Review: Post Ranch Inn
Photos
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Amenities
Rooms
Set the scene: If Big Sur is one of the most beautiful places in the world, the Post Ranch Inn may well be one of the most spectacular ways to experience Big Sur. The 100-acre property provides unbeatable views of both the Santa Lucia mountain range and the dramatic Pacific coastline, with design sensibilities meant to enhance the natural beauty surrounding you… plus a serious dose of quiet luxury and major comfort. This is a destination for a trip with a significant other to celebrate a special occasion, or just to reconnect in unbeatable environs, whether you’re soaking in your private basking tub for two or taking a falconry class together. You’ll see other like-minded adventurers on hikes around the property, swimming laps, or soaking in the heated infinity pool; sleek athleisure or Post Ranch robes are not out of place as you tramp about the property. Smarten up for dinner at Sierra Mar restaurant, but don’t be surprised if fashion takes a backseat to the restaurant’s stunning ocean views.
The backstory: Post Ranch Inn was opened in 1992 by Mike Freed and Billy Post, on the latter’s family land, which was originally homesteaded in the late 19th century. Freed, who is a fixture in the Big Sur area, worked to ensure that the Post family legacy was a crucial part of the Ranch’s new life, along with major sustainability efforts and close involvement with the community at large. The Big Sur Fire Department is based on the Ranch, and one percent of room rates are donated to local nonprofits.
The rooms: Post Ranch’s 40 rooms are all designed with the landscape in mind—in addition to utilizing architectural methods and materials that are meant to be a light-touch on the land, the structures’ layout and vibe are all about immersing yourself in the natural beauty around you. That’s the case whether you’re positioned to take in the mountains, the forest, or the ocean, though architecture buffs would do well to seek out the unique Treehouse or a room in the three-story Butterfly building. But there’s a reason that the Ranch’s Ocean Rooms and Coast Suites are particularly popular, with their private patios outfitted with a basking tub for two (set to your preferred temperature), and of course, expansive views of the ocean and coastline. All rooms are open-format and comfortably luxurious in their decor—think warm, sculptural wood, king-sized beds with crisp linens, and roomy bathrooms that offer more views from the shower. Rooms offer a high degree of privacy and, significantly, no televisions—who needs one with this view on display from your bed?
Food and drink: Sierra Mar, Post Ranch’s on-property restaurant, focuses on locally sourced fare, from both the greater Central Coast area (Chefs Raylon Agustin and Il Hoon Kang have formed close relationships with local farmers, ranchers, cheesemakers and more) and the property’s chef’s garden, which you can opt to tour to have an even better understanding of the goods on your plate. Sierra Mar is open to hotel guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; lunch and dinner provide the option of a regularly changing multi-course prix fixe, or an all-day a la carte menu for more casual fare. The food is approachable yet interesting—think local maitake mushrooms with XO sauce and lingcod served with housemade green curry—and pairs well with the restaurant’s extensive wine list and selection of seasonal cocktails. But you’d be forgiven for finding yourself distracted from these offerings by the restaurant’s unreal view; perched on a cliffside, walled in glass, it’s the perfect place to take in the Big Sur coastline in all its glory. Book your dinner reservation to enjoy the sunset from your seat; depending on the day, you may have the incomparable experience of finding yourself above the fog line when the sun goes down.
The spa: In addition to classic spa services like facials and massages, the Post Ranch spa offers more esoteric experiences including shaman sessions (for both individuals and couples), a power animal drum journey, astrology, energy balancing, and forest meditation. Big Sur has long been a destination for artists and seekers, after all.
The neighborhood/area: California’s Big Sur is legendary, and beloved, for a reason—the 70-mile stretch of coastline is easily one of the most beautiful in the world. The resort is close to Big Sur’s state parks and beaches, plus storied Big Sur businesses like Nepenthe restaurant and the Henry Miller Memorial Library.
The service: Service at Post Ranch is incredibly attentive and friendly without being overly formal; staff is available 24/7 and will assist guests with everything from booking experiences on property to driving you to and from attractions around the ranch and in the greater Big Sur area via the property’s fleet of Lexuses (which are also available for complimentary guest use, as long as you have a valid U.S. driver’s license).
For families: The adults-only resort is a destination for couples celebrating special occasions, looking to disconnect from the hustle, and reconnect with each other.
Eco effort: Post Ranch has been a leader in sustainability and eco-initiatives since opening in 1992, and has only grown since then. The Ranch boasts a 900-panel solar array, sources and treats its own well water, is home to multiple endangered species, and has eliminated single-use plastics on the property. The property’s buildings were also designed and constructed with the aim of having a light touch on the landscape.
Accessibility: Post Ranch has two fully accessible suites; reception, Sierra Mar Restaurant, the spa, and the lap pool are all accessible as well. The resort also has a ramp-equipped van for transportation throughout the property.
Anything left to mention? While it would be very easy to split your time between basking pools (and we support it!), Post Ranch offers a host of experiences of guests that are well worth seeking out, including yoga, hikes, guided nature walks, and falconry lessons with master falconer Antonio Balestreri. In addition to getting a crash course in the history of (and tenuous state) of birds of prey in the U.S., you’ll get the chance to fly a hawk yourself.
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