Do you yearn for a trip away from it all? Do you desire endless ocean views? A luxury escape among the Redwood trees? Well, if you answered yes to any of those questions, you may find yourself in need of visiting Post Ranch Inn located in Big Sur, California. Situated on a hilltop over 1,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean, this retreat is one of the world’s most spectacular hidden gems.
For those who are yet to be acquainted with Big Sur, let me give you a quick overview. Big Sur, a coastal region of California set between Carmel Highlands and San Simeon, is just a few hours south of San Francisco. Big Sur, which is accessed via Highway One (a motor enthusiasts dream) consists of about 71 miles of jagged coast line where the Santa Lucia Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean. The diverse terrain and presence of immense forests, make Big Sur one of the world’s most spectacular nature getaways with ample access to hiking, beaches, and camping.
Post Ranch Inn, named in honor of the Post family who ranched this rugged piece of California coast, is well regarded as one of the United States’ most premier resorts. Accommodations at the Inn consist of 40 guest rooms and suites; some facing the sea resemble earth homes, while others in the forest feel much like tree houses. Each room at the Inn offers an extraordinarily unique and entirely luxurious experience, whether your room immerses you in the Redwood trees, or you enjoy the Pacific from your private infinity pool. A focus on sustainability is at the heart of Post Ranch Inn’s philosophy, here rooms are decorated in earth tones and feature sustainable materials alongside hand woven textiles crafted by indigenous artisans. Although every room is a design masterpiece, the décor does not distract from Post Ranch’s natural beauty and one of a kind landscape. In all, the Post Ranch Inn offers a selection of 9 different and unique types of guest rooms and suites differing in both size and setting.
The Upper Pacific Suite
The rooms and suites at the Inn are appropriately titled: Cliff Houses, Pacific Suites, Peak Houses, Ocean Houses, Coast House, Tree Houses, Mountain House, and Butterfly Rooms. All of the aforementioned rooms are splendid in their own unique way; however, our personal favorite is the Post House. The Post House offers nearly 2,000 square feet of open living space with a living room, formal dinning room, media room, and plush master bedroom. The Post House’s master bathroom is particularly noteworthy with a rain shower, oversized bathtub, and radiant heated slate flooring. Post House enjoys breathtaking views of the Pacific from it’s 1,300 square foot patio with private jacuzzi.
The Tree House
Organic architecture is one of the highlights of Post Ranch Inn’s green design and 100 acre landscape. A distinct element of the property’s design is the fact that although the structures are strikingly modern, they appear perfectly at home in Big Sur’s wild terrain. This is in part thanks to the use of natural materials which adapt every structure into the nature that surrounds it. Through solar heat and the use of bio-structure architecture, Post Ranch Inn attempts to tread as lightly on their piece of heaven as possible. Another initiative proudly stated by the resort is that “water is pumped on-site and bottled into renewable glass bottles.”
Fine innovative and organic cuisine is a special experience at Post Ranch Inn. The resort’s restaurant, Sierra Mar, serves 3 meals per day to guests, while lunch and dinner are available to the public by reservation. Sierra Mar focuses on ingredients foraged, caught, and harvested in and around Big Sur. Sierra Mar’s bountiful chef’s garden is a special amenity and the menu, which changes daily, can be optionally paired with a selection of wines. Additionally, the 14,000 bottle wine cellar at Sierra Mar has been a recipient of the Wine Spectator’s Grand Award.
Amenities at the Post Ranch Inn are abundant with award winning spa treatments, therapeutically heated basking pools, and the Post Gallery which showcases the work of local fine artists. Invigorating complimentary activities for guests include guided nature hikes, yoga classes, and star gazing using a 12-inch Meade telescope. Star Gazing from Post Ranch Inn is particularly remarkable as a result of the clear atmospheric conditions in Big Sur, which allow for viewing of the rings of Saturn on some occasions.
If you live in or around either San Francisco or Los Angeles, a drive via Highway 1 is thoroughly recommended. On the other hand, if visiting from elsewhere one can fly into Monterey Airport commercially or the Monterey Jet Center by Charter. From Monterey, one can drive south for about one hour to the resort, however Post Ranch Inn is known to offer the occasional helicopter charter from Monterey airport. When booking your stay at this highly coveted destination, one key consideration to keep in mind is the fact that the resort does not allow guests under 18 or pets.
If you’re truly looking to get away from it all, there are few options that come close to the Post Ranch Inn.
Images courtesy of: Post Ranch Inn, Photography by Kodiak Greenwood
