It has been my dream to stay at The Post Ranch Inn for years now. Last Thursday, I was finally able to make my dream come true!
I know what you’re thinking…waiting five year to go to a hotel is a bit much. However, if you take into account how expensive, yet worth it, a nightly stay is, waiting five years makes more sense. I wanted to make sure it was something I yearned to do. Something that I wouldn’t have buyers remorse after shelling out such cash and most importantly, making sure I was in the proper state of mind to truly appreciate my experience. Needless to say my experience was one that I will never forget and most importantly, I will be going back as soon as I can to experience the other type of homes.
Landing in Monterey, CA at 8pm made me completely miss the beauty of the drive from there to The Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, CA but luckily I got to see what I was missing on the way back. Nothing but beautifully, winding road along the coast line. One one side the turquoise blue ocean with massive swells crashing against the rocks and on the other side lush, green rolling hills sporadically interrupted by patches of redwood forests that made me pull over for pictures every couple miles. I was seriously in awe of nature’s beauty that surrounded me. That was just the drive to and from Post Ranch Inn.
Getting to the property itself was magical. They will only let you drive as far as reception where you check in, then one of their lovely staff members drove me to my designated tree house. The property has an array of different accommodation types you can select from but I have always dreamed of staying in a tree house so there was no changing my mind. But to give you guys a good idea, these are some of tehir other accommodations:
The Cliff View House:
Pacific View House
Ocean View House
Coast View House
Peak View House
Tree House (The one I stayed in)
Mountain View House
The Butterfly House
Private 3 Bedroom Homes
When I got to my tree house, there was a winding stair-cased stone path that led to the large metal door. Upon opening the door, a huge teeth showing smile was permanently set on my face for the remainder of my stay. The place completely surpassed any expectations I might have had. From the stone bathtub with the glass wall overlooking the forest (another dream of mine), to the bedroom area surrounded by windows that made you feel as if you were sleeping out there between the trees. Even the amenities in the kitchenette area were just darling! They had the most amazing chocolate chip cookies in a jar and everything you might want in the mini fridge from coconut water to the most amazing apple juice, snickers bars, nuts, milk, coffee maker, and wattles of water and wine in custom emblemed bottles (which I took one home and now use as a small vase for my dining table). The bedroom also had the most wonderful log burning fireplace and a Bose speaker system for when you feel like jammin’ in nature. The bed and pillows were also divine and made for a wonderful night sleep. It was perfection.
This resort is perfect for relaxation! What surprised me was how peaceful and quiet the place was. No noisy neighbors just peaceful nature sounds. It was an absolute pleasure walking around the grounds, exploring more of what the property has to offer. In my quest, I stumbled upon the meditation pool that was set above the ocean so you can hear the waves crashing beneath you as you relax in the tranquil waters of the pool. Next to the meditation pool was a couple of hammocks hidden in a more woodsy area among the trees. That was like heaven to me. I can’t turn away from a well placed hammock! Then, there was the birds nest by the pond that one of my followers alerted me to on Instagram, the gym, the other pool area, the spa and the wonderful Sierra Mar Restaurant.
Sierra Mar Restaurant
A few of my meals
The Spa
I greatly appreciated the excellent service as well. Coming from a hospitality background, my biggest annoyance is having terrible service, especially when you are paying an arm and a leg AND it’s my dream destination. Luckily, the staff was beyond amazing and did everything to accommodate me in every way. They let me use their curtesy Lexus vehicles when I wanted to go off property on a hike in the Andrew Molera State Park and squeezed in my last minute request for a facial and massage, EVEN on Valentine’s Day weekend. They also will shuttle you to any part of the property if you don’t feel like walking. I also enjoyed their guided nature walks, morning yoga and library.
Hike in Andrew Molera State Park
Me casually strolling past some grazing deer that could care less i was there
There were so many attractions around Big Sur, CA that I honestly wish I had two more days there to see them all. On my list that I didn’t get to see were the Henry Miller Library, The Point Sur Lighthouse, downtown Carmel, buying some salt water taffy at the Warf in Monterey, Hearst Castle and Jade Cove to name a few. Next time!
Nishchay
February 16, 2016Amazing Trip as we read and also a must go for all the adventure lovers
Nishchay
February 16, 2016Amazing trip as we Read and also a must go for all adventure lovers
Matt
February 17, 2016Hi Andreea – looks like it was a fantastic trip. I’m definitely putting Post Ranch on my list for this spring. Off topic question – I just got a long haired Persian kitten, wondering what you use to keep Smush/Penelope’s eyes so clean all of the time without any staining? Mine is blue and white, but the white part is right under the eyes which is challenging. Great blog, thanks for sharing all of your experiences. -Matt