How Post Ranch Inn Masters Sustainability Without Sacrificing an Ounce of Luxury
Itching to travel? This eco-resort and spa will literally BLOW. YOUR. MIND. with its awe-inducing views. Bucket list – ✔️! This is the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, CA and you MUST scroll through each and every image. Once you’ve sufficiently taken in the panoramic views of breathtaking cliffs and the ocean rolling 1,200 feet below, check out the organic architecture and coast-side rooms, located on a former working ranch run by the Post family.
Speaking of that jaw-dropping architecture – we’re talking earth-sheltered Ocean Houses with sod roofs that literally blend into the landscape (hello, energy efficiency!) and 9-foot stilted Tree Houses designed to protect the fragile root systems of those majestic redwoods and oaks. Even fallen trees get a second life here, transformed into benches along the property’s meandering pathways.
The eco-conscious touches are everywhere but never at the expense of luxury. Take the spa experience – treatment rooms are surrounded by redwood trees with views of stunning granite peaks, and those heated infinity spas overlooking the Pacific? Pure. Magic. Beyond traditional massages and facials, their Intuitive Healing Arts offerings include:
- Shaman sessions
- Fire ceremony
- Drum journey
- Individual/couple astrology sessions
- Yoga and meditation (in a redwood grove)
- Guided nature walks with an on-site naturalist
For the foodie-meets-eco-warrior in you, the Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning Sierra Mar restaurant sources ingredients from their own Chef’s Garden (which you can tour!), partners with local fishermen, and serves only sustainable seafood. Even their to-go containers are made from corn starch! The property’s commitment to sustainability goes deep – we’re talking:
- A pioneering commercial greywater system (first in Monterey County!)
- 990 solar panels reducing carbon emissions by 600,000 pounds annually
- 90 of 100 acres maintained as a protected wildlife habitat
- Home to endangered species like the Smith’s blue butterfly and California condor
- Zero pesticides or herbicides used on property
And possibly my favorite touch? No TVs or alarm clocks in rooms – just pure, unfiltered connection with nature (and maybe your travel companion). Though don’t worry, they haven’t forgotten modern comforts – each room features radiant floor heating and those views… did I mention the views?
Spa standouts: private yoga, meditation, couples massage instruction, and guided hikes
Sustainable style: bio-structure architecture, living roofs, all water used is from the property’s wells, water-efficient landscaping, recycling/composting, use solar energy, maintain 90 acres of protected space for wildlife, habitat conservation, organic linens, organic/biodegradable bath products, onsite chef’s garden
Bona fides: Forbes Travel Guide 4-Stars, Harpers Travel #1 Top Hideaway in the World!, Travel+Leisure Readers’ Choice Awards, CN Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, US News & World Report
Website: https://postranchinn.com/
