The Ultimate in Sustainable Luxury with Breathtaking Ocean Views
Picture yourself driving along California’s scenic Highway 1, a breathtaking coastal route with its winding roads and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Upon reaching Big Sur, you’ll notice charming roadside eateries, inns, and shops as you eagerly search for the entrance to your destination. There it is—the understated sign inviting you into the exclusive realm of the Post Ranch Inn (PRI).
As you announce your arrival at the security gate, the staff confirms your status as a registered guest. You’re instructed to ascend the gently sloping paths until you arrive at the reception area. When your vehicle comes to a stop, a staff member opens your door and greets you warmly by name. In this moment, you take a deep breath, absorbing the beauty around you, and think to yourself, Ahhh, nice to meet you, Paradise!
Check-In
The personal, VIP-style check-in experience instantly sets a positive tone for your stay. From the moment you arrive, the process feels intimate and welcoming. After being greeted with genuine warmth, you’re escorted into the cozy reception room, where a fire crackles softly and a glass of bubbly awaits. After a quick registration, you’re handed the keys to your room and excitedly head off to your ocean-view sanctuary for the next few days.
The Property
This incredible property is steeped in rich history, beginning in 1848. An 18-year-old named William B. Post journeyed west to Monterey, fell in love, and married an American Indian from Carmel Valley, where they established a 640-acre homestead and ranch. Fast forward to the 1980s, when Billy Post, the great-grandson of William, owned the property. Michael Freed, a San Francisco attorney, proposed the idea of creating a luxury eco-lodge on the land, which led to Billy excavating 100 acres with his tractor to create one of the world’s most acclaimed ecological hotels. Officially opened in 1992 and currently owned by Passport Resorts, LLC, PRI is a proud member of the esteemed Preferred Hotels and Resorts Legend portfolio.
Post Ranch’s commitment to organic environmental design emphasizes a harmonious relationship between human habitation and nature. The property features natural materials like glass, wood, stone, and steel to seamlessly blend the buildings with their surroundings.
Since its inception, Post Ranch Inn has led the charge in environmental responsibility and sustainability. This commitment is evident in every aspect of the resort, from utilizing natural resources and solar power to preserving the surrounding land and wildlife. For more on PRI’s sustainability practices, see here.
Guest Rooms
This intimate, adults-only retreat features 43 guest rooms and suites set within 100 acres. Most accommodations are located along the rugged coastline with stunning ocean views. The Tree House, Mountain House, and Butterfly room categories are nestled in the tranquility of the Redwood trees, offering filtered ocean or mountain vistas. The four houses on the property are perfect for guests seeking privacy and luxury. See here for descriptions of all categories. Each room is named after a pioneer of Big Sur, complete with biographies and photographs to celebrate its community roots.
During my stay, I had the pleasure of staying in a Coast House, a two-story structure with separate units featuring their own entrance and breathtaking ocean views. Walking into my room, I was instantly captivated by the rugged Big Sur coastline and the expansive Pacific beyond. Sitting on the cliffside deck felt as if I could leap straight into the ocean—an incredible moment, indeed. Despite the proximity of the ocean-view rooms, their individual decks are shielded by lush vegetation, ensuring privacy. Looking out to sea from any room here offers an extraordinary experience.
The Tree House rooms, elevated on 9-foot stilts among the Redwoods, create the sensation of staying in a treehouse. These rooms are close to walking paths and have slightly less privacy; however, their elevated design prevents passersby from looking directly inside.
By design, the rooms are devoid of televisions and alarm clocks to promote a tranquil atmosphere. Instead, soft music plays upon entering, with sound systems allowing guests to create their preferred playlists, fostering a soothing environment focused on relaxation and natural beauty. The decor is a refined, rustic style that feels comforting, featuring handcrafted wood paneling, artisanal furniture, wood-burning fireplaces, ambient lighting, and a calming color palette.
Each room includes complimentary snacks and drinks, with daily refills sourced from local vendors, featuring items like cheeses, meats, nuts, dips, and fruits. The resort’s commitment to the environment extends to using organic, biodegradable bath products in refillable containers, refillable glass water bottles, and reusable stainless steel water bottles for guests to take home. The bathrooms boast radiant heated floors, and the luxurious linens—sheets, towels, and robes—are some of the finest I’ve ever encountered.
The resort also serves a complimentary gourmet breakfast daily at the Sierra Mar Restaurant, which also offers stunning views. Unlike a typical continental breakfast, guests may choose from a full menu featuring delicious options like custom-made eggs, waffles, and breakfast burritos, setting a delightful tone for the day.
