Onal Kucuk Named General Manager Of Acclaimed Coastal California Resort, Ventana Big Sur

Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort, has appointed hospitality veteran Onal Kucuk as general manager of the award-winning luxury Big Sur resort. Kucuk, who brings nearly 20 years of boutique hotel and resort experience from across the country, will guide daily and long-term operations for Ventana Big Sur.

“Big Sur is such an inspiring destination, and I could not be happier that my return to California brings me to Ventana in time to unveil a number of exciting new developments,” said Kucuk. “I’m overwhelmed with joy to join a team that infuses creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit into everything they do.”

Most recently, Kucuk served as general manager of Thompson Chicago in Chicago, Ill., where he oversaw day-to-day and long-term operations for the luxury lifestyle boutique hotel. Prior to Thompson Chicago, Kucuk was general manager at The Camby, Autograph Collection in Phoenix, Ariz. His previous experience includes serving as general manager at Hotel Lincoln, a Joie de Vivre Hotel in Chicago, Ill.; and area director of Six Sigma, Black Belt at Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. in Chicago, Ill.

Kucuk holds a bachelor’s degree in tourism and hotel management from Bilkent University in Ankara, Turkey, as well as an MBA from the Illinois Institute of Technology. He is an avid reader, moviegoer, and traveler, and loves to explore different cuisines at every available opportunity.

A hilltop resort overlooking Big Sur’s rugged coastline, Ventana Big Sur is tucked among towering redwoods and whimsical meadows along California’s most iconic stretch of Highway 1. Ventana offers guests an escape where mind-body-soul experiences come alive through signature activities available through the Alila Experience Program such as meditation, art classes, guided hiking excursions, photography workshops and more. In addition to the luxury resort accommodations, Ventana’s Redwood Canyon Glampsites offer a rustic-luxury twist on traditional camping via 15 safari-style, canvas tents outfitted with a plush glamping mattress and luxury hotel linens, a wood-burning fire pit and more. This summer, the resort will unveil a brand-new restaurant concept to complement the current offerings at signature restaurant, The Sur House.

About Ventana Big Sur

Ventana Big Sur, An Alila Resort is an iconic resort ensconced in the heart of the Central Coast’s rugged landscape on Highway One in Big Sur, perched at the edge of the continent overlooking the dramatic Pacific coastline. Spread across 160 acres of rolling meadows, wooded hillsides and towering redwood forests, the intimate resort features 59 guest rooms, suites and villas, a full-service spa, two outdoor pools with one outdoor Japanese hot bath and one infinity hot tub, and a signature restaurant and terrace with extraordinary views of the coast. Complimentary guest experiences include daily hour-long guided walks through the serene landscape, yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates classes, and wine and cheese tastings.

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