The Post Ranch Inn is all about indoor/outdoor living
One of the things I love most about living in California is that there are so many places I travel to within state lines– the desert, the mountains, vibrant cities and cute coastal towns are all just a few hours drive away. The spot I find most beautiful and special is Big Sur, California.
The view from the living area of my Pacific Suite at the Post Ranch Inn
Located on a curvy and stunning section of the Pacific Coast Highway, Big Sur is part California is part hippie strong hold and part high end dream destination. I recently spent a night at the Post Ranch Inn, and remain convinced it’s my favorite hotel in all of California, because in so many ways it represents what I love most about the Golden State.
The steel hot tub is kept at 104 degrees
The Post Ranch Inn was designed by architect Mickey Muennig, who studied and embraced the concepts of organic architecture and limiting the impact on the environment. The result is stunning. The Post Ranch Inn’s 39 rooms are hardly “rooms.” They are collection of unique structures– tree houses and curvy buildings that cling to the Pacific Coast. The result is serene and high end zen.
Magic Hour light in the bathroom of my Pacific Suite
The result is all about enjoying the surrounding environment, be it the majestic Redwoods on the property or the stunning coast below. Cell signals are dicey in Big Sur and that’s half the charm. There are no televisions in the rooms at the Post Ranch Inn and you really don’t miss them.
The chocolate chip cookies in the included minibar might ruin your appetite for dinner
Each suite has an easy to work fireplace and some sort of outdoor patio. There is really no reason to leave your wifi equipped room– unless you want to. The property is fun to explore with all sorts of special hidden hang out spots, including benches and even a Spirit Nest (a human-sized birds nest) if you want to chill out in nature.
The hot tub on the balcony of the Pacific Suite is kept at 104 degrees
The fireplace makes the suite super cozy
There are two heated infinity pools on the property– one lined with jade (which I’m told has “healing qualities”) as well as a heated lap pool. There is also fitness center and complementary yoga and meditation classes in a yurt. There is a full spa menu and treatments are offered in the spa facilities or in your suite.
I loved how the desk was so organic to the room
The Post Ranch Inn does not allow pets or guests under the age of 18, making it an ideal choice for a romantic couples getaway. They offer wedding, elopement and celebration packages should you wish to take your relationship to the next level in inspired and spectacular surroundings. Honeymoon packages are also available.
The Pinot Noir welcome amenity was nice to enjoy in the stainless steel hot tub
The Post Ranch Inn was one of the first pioneers in the green movement. You drive past solar panels on your drive up to reception (in the summer, solar panels provide 100% of the resort’s power– and they contribute back to the grid.) Once on the property, a fleet of Hybrid Lexus vehicles are available to chauffeur you around.
The guard gate at the Post Ranch Inn
The curvy and awesome exterior of Mountain House
While all this luxury doesn’t come cheap (room rates start at $675) the service is top notch and the resort does not nickel and dime you. The minibar could feed a family of four and is included in the room rates, as is an impressive breakfast spread in Sierra Mar Restaurant (which I’ll cover in depth in a future post).
Lounge chairs on the deck of a Tree House
The deck of a Mountain House
Nature walks, yoga in a yurt, and meditation classes are also complementary for guests.
The exterior of Sierra Mar restaurant
Be advised: if you want to stay at the Post Ranch Inn, book early! The intimate scale of the property means it books up way in advance, especially during weekends.
Solar panels provide the property’s energy
Funky fountain on the grounds of the Post Ranch Inn
The Post Ranch Inn epitomizes everything I adore about California– the rugged beauty of the Pacific Coast, the responsible green philosophy, the unpretentious luxury, and the high end hippy vibe.
The view from the Spirit Nest overlooks the pond (which is more scenic when California isn’t in a drought)
For all of these reasons, and the stunning location, the Post Ranch Inn is my favorite hotel in California. If you’re a bucket list type, this is a property worth adding. A two to three night stay is all you need, but one night is not really enough to truly savor all the Post Ranch Inn has to offer and to fully relax.
With only 39 rooms, reservations at the Post Ranch Inn are essential. No guests under the age of 18 or pets are allowed. Tip: stay here with someone special who you can chill with. This is a very special and memorable place.