Divinity professor H.E. Luccock was not standing on the cliffs of Big Sur when he said, “No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it,” but he was channeling the spirit of assembling a team — perhaps in a beautiful place like this — when he had that helpful revelation. Here assemble some great spots to make symphonic collaboration on the South Coast.
Featured photo: Courtesy of Esalen
Big Sur Lodge
Nestled in the solar plexus of the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, BSL plays the South Coast hits — redwoods, river, wilderness and hospitality — by way of memorable hikes, a worthy restaurant and rustic rooms that blend with the woods.
One of its less-obvious strengths is its experienced expertise with bigger gatherings, from company retreats to weddings to family reunions.
Meeting venues like the Santa Lucia Room work for groups of a dozen — or 10 times that. Indoor and outdoor settings are both available. Business-friendly appointments like projection screens and lecterns stand ready for action. And the seasoned catering staff can do barbecues, high-end dining affairs and craft beer parties.
HIGHLIGHTS: The Lodge’s central location enjoys convenient proximity to many of Big Sur’s most popular destinations, some within the park’s boundaries, and a general store that’s a must-visit for stylish souvenirs and travel sundries alike.
Glen Oaks Big Sur
You could say the angular art aesthetic that runs throughout Glen Oaks rivals the natural wonder around it, but it would be more accurate to say it dovetails with Mother Nature’s designs.
Attention to detail also finds expression in relaxing ways, whether that’s walk-in showers, natural wool blankets, earthy bath products or feather duvets.
Similar attention also attends special events, with staff attuned to what makes a wedding maximum magical (business groups, not so much, as there aren’t meeting halls), and the grounds — featuring around 30 unique cabins, houses and cottages — to accommodate parties of varying intimacy.
HIGHLIGHTS: Three words: complimentary homemade donuts. That’s a primary highlight at Big Sur Roadhouse, which remains one of the better kept culinary secrets of the area, with breakfast and lunch served daily.
Ventana Big Sur
The singular resort that is Ventana rolls out a wealth of group-friendly spaces that maximize the setting.
The secluded Sky Terrace embraces redwood forest, ocean and meadow views, the Sur Vista terrace gives ceremonies a natural spirituality, and The Sur House can make a case for the most stunning plaza the South Coast has, which is saying something — and all can be catered by the award-winning kitchen team.
While they do customize to individual whims — with a dedicated “leisure concierge” on staff — Ventana specializes in scaling activities with precision, including corporate retreats and weddings, and immersive activities like beekeeping, cocktail making with a visit to the chef’s garden, and nocturnal endeavors like celestial yoga and “astrophotography.”
It’s deservedly on our list of top luxury, romance and wellness hotels in the region, too.
HIGHLIGHT: While California Coastal Commission rules mean the glamping grounds below aren’t available for organized group work, they are a glorious place to hike and commune with ancient redwood relatives.
