High atop the cliffs of Big Sur, 1,200 feet above the Pacific Ocean, sits Post Ranch Inn, a sanctuary for the soul. Located along California’s Highway One, known as one of the world’s most scenic drives, Post Ranch is set amongst majestic state parks, beaches and waterfalls. Recognized as one of the top luxury resorts in the country and the only hotel in Big Sur able to offer an ocean view, it offers the ultimate destination for romance, relaxation and rejuvenation.
Post Ranch has 39 architecturally innovative guest rooms and suites placed along the ridge that parallels the Pacific Ocean and each guest accommodation offers a unique, luxurious experience with views of either ocean or mountain scenery. Room designs use earth tones with an emphasis on natural and sustainable materials, with custom furniture, rugs hand-woven by indigenous weavers and reclaimed wood, including old-growth redwood from wine casks, re-milled to create rich wood wall panels. The organic hues, textures, and extensive collection of original art inside the rooms blend seamlessly with the scenic beauty of the outdoors.
With a deck suspended over the western edge of the ridge, the vast ocean views of the extraordinary Cliff Houses can be fully appreciated from the outdoor spa tub and large terrace, the indoor bath, and the secluded glass-walled bedroom. The spacious curved interiors of the Pacific Suites open to an astonishing ocean view seen from the terrace, living room, bedroom, and bath. Each suite is 960 square feet, with two suites in each two-story building. The location of the Peak Houses displays an expansive view of the Santa Lucia Range. Guests enter through an enclosed courtyard to the secluded bedroom designed with custom-built furniture and a hot tub on the private terrace. The Ocean Houses boast a curved, beamed roof covered with a soft carpet of grass, with private ocean views enjoyed from the terrace, bath and bedroom.
Each circular-shaped Coast House provides a comfortable seating area in front of the fireplace and glorious ocean views. The Tree Houses, triangular in shape, are elevated 9 feet off the ground on stilts, with stairway entrances. The Mountain House rooms are circular in design and offer views of dramatic mountain peaks. The Butterfly rooms are housed in a building designed to look like a butterfly with outstretched wings. Each room has a king-sized bed, wood-burning fireplace, indoor spa tub and deluxe shower, private deck, stereo and digital music system and complimentary wireless Internet access. Guest rooms are generously stocked with a complimentary mini bar offering snacks, spring water from the property on-site in reusable glass bottles, and non-alcoholic drinks as well as a half bottle of both red and white wine.
Providing pristine coastal views and elegant amenities, Post Ranch Inn unveiled the Post House in 2015. The 1,800 square foot open-concept interior features a kitchen with designer appliances and skylight, a dining room with custom-designed formal dining table and chairs, a media room, master bedroom and master bathroom, and living room. The master bedroom features clear coastal views and the master bathroom offers tranquility featuring radiant heated slate flooring, a large rain shower with stone flooring and an oversized bathtub. The living room and master bedroom feature sliding glass doors to the 1300 square foot back yard and patio area that offers expansive coastal views, complete with a multi-person hot tub.
Guests will experience the vast Pacific sunset from the renowned Sierra Mar Restaurant. A complimentary gourmet buffet breakfast is served exclusively for overnight guests, with lunch and dinner available to the public by reservation. Under Executive Head Chef Elizabeth Murray, Sierra Mar presents guests with an unconventional fine dining experience, showcasing unique and inquisitive food creations. Her dishes feature bold, primal flavors along with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Sierra Mar offers a nine-course Taste of Big Sur tasting menu, with optional wine pairing, as well as the more traditional four-course prix fixe menu which changes nightly. Sierra Mar boasts one of the largest wine selections in North America, with over 14,000 bottles. Having earned Wine Spectator’s prestigious Grand Award the past four years, Wine Director Dominque Da Cruz places strong emphasis on both Old and New World wines from Europe to Australia and from California to Washington, as well as classic to small artisan producers.
Complimentary activities for guests include yoga and meditation classes, guided nature hikes and garden tours and nightly star gazing on the deck at Sierra Mar using a computerized 12-inch Meade telescope. Post Ranch has one of the largest hotel telescopes in the U.S., and Big Sur offers some of the clearest atmospheric conditions for viewing the stars, nebulas, and even the rings of Saturn. Two therapeutically heated basking pools, each with an infinity edge overlooking the Pacific, offer spectacular places to soak and take in the magnificent seascape. The swimming pool is located on a sunny knoll in a meadow with mountain views and is perfect for a refreshing plunge, swimming laps or relaxing poolside.
Award-winning spa treatments at the Post Ranch Spa are designed to relax and rejuvenate using the healing properties of nature. Among the wide range of nurturing treatments available at the spa, there is the very unique Shaman Journey session. In the sacred and safe space of the medicine wheel, a shaman engages the forces of nature and the ancient wisdom of the ancestors to help create lasting changes for physical, mental and emotional well-being. Located next to the Chef’s Garden, The Post Gallery showcases exhibits that change throughout the year, providing the chance to display the art of talented artists in and around the Big Sur community while offering fresh and interesting perspectives of the world around us.
The hotel’s organic architecture embraces the striking beauty of the coastline and each structure on the 100-acre property reflects dramatic lines and contemporary styling while blending into the landscape naturally. In addition to their distinctive look, the dwellings themselves represent an innovative green building approach, featuring bio-structure architecture and using natural materials of glass, wood, stone and COR-TEN steel, and, when possible, passive solar heat.
The architects’ design was intended to make onlookers feel like a part of nature, not just observers of it and every environmental aspect was carefully considered.
Under the Post family’s stewardship for generations, the 100-acre Post Ranch has evolved from a homestead and working ranch to one of the most acclaimed luxury resorts in the world.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Post Ranch Inn | 47900 Highway 1 | Big Sur | CA 93920 | USA
Telephone: +1 831 667 2200 | Fax: +1 831 667 2512
E-mail: reservations@postranchinn.com
Image Credits: Kodiak Greenwood