T
here are very few properties
you stay at in life where you
don’t want to leave, where
time stands still, your soul is
settled, and all seems right
with the world. Post Ranch Inn,
located on the stunning Big Sur
coastline in California, is just one
of those places.
Post Ranch Inn is as close to heaven
as you can reach, almost literally.
Perched 1,200 feet above the ocean
and straddling a mountain ridge
providing views to the Pacific on one
side and the Santa Lucia Mountains
on the other, the exclusive 39 rooms
are an oasis from the stressful
day-to-day environment we often find
ourselves in. The vast property of
100 acres is punctuated by outdoor
original sculptures and nearly three
miles of trails crisscrossing redwood
groves, fields, and gentle inclines.
Of course, it is the vast ocean views
which inspire guests and which
prompted the original building of
the Inn in 1992. Wisely, initial
building principles were grounded
in an organic approach to the unique
landscape and the end result is an
unobtrusive boutique lodging which
reflects, not only a sense of place,
but also a sense of peace. It is rustic,
yet luxurious; innovative but
comfortable. The original rooms vary
from curved sod-roofed structures
with ocean views, to multiple tree
houses putting you directly among
mature trees elevated from the
earth, yet connected to the land.
Rooms vary in size, some smaller than
others, so check to see that the size
is appropriate for your length of stay.
Ten new larger rooms were added in
2008 with heated stained concrete
floors, real wood burning fireplaces,
comfortable seating areas and desk,
a bevy of complimentary snacks and
beverages including decadent
chocolate chip cookies, wine, and
drinking water bottled directly on
the property. And every room has
binoculars with which to survey the
ocean, perhaps passing whales and
anything else out at sea. And it was
one of these rooms where I stayed,
…with nature at your doorstep, you don’t need
to watch reality shows, you are in reality; the
jaw dropping beauty and serenity that Mother
Nature herself has provided.
and the anticipation of staying here
was only matched by finding myself
here for real. The beds face directly
out to the Pacific and electronic
shades will keep you in the dark
should you decide to sleep in, but
frankly with these views and miles
of trails, yoga, an outdoor heated
pool, a fitness room and unfettered
views of the Pacific Ocean at your
disposal, why would you sleep in?
But the outdoor hot tub set within
feet of the cliffs does meditative
quite well too, a stainless steel bath
out amongst the stars which gives
you the privacy you desire. There are
no railings, the flagstone patio goes
right to the slopes of the hills, again
making for no distractions visually.
Teak tables and chairs face out and
the way the rooms are designed, it’s
very difficult to see your neighbors.
In fact, many guests who come to
Post Ranch never leave the property.
Some folks may bemoan the lack
of TVs in the rooms, but with nature
at your doorstep, you don’t need
to watch reality shows, you are in
reality; the jaw dropping beauty and
serenity that Mother Nature herself
has provided. The Big Sur coast is not
an entertainment mecca; there are
no movie theatres, no malls, in fact,
barely any shopping at all except
for a few art galleries - it is a detox
world, a purposeful escape. But Post
Ranch Inn is also about discovery, like
the hammocks set amidst redwood
trees, or wild turkeys that roam the
property, outdoor lounge pools with
uninhibited views out across the
Kashmir blue of the sea. Daily yoga
and meditation are offered in a yurt,
with knotty pine wood floors making
it the perfect place to ruminate.
There is a small mercantile shop
with local art and jewelry, books
and organic clothing, which is near
the garden that Post Ranch uses to
provide some of its culinary nuances
in your meals. The Ranch allows for
a type of self-discovery – a space in
which to allay your fears, worries and
cares by simply being in one of the
most beautiful places on earth, and
not have a care in the world other
than to decide what to have for