Big Sur, Calif. (April 29, 2019) – 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.
