Located in Big Sur overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this luxury, yet rustic chic, ranch-style luxury hotel is strung along the rocky-ridged Californian cliff
Set on a cliff Big Sur overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this luxury, yet rustic chic, ranch-style luxury hotel is strung along the rocky-ridged Californian cliff. The recycled-redwood rooms offer total seclusion and nothing but soaring condors, starry nights, breathtaking views and a wood-burning fire for company. The only reason to venture out from your isolation will be for some divine dining at Sierra Mar or a soothing treatment at the spa.
ECO-FRIENDLY
Post Ranch Inn has the largest hotel solar system in California with nearly 1,000 sun panels. Millions of dollars have been spent to make Post Ranch Inn as perfect as possible. Each oceanview cottage sits on the cliff, curved around old trees, while the mountainside treehouses are built on stilts. All rooms are made from reclaimed wood, glass, steel and stone, reflecting the natural and atmosphere at Post Ranch Inn.
WELLNESS
The spa draws inspiration from nature and its surroundings to make its own products for treatments, including the Big Sur Jade Stone therapy and the signature Big Sur Flower Essence. The spa also offers Native American shaman sessions for more adventurous guests. Furthermore, the resort also boasts a fitness centre and offers daily yoga classes in the morning, guided nature walks three times a week, as well as meditation and star-gazing classes.
RESTAURANT
Sierra Mar is a ranch-style restaurant with jaw-dropping views of the mountains, cliffs and ocean, its wooden-beamed interior edged with enormous windows to showcase the vistas. The acclaimed chef adds new dishes to the menu on a daily basis, whipping up Californian fare with some French and Mediterranean influences – do try the trio of scallops, roast rabbit and Alaskan halibut.
WHAT WE LOVE
- Post Ranch Inn is eco-friendly.
- The oceanview cottages and infinity pools on the cliffs are what honeymooners dream of.
- Guests can make use of the free minibar in the rooms, stocked with snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Don’t miss the inn’s Mercantile shop, located in a little valley. The walk there is lovely, and the merchandise goes way beyond the usual gift-store trinkets, featuring works by local sculptors, potters and other artists.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
- Kids aren’t allowed at the resort, so leave them at home.
- Guests have complimentary use of the hotel’s fleet of Lexus vehicles.
- There are no TVs.
- The inn – whose 98 acres were once part of the storied Post Ranch, one of the earliest settlements in Big Sur – has attracted a loyal following of those who check in for three or more days to reconnect with their partner.
ROOMS & COTTAGES
One of the top cottages is Pfeiffer, a cocoon of redwood with a secluded setting at the end of the cabins. Other people will be hard to come by – all you can see is a glistening ocean, wild flowers and trees. We love the triple veranda, and the re-used redwood lining the walls in room Ross.
POOL
There are 3 heated infinity pools. The property's heated lap pool is a calm spot for both swimming and sunbathing. The pools are open 24 hours.
SPA
The spa offers facials and body treatments. For an additional fee, guests can also enjoy spa treatments in their own room.
TRAVEL IN STYLE
Relaxed chic.
WHO SHOULD GO
Couples will find the Post Ranch Inn an unforgettable romantic experience as long as no one needs a TV in the room. Those seeking extreme peace and quiet will leave with refreshed minds and rejuvenated bodies. Children under the age of 18 are not allowed, and to protect its fragile and complex ecosystem, Post Ranch does not allow pets.
WHEN YOU SHOULD GO
Summer is a popular time for the resort, so book in advance. Spring and autumn are a bit cooler but just as nice.