Destination Guide

Carmel and Monterey

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Courtesy of Post Ranch Inn

Thanks to a host of activities, stunning landscapes and gorgeous resorts, the area surrounding the Pacific Coast’s Carmel is a wonderful destination that offers activities for all age groups. The oceanfront stretch of road along the dramatic Big Sur coastline is also the setting of one of the great American road trips.

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 Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California

Post Ranch Inn

A magical hotel is suspended over the Pacific, Post Ranch Inn is bathed in light and mist and rocked to the sound of waves, bees and whales. Those seeking extreme peace and quiet will leave with refreshed souls and reinvigorated bodies.

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Alila Ventana Big Sur

Ventana Big Sur sits in the heart of Big Sur, just off the cliffside Highway 1. The inn’s low cedar structures, connected by beautifully landscaped pathways, blend into the surrounding acres of meadows and woodlands. As with Big Sur itself, scenery takes center stage here and guests of the resort, which sits over 1,000 feet above the ocean, are constantly drawn outdoors by the views.

An iconic hideaway for the Hollywood set since the 1970s, Ventana completed a multi-million dollar renovation in 2017 that transformed its 59 rooms and suites with modern furnishings. The redesign is both luxurious and refined, incorporating natural elements at every opportunity. The accommodations are spacious and sophisticated, offering high ceilings, fireplaces (in most rooms) and warm textures and earth tones. For more intrepid travelers, Ventana Big Sur offers a glamping experience in the Redwoods, where they have 15 platform tents with daily housekeeping service and run activities like garden tours, meditation and tai chi classes, wine and cheese hour and more.

Amenity-wise, Ventana now has an array of inviting public spaces such as the Library & Music Room, Game Room and Bar Room, each of which fosters a cozy-chic vibe. The hotel also has an Alila spa with two pools and Japanese-style (clothing optional) hot baths. Just in case the abundant opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, swimming and outdoor pursuits aren't enough, the property provides a gorgeous fitness facility as well.


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