A member based in Bedford Hills, N.Y. recently visited the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, California to celebrate her anniversary.
We arrived in San Francisco early and picked up our Porsche Boxter from City Rent-A-Car (1433 Bush Street, San Francisco; 415-359-1331). They had dropped the car off earlier at an airport parking lot, which made it super convenient for us. We put the roof down and enjoyed the sunshine all the way down to Big Sur. Traveling on Highway 1 is something everyone must do at least once in her life as it is truly magical. The vegetation and redwood forests were stunning, not to mention the views of the ocean as you bend around hairpin turns, over cliffs and bridges and across lush plains. All of which was seemingly untouched by man!
We arrived at the Post Ranch Inn to a rather dense but magical fog. The next day, being a bit jet-lagged we went to the complimentary early morning yoga class, which ended up being just the two of us in a little tent they call the Yert. It was very Zen, and we left feeling great. The morning mist burned away by noon, and we were able to take in the full splendor of the hotel. It sits 1,500 feet above sea level, and as you watch the clouds roll by below you, it seems as if you are staying in the heavens in God’s little hotel. There are two infinity hot tubs that are perched at the edge of the mountain where we spent many hours relaxing and enjoying margarita service!!
We had two beautiful dinners in the Sierra Mar restaurant, which not only features breathtaking views as it hangs over a steep ravine but also has exquisite food and an extensive wine list. I think our anniversary dinner lasted three hours! We also enjoyed two of the best massages we’ve ever had at their spa, and we went on amazing hikes down to the ocean in the Molera State Park. It was the most perfect three days I’ve ever spent in what surely is the most romantic spot on the planet. It was great to see my husband really relax, get away from the Blackberry and television… even our kids.
Leaving for Carmel the day before our departure was a great move. While L’Auberge Carmel (Monte Verde at Seventh, Carmel-by-the-Sea; 831-624-8578; www.laubergecarmel.com) does not even remotely compare to the Post Ranch, it is charming and certainly in the heart of all the action in town. We had a great dinner at an Italian restaurant called Cantinetta Luca (Dolores Street between Ocean and 7th, Carmel-by-the-Sea; 831-625-6500), where we actually ran into Clint Eastwood! We drove around and did the seventeen-mile drive on the coastline and saw all the great golf courses that make the area so famous. Their splendor did not disappoint, and I have no doubt that my husband will be there asap with his buddies.
All in all we hit no snags or delays and could not have been happier. If I do it again, and I’d like to, I’d be very specific with my room choice at the Post Ranch Inn as some have better views than others. The best ones are M. Post, Ellen B. Post, Onesemo, Wayland, Trotter and Overstrom.
Read our destination reports on San Francisco and Santa Barbara
Read a review of Post Ranch Inn
Read about other west coast retreats, Malibu Beach Inn and Shutters on the Beach
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