Post Ranch Inn review: The Big Sur’s most exclusive hotel 

California’s breath-taking Big Sur coastal drive has long been regarded as one of the essential bucket-list trips for many travellers.

But a detour is a must – specifically to an exclusive cliff-top hotel high above the redwood forests, winding roads and spectacular vistas that’s so luxurious it offers a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience that feels as though it has come straight out of a movie.

Post Ranch Inn is set in the heart of Big Sur, 1,200 feet above the Pacific Ocean and a 26-mile drive south of Carmel, with jaw-dropping views over one of the world’s most dramatic and beautiful coastlines.

Bucket list: California’s breath-taking Big Sur coastal drive has long been regarded as one of the essential bucket-list trips for many travellers

Yes-Sur-ee: High above the redwood forests, winding roads and spectacular vistas lies an exclusive cliff-top hotel so luxurious it offers a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience that feels as though it has come straight out of a movie

Yes-Sur-ee: High above the redwood forests, winding roads and spectacular vistas lies an exclusive cliff-top hotel so luxurious it offers a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience that feels as though it has come straight out of a movie

California’s famed Highway 1 re-opened in October – at an estimated cost of $24 million – after landslides the previous winter effectively split the Big Sur in half by closing a segment of the route for eight months.

Now Post Ranch Inn is easily accessible by road once again and just a 45-minute drive from the picturesque coastal town of Monterey.

Offering absolute privacy, peace and tranquility, the hotel’s modern, spacious and bright 39 suites are nothing short of architectural wonders. 

And relax! Post Ranch Inn is set in the heart of Big Sur, 1,200 feet above the Pacific Ocean and a 26-mile drive south of Carmel, with jaw-dropping views over one of the world's most dramatic and beautiful coastlines

And relax! Post Ranch Inn is set in the heart of Big Sur, 1,200 feet above the Pacific Ocean and a 26-mile drive south of Carmel, with jaw-dropping views over one of the world’s most dramatic and beautiful coastlines

Breathtaking: California's famed Highway 1 re-opened in October ¿ at an estimated cost of $24 million - after landslides the previous winter effectively split the Big Sur in half by closing a segment of the route for eight months

Breathtaking: California’s famed Highway 1 re-opened in October – at an estimated cost of $24 million – after landslides the previous winter effectively split the Big Sur in half by closing a segment of the route for eight months

Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, a roaring fire and our very own sea-view hot tub, our room for the night – the Mountain House – was simply unforgettable. 

With ultimate relaxation in mind, none of the rooms feature televisions or even alarm clocks. But an early morning call wasn’t needed, with nature doing the job for us thanks to a stunning sunrise filtering in to provide a wonderful wake up from our elevated bed.

What the suite didn’t offer by way of TV or alarm clock, it more than made up for in other features, including a free (yes, free!) mini-bar stocked with delicious local cheese and wine, a Jacuzzi bathtub with views of the ocean and cosy, yet modern, interior design. 

Room with a view: Offering absolute privacy, peace and tranquility, the hotel's modern, spacious and bright 39 suites are nothing short of architectural wonders

Room with a view: Offering absolute privacy, peace and tranquility, the hotel’s modern, spacious and bright 39 suites are nothing short of architectural wonders

Heaven: Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, a roaring fire and our very own sea-view hot tub, Louise's room for the night - the Mountain House - was simply unforgettable

Heaven: Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, a roaring fire and our very own sea-view hot tub, Louise’s room for the night – the Mountain House – was simply unforgettable

Idyllic: With ultimate relaxation in mind, none of the rooms feature televisions or even alarm clocks - but an early morning call wasn't needed, with nature doing the job for Louise thanks to a stunning sunrise filtering in to provide a wonderful wake up

Idyllic: With ultimate relaxation in mind, none of the rooms feature televisions or even alarm clocks – but an early morning call wasn’t needed, with nature doing the job for Louise thanks to a stunning sunrise filtering in to provide a wonderful wake up

In addition to our very own private hot tub outside on our secluded deck, the resort offers two infinity pools with breathtaking panoramic views, as well as a lap pool for the more dedicated swimmer.

If gazing out at the incredible view isn’t enough to keep you occupied, the hotel offers a plethora of complimentary daily activities, with a focus on health and wellness.

Daily yoga takes place each morning with all levels of experience welcome, guided nature walks on the property help guests discover the hidden beauty around every corner at the Post Ranch Inn, while stargazing sessions offer amateur astronomers ideal conditions to stare at planets and stars to their heart’s desire.

If you go down to the woods today: The suite featured a free (yes, free!) mini-bar stocked with delicious local cheese and wine, a Jacuzzi bathtub with views of the ocean and cosy, yet modern, interior design

If you go down to the woods today: The suite featured a free (yes, free!) mini-bar stocked with delicious local cheese and wine, a Jacuzzi bathtub with views of the ocean and cosy, yet modern, interior design

Making a splash: The resort offers two infinity pools with breathtaking panoramic views, as well as a lap pool for the more dedicated swimmer

Making a splash: The resort offers two infinity pools with breathtaking panoramic views, as well as a lap pool for the more dedicated swimmer

What a view! If gazing out at the incredible view isn¿t enough to keep you occupied, the hotel offers a plethora of complimentary daily activities, with a focus on health and wellness

What a view! If gazing out at the incredible view isn’t enough to keep you occupied, the hotel offers a plethora of complimentary daily activities, with a focus on health and wellness

If exploring the acres and acres of land on offer by foot doesn’t suit your fancy, the hotel even provides use of eco-friendly Lexus Hybrid vehicles for those keen to go a little further afield.

In addition to the daily activities designed to take advantage of the spectacular setting of the resort, a fully-equipped fitness centre, a luxurious spa offering a wealth of rejuvenating treatments and a well-stocked library are all on-site.

Despite the plethora of activities on offer, the only real reason to leave your room is to visit the incredible fine dining Sierra Mar restaurant on-site, offering a sumptuous daily tasting menu made up of local produce and, of course, a floor-to-ceiling view of the ocean.

Post Ranch Inn offers the perfect break for those in need of romance and tranquility in a setting so picture-perfect it takes your breath away. An experience of a lifetime, you’ll leave feeling utterly spoilt.

A bite to eat: Despite the plethora of activities on offer, the only real reason to leave your room is to visit the incredible fine dining Sierra Mar restaurant on-site

A bite to eat: Despite the plethora of activities on offer, the only real reason to leave your room is to visit the incredible fine dining Sierra Mar restaurant on-site

Al fresco dining: The restaurant offers a sumptuous daily tasting menu made up of local produce and, of course, a floor-to-ceiling view of the ocean

Al fresco dining: The restaurant offers a sumptuous daily tasting menu made up of local produce and, of course, a floor-to-ceiling view of the ocean

Paradise: Post Ranch Inn offers the perfect break for those in need of romance and tranquility in a setting so picture-perfect it takes your breath away. An experience of a lifetime, you'll leave feeling utterly spoilt

Paradise: Post Ranch Inn offers the perfect break for those in need of romance and tranquility in a setting so picture-perfect it takes your breath away. An experience of a lifetime, you’ll leave feeling utterly spoilt

TRAVEL FACTS  

Rooms at Post Ranch Inn range from £650/$870 (including breakfast) in low season (December 1 to March 31) to £2,102/$2,800 in high season (April 1 to November 30). For more information visit www.postranchinn.com.

 



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