Best Pool Hotels in Big Sur

Impeccable service and beautiful grounds are what people expect at Ventana, and, according to recent travelers, guests get those luxuries with a whole lot more. Guests have opportunities to work up a sweat while hiking or taking an outdoor yoga class before cooling off at the spa or in one of two on-site pools (one of which is clothing-optional). Recent diners also rave about the delicious cuisine served at The Sur House, which features a menu composed of locally sourced ingredients prepared in creative ways and served alongside the restaurant's fine wine list. And, although the accommodations vary in size from approximately 414 to nearly 1,200 square feet, all of the rooms feature comfortable beds, artisan-curated minibars and private decks offering breathtaking views of Big Sur's scenery. Ventana Inn & Spa is located about 30 miles south of Monterey along Highway 1.

A pristine retreat along the Pacific Ocean less than an hour south of Monterey in Big Sur, the Post Ranch Inn is renowned for its rustic atmosphere and indulgent comfort. Guests delight in the views from their guest rooms, gazing at either rising mountains or the expansive seas. The hotel's 39 rooms were designed for utter relaxation – you won't find TVs here, but rather wood-burning fireplaces, private hot tubs and binoculars to help you see more clearly from your personal deck. Should you need your fix of TV, you can head to the library, although the inn's activities should be enough to keep you busy. When visitors are not taking advantage of the on-site amenities – the pools (some of the world's most beautiful), spa, yoga classes and star-gazing excursions, to name a few – they are appreciating the great outdoors on local hikes or watching the sun set over nearby Pfeiffer Beach. No matter how you choose to spend your stay, previous visitors insist that a meal at Sierra Mar must work its way into your schedule.