Designed to Travel: An Inside Look at Post Ranch Inn
Interiors maven Christine Gachot and her husband, John, open up their travel diaries and share little-known secrets about a spectacular getaway
Atop the dramatic cliffs of Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn is perched 1,200 feet above the crashing Pacific. The storied property sits along an unbelievably beautiful stretch of California 1, one of the most scenic drives in the country.
Designed by famed Mickey Muennig in 1987, the curves of the hotel’s signature “treehouses” and guest suites are organic and fluid. The distinct architecture complements the landscape without competing with it—the vast outdoors are the star of the show here.
Our entire stay in Big Sur was incredibly tranquil yet invigorating, a break from city life we didn’t even know we needed. The northern California air was crisp and clean, and the natural vistas were striking… a respite for my overwhelmed senses.
Making an entrance…
The Post Ranch experience begins before you arrive at the property. Our drive from a client meeting in San Francisco to Big Sur was breathtakingly beautiful. Straw-hued fields sprinkled with dark brown cattle evoked a palette reminiscent of an Andrew Wyeth painting. Rolling hills and wheat-colored pastures slowly shifted into patches of deep green, where ancient redwoods emerge from the earth and form a shaded canopy. Driving along the coast—thousands of feet above the sea on one side, and forest on the other—our jaws dropped in awe while we took in the eroded, jagged cliffs.
Once in Big Sur, I was charmed by all of the small campsites and general stores; it felt like we were on a film set. We passed the Big Sur Roadhouse, a casual stop for cocktails and bites, along with many little trailheads where hikers eagerly prepared for treks into the emerald-green wilderness. Soon after, we turned into the ranch’s unassuming path, marked only by a small sign and sculpture. We were warmly acknowledged at the hotel’s entry kiosk, and then continued to the small reception center where Jeff, the concierge, greeted us with a friendly smile and a tall pour of a California Pinot Noir.
Come hungry…
The property’s restaurant, Sierra Mar, is an experience in itself. We dined hovering a thousand feet above the ocean. John and I were seated at the window, and while the view is otherworldly, the food is equally compelling. We started with the shrimp cocktail, which was impossibly fresh and served on a vibrant bed of kelp—the best I’ve ever had. Then, we splurged and ordered sustainable caviar… twice! It was that good. The summer squash was lovely and roasted to perfection, with a sprinkling of coarse sea salt and rich olive oil as the perfect finish.
John, our resident carnivore, enjoyed the steak frites. The meat was deliciously tender, and the frites were piping hot and extra crispy—just the way we like them! And it sounds so simple, but the fresh bread is not to be missed. The loaves are baked daily on the property, and the accompanying small mountain of butter is swimming in olive oil, crusted with sea salt. The sommelier was knowledgeable and helpful, suggesting the most delicious Rhône Valley bottle that paired beautifully with our dinner. Everything was impeccable.
Nestled in a picturesque meadow is the chef’s garden, where all of the restaurant’s produce and herbs are grown and harvested. We enjoyed a tour with the master gardener, who shared their specialty crops and growing techniques, with small fresh bites off the vine along the way. As the family vegetarian, this happened to be my favorite corner of the property!
Rest your head…
Our home for the weekend, South Coast House, is nestled into the cliff, positioned above the ocean—a private hideaway suspended in the clouds. We were greeted by a mature Madrone tree, alive with a charm of hummingbirds darting between its branches. Our expansive terrace seemed to float above the mist. I turned to our house guide, José, and said, “I feel like I’m at the end of the Earth.” He smiled and replied, “No, you’re on top of the world.” He would know, José has been with the property for more than 30 years, as have many of the team members whose warmth and devotion give Post Ranch its unmistakable soul.
We were thrilled to discover a private hot plunge on our terrace, and though binoculars were thoughtfully provided, I hardly needed them. From my perch, I had a front-row seat to the spectacle of ravens gliding overhead, blue waves below, and dazzling stars at night. The clouds drifted so seamlessly into the horizon that, at moments, it felt almost otherworldly—as if we were adrift at the edge of space.
Inside, the kitchen was well stocked with a curated variety of local goodies in small glass jars, which felt just like home. A few bottles of California wine were placed out for us, and freshly baked cookies and crackers were ideal for afternoon nibbles. The bedroom itself was so comfortable and an idyllic place to retreat at the end of our days. Everything was plush and luxurious, from the mattress to the thick duvet and linens. An extra special touch was having our complimentary breakfast delivered to us in charming picnic baskets each morning. Fresh fruits, juices, and pastries paired with a swoon-worthy view were an ideal way to begin our day’s adventures.
Make yourself at home…
For a day of pampering and relaxation, head to the property’s spa. John and I both enjoyed massages—our masseuses were intentional and thoughtful, prioritizing what we needed from our sessions. We walked away in a state of total tranquility—the appropriate headspace to continue soaking in the weekend. If you’re looking to take a swim, there are three pools on the property. Active swimmers can take advantage of the lap pool, kept at a comfortable 82 degrees. For those seeking a more leisurely experience, which we opted for, the Jade and Meditation pools are hot and well-suited for soaking. Situated on the side of the cliff, you can admire the vastness of the landscape while floating and enjoying a cocktail. Pro tip: don’t be afraid to order a beverage while using any of the facilities—the staff is more than eager to serve you just about anywhere!
That extra mile…
The ranch goes above and beyond in its activity offerings, and there’s really something for everyone. Meditative soundbaths, yoga, stargazing, and guided nature walks are all able to be organized right on the property. John and I opted for something a bit more adventurous and signed up for the falconry class, and I have to say, it was an experience of a lifetime. On Saturday morning, we gathered with an intimate group of around seven hotel guests and met our fearless instructor, local legend Antonio. We were unsure of what to expect, but quickly realized this was an educational experience like no other. Not only did we learn about the predators, but we got to see them up close. My favorite was a small burrowing owl named Pippi. Antonio encouraged me to stroke her gently and even to breathe in her scent—she was irresistible, her personality infectious and her fragrance pure and earthy. Holding the birds (and giving little Pippi a kiss) was a precious moment that I’ll remember forever.
The takeaway…
Be ready to hike or lounge and prepare to be emotionally wowed. The larger-than-life landscapes are mesmerizing—John and I felt surges of inspiration throughout our stay. The entire Big Sur area is simply enchanting, but the ranch’s cliffside location is indescribable. Warm and unhurried service allows guests to relax and take it all in. We never felt rushed or pressed for time, which was such a welcome change from our routine schedules.
Don’t miss…
If you find yourself in this part of the world, the entirety of Post Ranch Inn is a must. Never before has my jaw been on the floor for nearly the entirety of a stay; the views are just that incredible. Be outside for the majority of your time here, and really allow yourself to be immersed in the unbelievable terrain. And, of course, the falconry class was a highlight, a truly unique experience—sign up!
Next time…
I’ll be sure to book a private dinner in the chef’s garden, a particularly magical spot on the property.