Post Ranch Inn | Big Sur, CA

Imagine driving along California’s coastal Highway 1, one of the world’s most scenic drives with its winding road and breathless views of the Pacific Ocean. As you reach Big Sur, you pass by charming roadside restaurants, inns, and establishments. Now the anticipation starts to build as you search for the entrance to your destination…and then…there it is, the unassuming sign luring you into the exclusive world of the Post Ranch Inn (PRI).

You announce your arrival at the security gate. Once verified as a registered guest, you are informed to continue your drive up the gently curved slopes of the property until you reach the reception building. When your car stops, a staff member opens your door and greets you by name…you take a moment to look around, soak it in, and then say to yourself…Ahhh, nice to meet you, Paradise!

Check-In

There’s something about a personal, VIP-style check-in that sets the tone for your stay. From the moment of my arrival, the process was intimate and friendly. After being warmly greeted, I was escorted into the quaint reception room, where a cozy fire was lit, and I was offered a glass of bubbly. After completing the quick registration process, I was handed the keys to my room and scampered off to my ocean-view sanctuary for the next few days.

Property

To fully appreciate this property and its heart and soul, its best to understand its deep-rooted history dating back to 1848 when an 18-year-old, William B. Post, made his way west to Monterey, fell in love and married an American Indian from Carmel Valley, where they eventually established a 640-acre homestead, and a hog and cattle ranch {sounds like a storyline right out of Taylor Sheridan’s 1883}.

Flash forward to the 1980s, after generations of children were raised on the property, to when great-grandson Billy Post was the current owner. At this time, Michael Freed, a San Francisco lawyer, approached Billy with the idea of creating a luxury eco-lodge on his land in Big Sur, and the story goes that a handshake confirmed the deal. Billy Post then single-handedly excavated 100 acres of the land with his tractor to create one of the world’s most exclusive and acclaimed ecological hotels. Read about PRI’s historic timeline {here}. The resort officially opened its doors in 1992, and is currently owned by Passport Resorts, LLC, and is a member of the prestigious Preferred Hotels and Resorts Legend portfolio.

Post Ranch’s organic environmental design {a philosophy of architecture that promotes harmony between human habitation and the environment} is intended for people to feel a part of nature. The property was designed with natural materials such as glass, wood, stone, and steel to help blend the line between nature and the structures.

Since its inception, Post Ranch Inn has been at the forefront of environmental responsibility and continues to be an industry leader in sustainability. Their commitment is evident throughout the entire property and in almost every aspect of managing the resort, from utilizing their natural resources and operating on solar power to preserving the land and wildlife. For more on PRI’s sustainability practice, see {here}.

Guest Rooms

This intimate, adult-only property offers 43 guest rooms and suites on 100 acres. Most of the accommodations are situated along the coastline’s ridge with ocean views, and the Tree House, Mountain House, and Butterfly room categories sit internally on the property within the serenity of the Redwood trees with either filtered ocean or mountain views. The four houses on the property are ideal for those VIP guests seeking the ultimate accommodations with a little more privacy. See {here} for descriptions of all categories. Each room is appropriately named after a Big Sur pioneer, showcasing a biography and photographs of that person – a special nod to honor its community and roots.

I had the pleasure of staying in a Coast House, a two-story structure with separate units on the top and the bottom with their own entrance and extraordinary ocean views. There is nothing like walking into the room and immediately having your eyes drawn to the rugged Big Sur coastline and expansive Pacific Ocean view beyond. It’s a jaw-dropping moment. When sitting on the cliffside deck, there is almost the feeling that you can dive right into the ocean. Although the ocean view properties are close in proximity, the individual rooms and decks are very private as they are surrounded by lush vegetation, creating a privacy screen. Looking out to the sea from any ocean-view room at this property is truly an extraordinary experience. 

The Tree House rooms are built on 9-foot stilts within the Redwoods, giving the feeling of staying in a tree house. These units are near walking paths and have less privacy than the ocean rooms; however, because the rooms are elevated, people walking by cannot look directly into the rooms.

By design, there are no televisions or alarm clocks in the rooms. When you enter the room, you will hear music softly playing. Each room has a sound system for the guest to program their musical preferences. The intent is to create a “zen” environment where guests can solely focus on their relaxation and the beauty of the surroundings. The rooms have an understated yet refined rustic decor that feels warm and welcoming with handcrafted rich wood paneling, hand-made furniture pieces, wood-burning fireplaces, ambient lighting, and a soothing color palette.

Included in each room are complimentary snacks and libations, with daily refills. The items are unique, with many sourced locally in the area, such as cheeses, meats, nuts, dips, and fruits. The guestrooms also reflect the hotel’s commitment to the environment by using organic, biodegradable bath amenities provided in larger refillable containers, refillable glass water bottles used instead of plastic, and reusable stainless steel water bottles provided for use while visiting and taking home. The bathroom floors have radiant heating, and the linens, such as the bed sheets, towels, and robes, are some of the most luscious I’ve ever encountered.

The resort also offers a daily complimentary breakfast at the Sierra Mar Restaurant with its equally stunning views. This breakfast is not a typical continental breakfast but a gourmet breakfast. You order from a full menu with delicious dishes such as custom-made eggs, waffles, breakfast burritos, and more. It is an excellent way to start the day.

Dining

The resort’s restaurant, Sierra Mar, sits high atop the cliffs, seemingly floating over the water with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and unobstructed ocean views {fog doesn’t count}.

Guests are treated to a farm-to-table driven dining experience where much of the produce comes directly from the Chef’s Garden on the property. The dishes are centered around fresh and local ingredients from the coastal bounty of Big Sur and the neighboring communities, with sustainability always in mind. While the four-course dinner and three-course lunch menus are the most sought-after dining experiences, all items are offered a la carte, and the restaurant will accommodate special dietary requests.

