Experience Surfing, Breathtaking Big Sur Views, and the Finest Wine Country in One Unforgettable California Adventure

California boasts 840 miles of coastline, ranging from sandy shores to rugged cliffs; 33 million acres of forests filled with sequoias, redwoods, and pines; 352 mountain ranges, including the Sierra Nevadas to the east and the Coastal Ranges to the west; three major deserts; and over 427,000 acres of vineyards. Choosing just one vacation style can be a challenge for travelers. Even locals take pride in achieving the “California Double”—surfing and skiing in the same day.

For those seeking luxury, consider the “California Triple”: enjoying stays at all three Alila resorts. From Alila Marea Beach Resort in Encinitas, a charming beach town in San Diego County; to Alila Ventana Big Sur, where the coast meets the forest near Monterey; and Alila Napa Valley in St. Helena, right in the heart of wine country. Experiencing these three distinct aspects of California’s essence is a remarkable achievement, especially for a brand relatively new to the U.S. Although Alila has long been celebrated in Asia, it made its U.S. debut with the acquisition and extensive renovation of Ventana in fall 2017, followed by the openings of Alila Napa Valley and Alila Marea in March 2021.

Mark Ley, director of sales and marketing at Alila Ventana Big Sur, emphasizes that true luxury travel is about creating experiences that connect guests with their surroundings: "We’re going to take you hiking... we want to get you dirty, get you involved... and then we’ll clean your boots," he joked as we wandered through sunlit hammocks among the trees. "Luxury and travel are evolving; people are increasingly interested in where their money goes and how it's used... they desire a connection to the place."

Each hotel forges ties with local businesses and initiatives aimed at uplifting their communities. At Alila Marea, sustainability projects collaborate with the Rob Machado Foundation, created by surf icon Rob Machado to "educate and empower youth to make sustainable choices." Proceeds from quarterly Alila Sessions, a series of seaside concerts and dinners, support the foundation.

The rooms are exquisitely comfortable, each with a unique style. At Alila Ventana, they blend rustic wood with stone and leather accents; in Napa, they embody a modern farmhouse aesthetic. "Every hotel is thoughtfully designed to harmonize with the environment, preserving the natural beauty of the destination, which results in varied architectural styles from one location to another," shared Crystal Vinisse Thomas, vice president and global brand leader for lifestyle and luxury brands at Hyatt, with Dinogo.

Each suite is so inviting that you might easily lose track of time during a weekend (or longer), yet they are not designed for all-day lounging. While Alila specializes in hospitality, the stunning settings and experiences—always guided by locals—emphasize that your room serves as a cozy spot to rest or unwind with a soothing bath after a day of adventure. "A core principle of our brand is to offer guests opportunities to connect with the beauty and wonder of a destination," Vinisse Thomas shared. "Every hotel showcases the distinctiveness and authenticity of its locale."

Wellness is a prevalent theme in our culinary offerings and activities, highlighting the restorative powers of nature, whether through meals crafted from seasonal produce from our organic gardens or through outdoor meditation sessions and mindful hikes.

Here’s how to achieve the "California Triple" and design the ultimate journey across all three properties, traversing over 500 miles of California’s stunning landscapes for three distinct vacations in one.

Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas

"Our location is genuinely unparalleled," remarks Ben Thiele, general manager of Alila Marea. "As one of the few luxury beachfront resorts in San Diego, our skilled designers have seamlessly blended the property into the coastal bluff, harnessing the untouched beauty of the San Diego coastline to offer some of the finest views in the area."

The hotel is designed so that 95% of the rooms feature either ocean or lagoon views, and the allure of the water was palpable from the moment I arrived. Fortunately, Alila Marea collaborates with Dan Mori, the founder of the Encinitas-based surf school Fulcrum Surf, who is the most effective surf instructor I’ve ever met. There’s no better way to embrace the thrill of arriving in a Southern California beach town than by learning, even just a bit, from a seasoned expert (even Kelly Slater's team enlisted Mori as a consultant for lesson development at his Surf Ranch) — leading me to catch my best waves yet.

If surfing isn’t your thing, get your adrenaline fix by taking one of the hotel’s electric bikes, gathering some insider knowledge, and exploring downtown Encinitas. Be sure to visit Herb & Sea, a stylish seafood spot by Brian Malarkey of Top Chef fame; the local favorite Lofty Coffee; the vibrant Far West Lounge at Modern Times Brewery; and the original location of Vuori, a beloved California athleisure brand known among travelers.

