cliffs, Big Sur is home to some of the best hiking in CA and sea life spotting.  But it’s also home to some of the most secluded and romantic resorts around.  Ventana Inn and Spa is one of those such special places.  A haven for celebrities to be left alone for days on end and honeymooners to enjoy the peaceful quiet of the great outdoors, this hotel is a perfect place for an intimate destination wedding or post-nuptial getaway.

Ventana means window, so take a peek into this special place to say “I do.”  Set on 243 acres of rolling hills and land, you’ll love lounging in your private hammock and simply taking it all in.  If spa is your speed – two pools, two Japanese bathhouses and all the  relaxing experiences you could desire will certainly make you feel pampered and rejuvenated after that exhausting wedding week.  Then, once rested and relaxed, head off to dinner at The Restaurant at Ventana, a cabin-like space that feels as warm and inviting as your own living room.

But don’t spend all your time resting, wining and dining – Ventana provides the start to some pretty epic nature walks and hikes too, should you bring your sense of adventure with you.

If you want to live like royalty and take your guests along with you, then host your own laid-back but oh-so celebrity style wedding at Ventana.  They’ve got two terraces designed just for you and your ceremony.  The first “wedding site” hosts up to 80 people and has views that go on for miles and  miles (literally, 50 miles) and yet, it is secluded enough to feel like you are the only 80 people in the world.

The “upper terrace” welcomes a slightly larger wedding party and is just off the famed restaurant on property.  With equally wonderful views, this spot is fit for a group with a little more party in their party.

Should you find you want to wed with just the two of you present, then the vista space is for you.  Say “I do” in the restaurant’s herb garden to the sound of a flowing fountain and sweet smells of the great outdoors.

With countless awards and accolades, they are clearly doing something right with their service.  But that’s not the best part.  Ventana Inn is where one goes to truly unplug, unwind, and begin anew in one of the most beautiful places on the west coast.  What better way to start your life together?

Travel Tip: Take a day trip along the coast whether by car or by foot and picnic while you watch the sea otters play in the surf or visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the local town for a less private tour of the landscape.  Hearst Castle isn’t too far by car either if you like to get out and hit the tourist hot spots – it’s quite fun and also provides some spectacular views and insights into California and its history.

When to Go: California has great weather most of the year, though along the coast it can tend to get chilly, especially in the evenings.  We find fall to be the best time of all to visit but you can’t go wrong year round.