Rustic Ventana Inn & Spa Unveils Fresh New Look

Big Sur resort reopens following property-wide renovation and summer wildfire

BIG SUR, Calif., Oct. 15, 2008 ... Ventana Inn & Spa, located in Big Sur above the Pacific Ocean on California's Central Coast, reopens Friday, Oct. 31, unveiling a $22-million renovation that returns the iconic resort to its rustic, yet luxurious origins.

To commemorate the occasion, Ventana is extending a "Grand Reopening" discount offer of 20 percent off its best available rate, which, based on availability, could be as low as $280 per night. Available Nov. 2 through Jan. 29, 2009, the offer is eligible for Sunday through Thursday night stays.

Founded in 1975 and recently named one of "The World's Best Places to Stay" by readers of Condé Nast Traveler, Ventana Inn & Spa is eagerly anticipating the completion of the property-wide renovation project that has produced uniquely designed suites and guest rooms, while enhancing the famed Japanese baths, pools and landscaping.

Ventana Inn & Spa is re-emerging from the summer wildfire that closed historic Highway 1 and a structural fire that damaged the property's stand-alone restaurant. Until the restaurant reopens in April 2009, the intimate Ventana Bistro has been created at the Inn to serve lunch and dinner and provide room service for guests. The Bistro menu, under the guidance of Chef de Cuisine Mathew Scherer, will reflect Ventana's high culinary standards of excellence and make use of the abundance of California's Central Coast.

There will continue to be some construction on the property through the end of the year with the majority of the activity in the guestroom interiors. In order to maintain the meditative and tranquil environment of Ventana Inn & Spa, disruptions will be kept to a minimum.

Named a "Top 10 U.S. Luxury Spa" by SpaFinder magazine, Allegria Spa offers massage, facials, wraps, scrubs and wet treatments and has developed several new services and signature treatments including the Essence of Big Sur Herbs massage and the Organic Seaweed Muslin wrap.

Lodging options at Ventana feature 60 spacious rooms and suites in 12 separate one- and two-story buildings. Each room has its own private balcony, or patio, along with a view of the ocean, the valley or the mountains.

Additional amenities contributing to the resort's appeal include two swimming pools (one that is clothing-optional) and the Inn's popular Japanese baths, which are open daily - as well as nightly under the moonlight and Ventana's spectacle of stars.

For more information about Ventana Inn and Spa, visit www.ventanainn.com. To book a reservation with the special "Grand Reopening" rate, call 800.628.6500.

About Ventana Inn & Spa

Ventana Inn & Spa, a Joie de Vivre managed hotel, is situated on 243 acres in Big Sur, 30 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea just off Central California's famed Highway 1. Sitting 1,200 feet above the Pacific Ocean, Ventana is renowned for its tranquil setting, rustic sophistication and romantic allure. The resort features the renowned Allegria Spa and award-winning restaurant, Cielo, with 50-mile views of the rugged Big Sur Coastline. For more information, visit www.ventanainn.com.

Media Contacts:

Kristen Hunter
Hunter Public Relations – West
831.375.1747
khunter@hunter-pr.com

Johanna Koch
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Ventana Inn & Spa
831.667.2331
jkoch@ventanainn.com