You’ll also want to relax in a cabana by the oceanfront pool and enjoy sunset cocktails around the fire pit at Vaga before indulging in chef Claudette Zepeda's fresh, farm-to-table San Diego dishes.

Alila Ventana Big Sur

"Visiting Big Sur naturally allows you to disconnect from the outside world," Ley remarked. "It's a destination that draws individuals looking to unplug and reconnect with something deeper... whether that's a partner, a passion project, or their own peace of mind." Alila Ventana features just 59 rooms across 160 acres, making it simple to find your own space. A tailored hiking trail or a soothing massage with wild herbs at the spa can rejuvenate both body and spirit, but for me, the ultimate solitude was found in the hot tub on my deck, with views of the misty forest. Sitting quietly among the ancient redwood trees really prompts deep reflection. If that doesn't resonate, Ley shared a special tip: awaken in the middle of the night for incredible stargazing from the resort's Japanese hot baths.

On a clear, sunny morning, I savored the view while enjoying vintage vinyl during a yoga class in The Glass House, a structure nestled among the trees that lives up to its name. "At Alila Ventana, we proudly embrace our bohemian heritage and continually seek fresh, exciting ways to celebrate it," Ley noted.

Behind The Glass House lies The Sur House, an exquisite restaurant and bar that showcases the breathtaking scenery of Big Sur, from towering trees to majestic mountains and the ocean. Twinkling fairy lights and cozy fire pits create a magical atmosphere as guests sip wines from boutique Central Coast vintners. The menu, featuring seasonal and locally sourced dishes, is all-inclusive.

While it's easy to lose track of the outside world in this clifftop paradise, a drive along the iconic Highway 1 should definitely be part of your plans. Alila Ventana partners with Monterey Touring Vehicles to offer guests access to 40 classic car rentals, ranging from a 1938 Rolls Royce Phantom III to a 1955 Porsche Spyder. The team will prepare a lovely picnic for you to enjoy at Sand Dollar Beach or to take along as you drive north to admire the Bixby Creek Bridge. (Be sure to check for any road closures on Highway 1 before you head out.) Don’t forget to stop by the nearby Phoenix Shop for art, textiles, gifts, and souvenirs.

Alila Napa Valley

Rooms at Alila Napa Valley offer stunning views directly overlooking Beringer Vineyards, the oldest continuously operating winery in Napa Valley. Private balconies equipped with fire pits or soaking tubs enhance the enchanting atmosphere of wine country.

Whether before or after your wine experience, Alila Napa Valley is an ideal spot for wellness: join a yoga class or sound bath, or indulge in Spa Alila's Euphoric hot-stone massage (using stones sourced from the California coastline, naturally)—even months later, it lingers in my dreams. Amenities include handcrafted products from the nearby biodynamic Be Here Farm (I’m a fan of the Summer Solstice Serum), and guests can create their own custom room spray with local scents like rose, lavender, orange, and fennel.

"We aspire for our guests to depart with a stronger connection to this area, primarily celebrated for its food and wine," stated Ty Accornero, the hotel’s general manager. "Our aim is to deliver a more immersive experience that goes beyond the usual expectations."

The hotel is only a short bike ride away from St. Helena's charming Main Street, which is lined with galleries, shops, and restaurants. Kick off your mornings at Model Bakery, a favorite of Oprah, and explore fine art at the Christopher Hill Gallery. For the more adventurous cyclists, the Alila Napa Valley team can organize a wine-tasting bike tour to family-owned wineries like Spottswoode Winery, with a lunch break at the classic Gott's Roadside. Enjoy dinner in the delightful, ivy-covered courtyard at The Charter Oak, just a short drive away, or dine at the hotel’s own Acacia House, housed in a beautifully restored Georgian farmhouse.

We ended up spending far more time than our Alila guide had anticipated at 810 Foothill Wine Collective, a group of wine brands crafted by renowned Napa winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown. As we enjoyed our sips with local experts who quickly became friends, it dawned on us that we would need to cancel our other afternoon plans. By my third visit to an Alila hotel, I understood that this was perfectly fine: I was deeply engaging with my surroundings, building connections, and creating a memorable experience (indeed, unforgettable, even after all that wine).