A Rustic Big
Sur Romance
By
Kim Fay
Few
experiences are more romantic than a cozy, backwoods getaway,
but let's be honest: there is such a thing as too rustic.
Thankfully, Mickey Muennig—the architect behind Big
Sur's Post Ranch Inn—understood that it was possible
to maintain the integrity of the natural landscape and
respect local history without sacrificing style and good
taste.
When
Muennig took on the daunting responsibility of turning
this former homestead into a luxury resort, he relied
on a background steeped in organic, eco-friendly design
principles. These principles are evident the moment you
arrive, even though you may not immediately realize that
you have, in fact, arrived. But isn't that the point?
An unassuming sign marks the entrance to Post Ranch Inn
off California's coastal Highway 1. From this turn-off
you drive along a wooded road to an equally inconspicuous
check-in building, where you park your car and are transported
through towering redwoods to your clifftop room.
While
it would be nice to credit Muennig with the elegance of
the accommodations, the kudos belong first and foremost
to Mother Nature, from whom the architect took his cue.
The room to acreage ratio guarantees seclusion, with only
30 rooms on almost 100 acres. And while the number of
rooms is small, the choice of room types is plentiful.
Each one is truly unique, keeping in harmony with its
surroundings.
 |
| Butterfly
Room |
Decisions,
decisions. Created to resemble the insect after which
it was named, the Butterfly features a pair of outstretched
wings, with three floors in each wing and one room on
each floor. Free-standing Ocean Rooms look onto the Pacific
from both their beds and baths, and are crowned with rooftops
that double as wildflower beds. And if you ever dreamed
of hiding out in the ultimate tree fort when you were
a kid, the Tree Rooms are for you; these triangular structures
are built on stilts nine feet off the ground. Also available
are private houses, including the Post House. It is described
as residential in style, and that would be true if Frank
Lloyd Wright happened to design your neighborhood. Copper
doors, denim bed covers, leather couches, slate floors
and redwood walls—each lodging displays a diverse
palette of colors and textures, complemented by natural
light and extraordinary views. As for the amenities, you
won't find a TV, but there are state-of-the-art stereos
with every channel imaginable, wood-burning fireplaces,
private decks, spa tubs and complimentary wine in the
wet bar.
 |
Tree
House |
Admired
as much for its architecture (surprise!) as its cuisine, Sierra
Mar offers its popular four-course prix fixe menu
and selection of 4,000 kinds of wine against a backdrop
of steel, glass and redwood. Executive chef Craig von
Foerster has crafted a menu that infuses California gastronomy
with French and Mediterranean influences. Among the many
à la carte choices are Lamb Loin with Sweet Garlic
Flan, Braised Escarole and Porcini Mushroom Jus and Caramelized
Nantucket Bay Scallops with Vanilla Sabayon, Satsuma Mandarin
Orange and Shaved Fennel. Breakfast is included with all
stays, and during this time the restaurant is open to
guests only.
Daily
life at the inn is not about thrills, but rather about
communing, quietly, with nature and hopefully getting
in touch with your relaxed inner self. Among the many
complimentary activities are yoga (scheduled at least
once a day) in a Yurt with views of the Ventana Mountains,
Tai Chi and Qigong (twice a week) and Starry, Starry Night,
in which guests gather on the patio to view Mars, star
clusters and galaxies through a high-powered telescope.
Of particular note is the guided nature walk led by Billy
Post, the octogenarian great-grandson of the ranch's founders.
 |
| Lavish
Breakfast Spread |
Since
guests obviously come here to unwind, the inn provides
a wide selection of spa treatments. Massages can be taken
in the guestrooms or in one of the treatment rooms, which
sit on a ridge gazing onto views framed by the massive
trunks of redwood trees. Signature therapies include the
Post Ranch Massage, which is customized to meet your needs,
and the Big Sur Jade Stone Therapy. Reflexology, Craniosacral
Therapy and Reiki are also offered. Two swimming pools
include a basking pool, kept at a steady 104 degrees,
overlooking the ocean.
 |
Big
Sur Vista |
The
grounds that house the Post Ranch Inn have come a long
way since 1848, when 18-year-old William Brainard Post
staked his claim. Then again, other things—important
things—haven't changed, such as the pristine beauty
of the landscape and the commitment to tradition. Among
the latter is the inn's unofficial drink, Jack Daniels.
Why? In the 1980s, when Billy Post decided to allow his
family property to be turned into a resort, the buyer's
commitment to respect the land was sealed with a shot
of Jack. So, when you go, make sure to raise your glass
to commemorate this historic, and very wise, decision. 
|
Post
Ranch Inn
