As a result of current times, our readers have been asking us to highlight secluded stays with embedded social distancing. We listened — today marks the start of our month-long, weekly series Seclusion Sunday, where, for the next four Sundays, we will highlight one of our favorite secluded, socially-distant accommodations in North America.
We are starting our Seclusion Sunday series with Ventana Big Sur (@ventanabigsur) in California. The retreat is interwoven into an untamed reserve dotted with wildflower springing meadows and towering redwood and oak trees. It houses 59 spacious guestrooms that pay homage to the surrounding natural topography, cohesively done through interiors sporting rich leathers and woods, as well as rooms with balconies or patios that command a view of either the ocean or resident mountains.
But, for the ultimate socially distanced experience, we tout the on-property Redwood Canyon Glampsites — @stevenfingar’s picture has us booking a reservation ASAP. Peppered into the woods and accessible by meandering paths are 15 safari-style canvas tents. Glamping at its finest, these luxe accommodations are equipped with cabin-style décor, a custom-designed plush mattress with luxury hotel linens, hot and cold running water, natural-fiber rugs, a picnic table, dinnerware, and separate propane- and wood-burning fire pits with firewood.
Guests can relax at two outdoor pools — the Meadow Pool, which features a jetted infinity-edge hot tub surrounded by the redwood forest, and the Mountain Pool with accompanying Japanese hot baths. With its array of lounge chairs and slate-grey umbrellas, there is a spot for each guest who wants to repose pool-side.
Travelers will feel comfortable with the hotel’s ‘Leisure Concierge,’ who connects with each guest before their stay to create a personalized itinerary. Sybarites can expect secured attendance in private yoga and meditation sessions surrounded by majestic hundreds-year-old trees in the Redwood Circle of Life, falconry lessons, Tai Chi, and daily guided hikes. Gastronomy-wise, the concierge can arrange picnics for couples as well as reservations at the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, The Sur House.
