Post Ranch Inn - relax and recharge!

Sarah Graham on 09 December 2017
The next stop on my California Road Trip was Big Sur. The drive south from Santa Cruz was peppered with frequent pull-overs to take photos and soak up the breath-taking views so I would recommend having enough time for this! The dramatic coastline and changing scenery was just wow!

As you pull in to the Post Ranch Inn you know life is about to slow down a little. Nestled in the heart of Big Sur National Park off Highway 1 and just 30 miles south of Carmel, Post Ranch Inn really is something quite spectacular. This hotel is not somewhere ‘just to stop off’ en route down the Pacific Highway, it really could be the destination. I could literally just add the photos to make you fall in love with place, but I wanted to share lots more details with you.

There are 39 rooms and one private house with eight types of accommodation, but to help you narrow it down, I’d suggest a room with a hot tub on its private deck. It will take me longer to decide between the stunning views of the mountains or the awesome vistas over the ocean. The resort is also adult-only.

There are so many thoughtful touches in the rooms, from homemade cookies to a fridge stocked with beer and soft drinks, sumptuous robes and divine smelling toiletries. I started with lunch at Sierra Mar, the onsite restaurant where the food is fresh, creative and tasted fabulous and the views from the restaurant were some of the best I have ever seen.

There are two heated infinity pools with stunning panoramic views 1200 feet above the Pacific Ocean and these are the perfect spots to just do absolutely nothing! For the more energetic there's a gym and lap pool onsite as well as a Yurt for yoga and a full-service spa with the most amazing views of the mountains.

After a leisurely stroll around the grounds and Chef's garden, I borrowed a book from the well-stocked library and spent the afternoon by one of the infinity pools. Dinner was followed by a spot of organised star gazing which I would highly recommend!

I stayed in the house which is located right next door to Post Ranch Inn and feature two huge bedrooms with equally stunning bathrooms, a huge open plan lounge - with log fire, two sunbathing decks, a fire pit and its own hot tub.

The following morning, I awoke to yet more perfect views as I watched the sun rise from the ceiling to floor window in my room. Staying at the house still gives you access to all the facilities and you have a 24/7 chauffeur to take you back and forth if needed. I walked over to breakfast served in the Sierra Mar restaurant and it was a pleasant 20 minutes light hike. I was so glad I had walked as I encountered a family of deer playing along the way!

Breakfast was a buffet, but not as we know breakfast buffets. The bakery selection was gorgeous with fresh bagels, muffins and breads, eggs cooked to order, and so much fresh fruit. The orange juice tasted just as good as you imagine Californian orange juice should taste!

I was in no hurry to leave after breakfast so made my way down to the organised yoga class before a swim in the pool. A stroll around the Mercantile shop and Post Gallery and it was time for lunch around the other infinity pool. The staff were some of the most friendly and helpful I have ever encountered. I don't know how they do it, but they were nowhere to be seen, and everywhere you needed them!

Lexus is the preferred vehicle at Post Ranch Inn and several are available for guest use during your stay. Shuttles are also available to take you around the resort.

If you are looking for somewhere special to unwind, chill and be at one with nature whilst being exceptionally well looked after, then this is the place for you. There is so much more I could tell you about this amazing place, so if you want to know more, please get in touch with me.