78 South Bay Accent
scenic drives. As one of Big Sur’s most aspirational accommodations,
the Post Ranch Inn’s thoughtful amenities, fine wine and dining
and imaginative architecture—which blends seamlessly with its
dramatic cliff-top setting—makes the lavish locale a splurge-worthy
way to experience an iconic stretch of Highway 1.
Established in 1992 on the site of a former cattle ranch, the
sustainably built resort exudes a uniquely Golden State glow thanks
to eco-conscious elements like reclaimed redwood paired with sleek
design details like glass walls, fireplaces and stainless-steel soaking
tubs. Enhancing the serenity of the sanctuary-like setting is the
absence of televisions or alarm clocks, and the relaxed calm that
comes courtesy of an 18-and-up age policy.
The luxe lodgings include ocean-view suites, towering treehouses,
and the freestanding Cliff House, which features a deck that appears
to float over the 1,200-foot-high ocean bluff.
Bring a bathing suit and binoculars and plunge into two therapeutically
heated basking pools, each with an infinity edge overlooking
the Pacific—spectacular places to soak in the magnificent seascape.
All of these locales provide excellent vantages for watching annual
whale migrations. From December to early February the California
SIERRA MAR AT
POST RANCH INN
GRAY WHALE CALF
AND MOTHER
MIGRATING NORTH
FTOM TOP: COURTESY OF VISIT CALIFORNIA IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AFAR; STAN RUSSELL;
OPPOSITE FROM TOP: COURTESY O TRAVEL PASO; KODIAK GREENWOOD