Fresh air leads to fresh thinking. Take advantage of the area's incredible natural beauty and enhance your next meeting or gathering by holding it at one of the area's unique outdoor venues.
1. Alila Ventana Big Sur
The iconic Alila Ventana Big Sur offers luxury accommodations and unique experiences along the dramatic California coastline. This intimate retreat features 54 guest rooms, suites and villas, Spa Alila and two pools with outdoor Japanese hot baths. It also includes The Sur House restaurant, Big Sur Smokehouse and 12,000 square feet of event and meeting space surrounded by the stunning beauty of Big Sur.
For exquisite outdoor meeting space, check out their Ocean Meadow Lawn. Framed by both the ocean and forest, this new 7,000-square-foot expanse is an awe-inspiring setting for events of up to 200 guests. With cozy fire pits and relaxing Adirondack chairs, even large gatherings feel intimate and exclusive
Plus, among 160 acres of rolling meadows, towering redwoods and ocean views, guests can indulge in complimentary outdoor activities such as fitness classes, daily guided nature walks, yoga, Tai Chi, meditation and s'mores at Social House. For team building, the resort's Alila experience program offers one-of-a-kind outdoor activities like falconry, wild foraging hikes, photography, clay workshops and a variety of immersive hiking excursions.
2. Bernardus Lodge and Spa
Bernardus Lodge & Spa is a luxury boutique resort in Carmel Valley that sits on 28 breathtaking acres of vineyards, orchards and gardens with 73 guestrooms, suites and villas arranged around a junior Olympic-sized pool. An award-winning restaurant perfectly paired with Bernardus wines and an exquisite 5,200 square-foot spa are the star attractions here, not to mention the ultra-attentive staff.
Their Meritage Ballroom is connected to a two-acre landscaped setting, perfect for outdoor cocktail parties and banquets. With seating for 150, your guests will enjoy breathtaking views of the grounds and surrounding mountains.
Looking for some outdoor team-building activities while you're here? Bernardus offers team-building events specifically designed for groups to enjoy the outdoor space of the resort. Indulge in a Chef's Walk through their organic gardens, topped off with a culinary demo or master a game of tennis, archery, bocce or croquet.
3. Carmel Valley Ranch
Carmel Valley Ranch is a 500-acre playground set in the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains with flexible and diverse indoor and outdoor spaces. The resort encompasses 181 guest suites, the treetop Spa Aiyana and plenty of outdoor fitness and wellness experiences.
Their Redwood Terrace with sunshade and outdoor teak furniture, transforms this space into an attractive alfresco breakout space or reception area outside their Redwood ballroom. It's perfect for brainstorming or bonding.
Other meeting venues to explore here are the outdoor Oak Courtyard; the Vintner Terrace, with sweeping views of the vineyard and valley through a wind-protective glass wall; the Clubhouse Patio with crackling fire pits, a built-in stone bar, a soothing water feature and dramatic views of the golf course and valley; and the Vineyard and River Lawn Areas. There is no shortage of gorgeous outdoor space here at Carmel Valley Ranch.
4. The Inn at Spanish Bay
Photo Credit: Pebble Beach Resorts
The Inn at Spanish Bay has more than 14,000 square feet of meeting space with 269 luxurious guest rooms and spectacular panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the state-of-the-art facilities at The Inn can accommodate groups of up to 800.
Opulent boardrooms and smaller meeting spaces can be arranged to accommodate any meeting, while the indoor/outdoor pre-function promenade complete with fire pits is ideal for receptions.
Host a breakout session on the Fairway Patio, located outside the St. Andrews Ballroom on the Mezzanine level of The Inn. The Fairway overlooks The Links at Spanish Bay. With this stunning view, the patio is a perfect location for outdoor receptions or meeting breaks.
With a maximum capacity of 300, the Peppoli lawn is another great outdoor option here. The lawn offers a panoramic view of the Pacific coast and overlooks The Links at Spanish Bay. Just steps from the Peppoli Patio, the lawn offers a level outdoor space for meetings and gatherings.
After the day's meetings end, your guests can relax at the outdoor terrace by the warm fire pits with some light bites and cocktails while they enjoy the sound of the famed bagpiper every evening.
5. The Lodge at Pebble Beach
The Lodge at Pebble Beach enchants guests with relaxed elegance, attentive hospitality, stately architecture and a breathtaking oceanside setting.
Guests may indulge in exquisite dining, spacious guest rooms that are elegantly furnished in traditional style, unique shops and The Spa at Pebble Beach. There are four championship golf courses to enjoy, as well as tennis, equestrian and hiking trails and kayaking.
Meeting facilities at The Lodge feature 10 principal rooms. This includes a flexible conference center overlooking The Lodge and surrounding gardens, while tents can be arranged for special functions.
Where you meet matters. Remove yourself from habitual work routines and change your team's environment. Think brainstorming by the beach. A prototype conceptualized after wine tasting. A marketing budget finalized al-fresco. A hike atop the seaside cliffs, followed by an afternoon of getting down to business. Monterey County is where real work gets done. Are you ready for an all-inspired, all incredibly memorable meeting? Book a meeting at one of these luxury Monterey County outdoor venues.