Dining
The Sierra Mar restaurant, perched high on cliffs, resembles a floating oasis above the water with its floor-to-ceiling glass walls providing unobstructed ocean views (fog aside).
Dining here features a farm-to-table ethos, with much of the produce sourced directly from the Chef’s Garden on-site. The menus emphasize fresh, local ingredients from the Big Sur region while keeping sustainability at the forefront. Guests can enjoy a four-course dinner or a three-course lunch, but all items are available a la carte, and special dietary requests are readily accommodated.
The restaurant features a full bar, and the outdoor patio serves as the perfect spot to witness breathtaking sunsets. I enjoyed engaging with Aldo, a bartender experimenting with new cocktail recipes for an upcoming competition. Supporting his creativity, I ordered one of his concoctions made with fresh herbs from the garden. Later, I learned he secured first place—congratulations, Aldo!
Amenities
Spa | Wellness
The intimate spa features four treatment rooms where guests can book massages, either at the spa or in the privacy of their own rooms (massage tables are conveniently provided in each room). A popular option is to have a massage set up on the deck with captivating ocean views. The resort also offers unique healing sessions, such as shaman sessions and intuitive healing classes, alongside complimentary activities like guided hikes, yoga, and sound meditation. I had the chance to attend my first sound meditation class, which was a beautifully relaxing experience I’d like to continue in the future. See here for spa services.
Guests are encouraged to take part in various activities highlighting the ecological, community, and individual resources available at Post Ranch and the Big Sur area, including falconry, nature walks with naturalists, forest meditation, seasonal whale watching, and Chef’s Garden tours.
Pools
Post Ranch Inn boasts two stunning heated infinity edge soaking pools, each situated 1200 feet above the Pacific Ocean, providing breathtaking views that create the perfect Instagram moment. Enjoy a soothing soak while immersing yourself in the tranquil sights and sounds of Big Sur; these pools also make for ideal stargazing spots in the evening. For those seeking more than a soak, the lap pool near the Yurt and Fitness Center is available for your cardio workouts, complemented by poolside food and beverage delivery service.
Post Gallery
The on-site Post Gallery features a diverse array of photography, sculptures, and fine jewelry, changing exhibits throughout the year to showcase talented artists from and around the Big Sur community while also introducing new perspectives from around the world.
As you stroll around the property, you’ll notice numerous sculptures and art installations that add a whimsical touch and provoke thought. The Gallery Director offers walking tours of these art pieces, sharing biographies and stories about the artists as well as their inspirations, such as the unique landscape installations by artist Mario Martinez (aka MARS-1).
Mercantile
Don’t forget to visit the Mercantile, which showcases artisan-crafted clothing, home furnishings, art, and various luxury items used within the resort and spa. Taking home a special souvenir from Post Ranch will always remind you of your unforgettable time in Big Sur.
Lexus Program
A delightful perk at the resort is their complimentary Lexus car rental service, offering a selection of vehicles for four-hour rentals on a first-come, first-serve basis. I took advantage of this opportunity and rented a convertible Lexus, cruising along Highway 1 and stopping at various shops and the Nepenthe restaurant for lunch—an enjoyable way to spend the day.
If you prefer not to drive at all, the resort offers a convenient shuttle service to local attractions in Big Sur.
Summary
What impresses me most about the Post Ranch Inn is its uniqueness—as a luxurious escape privately nestled on the cliffs of Big Sur, boasting unmatched ocean views. This sanctuary offers tranquility for the soul and a delightful break from the everyday. Every aspect of this resort centers around rejuvenating one’s spirit and maximizing the abundant resources of its surroundings, all while practicing responsible and sustainable living.
It’s not surprising that Post Ranch Inn consistently appears on prestigious award lists and caters to a discerning clientele. This is truly the ultimate destination for romance, relaxation, and restoration. The phrase “quality over quantity” has never seemed more fitting when referring to this remarkable property.
Post Ranch Inn | 47900 Highway 1 | Big Sur, CA 93920 | 800.527.2200
I am the founder of No Ordinary Resort (NOR), a member of the NATJA/Media, and a luxury travel advisor based on California’s Central Coast. As a luxury lifestyle travel advisor and freelance travel journalist, as well as a keen leisure photographer and interior design enthusiast, I adore exploring and showcasing the finest luxury resorts across the U.S. and beyond.
