Today I want to show you what it’s like to spend 24 perfect hours at Post Ranch Inn. I’ve been invited to spend a complimentary night at this iconic property above the Pacific Ocean in Big Sur. Now that I’m here I can’t wait to show you the experience. Read on for my review.
24 Hours at Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur
As any good Californian knows, Post Ranch Inn is an award-winning luxury hotel perched atop the cliffs on the Central Coast. The Robb Report recently ranked it among The Top 50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth, and it’s one of only a handful of three-key hotels in the MICHELIN Guide. In short, it’s amazing.
I’ve wanted to stay at Post Ranch Inn for years. That desire was heightened when my other half and I had dinner at the restaurant, Sierra Mar, last time we were in Big Sur.
Now that we’re here for a night it’s like a dream come true. From the moment we turn off Highway 1 and up the drive, we’re sure we’re in for a treat. Here’s how our 24 hours at Post Ranch Inn go…
Arrival
After driving south from San Francisco, we arrive just before 1pm. A valet takes our keys and we walk into a cozy two-story reception building with unique architecture that blends into the redwood trees around it.
We’re given a warm welcome by the front desk staff and the General Manager, all of whom greet us with smiles and offer us an overview of what’s to come during our stay.
Post Ranch Inn Tour
The property is spread out over 100 acres of peaceful natural surroundings, so the first thing we do is hop on the back of a golf cart to get a tour.
We’re transported down a hill, past a pond, alongside the solar panels that power the property (Post Ranch Inn has a strong commitment to sustainability), and up to a meadow where wild turkeys graze cheek-by-jowl with deer.
Descending from the golf cart, we find the Fitness Center and Mercantile to our left (more on those later), and the lap pool and yurt to our right. We walk up to the pool, which is surrounded by lounge chairs perfect for basking in Big Sur’s nature.
Behind the pool we come across the yurt. It’s used for the hotel’s complimentary group yoga sessions and sound healing experiences.
Back aboard the golf cart, we head up past the reception building to see some of the guest rooms. First up is Post House, which is one of the original homes on the property.
The one-bedroom house offers beautiful handmade wooden furniture, a full kitchen, and a garden with sweeping views over the Pacific Ocean. It’s the perfect spot for longer stays and small weddings.
From Post House we head over to see a few of the other rooms. Each one has an individual name and every room is one-of-a-kind.
From tree houses to ocean-view numbers, they all feature distinctive architecture and local art. In fact, all of the hotel’s art is unique to the property, and guests can purchase it to take home with them.
Post Ranch Inn Spa
After the tour we head to the spa at Post Ranch Inn. I couldn’t help booking massages for us after reading about the offerings on the hotel’s website. When we arrive, we’re welcomed by a friendly staff member and shown to a room with two treatment tables and views of the redwoods.
For the next hour, we enjoy expert treatments in some of the most peaceful surroundings we’ve experienced in a long time. The whole place has a calming atmosphere, and it would be impossible not to relax.
Guest Room
After the massages we check into our room at Post Ranch Inn. We’re staying in Wayland, which is right next to the Sierra Mar restaurant. In a nod to the hotel’s commitment to sustainability, it even has a sod roof.
Our room also has some of the most impressive ocean views I’ve ever witnessed. With windows across the front and a balcony looking out across the water, we could sit and gaze at the horizon for the rest of the day.
But we’re distracted by the room’s other features. This place comes complete with a kitchenette packed with all kinds of complimentary drinks and snacks. It also has a shower with an ocean view. And that’s to say nothing of the bed, which is divine.
Walk in Big Sur
After exploring the room, we take a walk through the property. Along the way we go into the Gallery, a barrel-roofed building hidden in the woods. It features a rotating program of photography, sculptures, and fine jewelry.
We’re particularly awestruck by the beautiful black-and-white photos of California, and we want to take them all home.
From the gallery we head up to the Fitness Center. We peek in and check out the tidy rows of stair-climbing machines and Peloton bikes, willing ourselves (unsuccessfully) to return later and burn off some calories. There are views of the meadow from the windows, and we see wild turkeys pecking the ground out front.
Next to the Fitness Center we find ourselves in the Mercantile. This shop is the stuff dreams are made of. There’s everything from delicate glassware to clothing, gifts, jewelry, and art for sale. Uniquely, there are also original Ansel Adams prints on one wall.
Jade Pool
When we’re done browsing the Mercantile, we head up to the Jade Pool. Right next to Sierra Mar, it’s one of Post Ranch Inn’s two heated basking pools. We go for a dip, taking in the views of the Pacific Ocean as we scan the sky for birds of prey.
Happy Hour
Back in our room, we take advantage of all the goodies in the mini bar and make ourselves a wine-and-cheese happy hour on our balcony before dinner. It’s a fun way to enjoy the early evening at Post Ranch Inn.
Dinner at Sierra Mar
When the sun starts to go down, we walk to dinner at Sierra Mar. We’re seated in a booth with a panoramic view of the sunset, and we settle in for a tasting menu.
We kick things off with the restaurant’s signature cocktails, which we remember loving last time we dined here. I order the Coastline, a gin-based number that makes me feel like I’m sipping the best of a California ocean breeze.
After drinks we enjoy fresh sourdough from Ad Astra Bread Co. in Monterey. As we do, the restaurant manager comes by to talk us through our wine selection. She’s as friendly and knowledgeable as our server, and she picks out a delicious bottle of Grenache from Linne Calodo in Paso Robles.
The wine pairs well with everything from the roasted beet salad to the pappardelle and the pork. So does the sunset, which paints the sky in majestic purples and pinks.
We end our meal with a dessert of pound cake and a trio of ice creams. They’re just the things to send us off to our room on a high note.
Evening at Post Ranch Inn
There are no TVs at Post Ranch Inn, and we’re not sad about it. We use the kindling provided by the hotel to light a fire in the fireplace, then settle in for a game of Scrabble. We’ve chosen it from among the many board games the reception has to offer, and we enjoy challenging each other to a match.
Meditation Pool
The next morning we wake up with the sunrise and soak up the magnificent oranges from our balcony. When the sky starts to lighten, we walk over to the Meditation Pool. Like the Jade Pool, this heated basking number looks out over the ocean.
It’s peaceful and serene here, and we soak up the views as birds of prey hunt on the cliffs. It’s the perfect way to start our morning.
Breakfast at Sierra Mar
After the dip we have breakfast at Sierra Mar. It’s complimentary for hotel guests, and we’re seated in a booth with a view. We order avocado toast and omelets that feature fresh eggs from the property’s resident hens.
We also take a turn at the buffet, which has everything from a viennoiserie selection to baked goods. There’s even a blend-your-own-trail-mix station.
We enjoy it all with fresh juices and coffee as we take in the endless views of the water below.
Forest Meditation
Breakfast is delicious, and we follow it up with one of Post Ranch Inn’s daily complimentary offerings for guests. It’s a guided Forest Meditation, and we’re excited to commune with nature.
We meet our leader at the Chef’s Garden. It’s full of fresh, seasonal produce that’s used in the restaurant. The hens are here, too, and we thank them for the eggs they supplied for our breakfast.
The meditation walk takes us from the garden through the meadow and into the redwood forest. We stand beneath the giants, following our guide as she takes us on a contemplative journey to connect with our surroundings. It’s peaceful and serene, with birdsong providing a soundtrack to our experience.
Boundary Trail Hike
After the meditation our 24 hours at Post Ranch Inn continue with a walk on the Boundary Trail. It’s part of a network of hiking trails on the property, and it takes us through oak groves, up hills, and deep into the natural beauty of Big Sur.
Departure
The Boundary Trail ends back by our room, and we pack up just in time for our 12pm checkout. A staff member helps us take our bags to reception, where a valet has our car ready. We’re given a fond farewell by the General Manager and the front desk staff, and we leave with heavy hearts.
Post Ranch Inn
As we drive north on Highway 1, we stop off at famous places like Pfeiffer Beach and Calla Lily Valley. The waves crashing through the keyhole arches at the former impress us with their power. The flowers at the latter awe us with their beauty.
But even with all the inspiration around us we still miss Post Ranch Inn. We’re amazed by how much we’ve seen and done in 24 hours, and how much more there is to do. We’re already planning our next visit. I hope my blog post has inspired you to plan one, too.
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