A full bar resides within the restaurant, and an outdoor patio is perfect for catching the sunset. I had a fun time chatting with Aldo, one of the bartenders, who was testing his skills at creating a new cocktail recipe for a competition he was entering. Of course, I decided to support his efforts and ordered the creations he crafted with some herbs from the Chef’s Garden. I subsequently heard he won first place. Congrats Aldo.

Amenities

Spa | Wellness

The resort has an intimate spa with four treatment rooms available. Guests are welcome to book a massage in one of the treatment rooms at the hotel spa or in the privacy of their room {massage tables are stored in each room}. A popular option is to set up a massage on the deck overlooking the ocean. There are also some unique intuitive healing classes, such as shaman sessions, spiritual exploration, intuitive healing arts, and many complimentary classes, including guided hikes, yoga, and sound meditation. I had the opportunity to attend my first sound meditation class; it was a relaxing experience and something I look forward to continuing beyond my visit here. See {here} for spa services.

Guests are also encouraged to enjoy various activities highlighting the ecological, community, and individual resources at Post Ranch or in the Big Sur area. These include falconry, guided nature walks with a naturalist, forest meditation, seasonal whale watching, Chef’s Garden tour, and more.

Pools

There are two extraordinary heated infinity edge soaking pools, each located 1200 feet high on a cliffside, seemingly floating over the Pacific Ocean with stunning views that will take your breath away {if you’re looking for your Instagram moment, this is it}. Enjoy a relaxing soak while gazing at Big Sur’s calming sights and sounds; these pools are also perfect for evening stargazing. Enhance the moment by enjoying a meal with the poolside food and beverage delivery service available. Should you want more than a soak, head to the lap pool near the Yurt and Fitness Center for your cardio activity.

Post Gallery

The onsite Post Gallery offers an array of photography, sculptures, and fine jewelry. Exhibits change throughout the year, providing the chance to display the art of talented artists in and around the Big Sur community while offering fresh and compelling perspectives from around the world.

As you stroll around the resort, you will notice various sculptures and artworks throughout the grounds that add whimsical touches and some thought-provoking abstract pieces. The Gallery Director offers a walking tour of these art installations with biographies and stories about the artist and the interpretation of the pieces, such as the quasi-extraterrestrial-looking landscape installations by artist Mario Martinez (aka MARS-1).

Mercantile

Be sure to stop by the Mercantile showcasing artisan-crafted clothing, home furnishings, art, and many luxury items used within the resort and spa. Bringing home a souvenir from the resort will always be a pleasant reminder of your time in Big Sur.

Lexus Program

A fun perk is the resort’s complimentary Lexus car rental program. The resort offers a few varieties of Lexus cars available for 4-hour rentals on a first-come, first-serve basis. I rented the convertible Lexus, took it for a ride along Hwy 1, and stopped at various shops and the Nepenthe restaurant for lunch. It was an enjoyable way to spend a good portion of the day.

If you prefer to avoid driving altogether, the resort offers a shuttle service to local establishments around Big Sur.

Summary

What stands out to me about the Post Ranch Inn is that it is indeed a one-of-a-kind property, privately tucked away on the cliff side of Big Sur with its unparalleled ocean views. This luxe hideaway offers an unrivaled sense of serenity, a sanctuary for the soul, and a much-needed reprieve from the ordinary. Every aspect of this resort is formulated around rejuvenating one’s spirit, maximizing the resources of its bountiful region, and doing it all responsibly and sustainably.

It’s no surprise that the Post Ranch Inn has landed on almost every renowned award list over the years and caters to a VIP clientele. The Post Ranch Inn is the ultimate destination for romance, relaxation, and rejuvenation. The term “it’s quality, not quantity, that counts” has never seemed more appropriate than when referring to this exceptional property.

Post Ranch Inn | 47900 Highway 1 | Big Sur, CA 93920 | 800.527.2200

No Ordinary Resort Now Has A YouTube Channel

I’m excited to announce that No Ordinary Resort (NOR) has launched a YouTube Channel @NoOrdinaryResort. This channel will be used as an enhancement to the website and will now feature videos on the properties I visit. My intention with adding this feature to my site is to give the viewer the feeling of a visual walk-through of the property, and the videos will be posted along with the articles on the website which will offer more details on the property.

Sample Video

The video above is a sample of what to expect, although I am planning on continually enhancing the format and providing more detailed information.

This is a brand new endeavor for NOR and if this is something that sounds interesting, please click this link @NoOrdinaryResort and hit the SUBSCRIBE button for future updates. I appreciate your support and I look forward to providing you with virtual experiences at these incredible luxury resorts that I visit.

Thank you,

Susan

Tips For Flying, Dealing With Delays And Cancellations And Maintaining Your Sanity During These Crazy Travel Times

Who loves flying these days? Raise your hand. In this current environment, it’s not likely I’m going to see many raised hands.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you have probably heard a thing or two about some airline flight delays, cancellations, and the horror stories that follow. The statistics on airline flight delays and cancellations are staggering. According to FlightAware statistics, airline flight delays and cancellations for July 18, 2022 alone were 25,693 delays and 3,116 cancellations worldwide.



However, even with these staggering statistics, it doesn’t seem to be hindering us from traveling this year. So what does this mean for those of us who are still willing to fly the friendly skies? Well, it may mean that the friendly skies might not be so friendly anymore and many unwanted diversions can be expected…so be prepared.

Although no one has a perfect answer as to how we can avoid travel hick-ups, there are some steps we can take to possibly help avoid some of the delays and cancellations, or at the very least prepare yourself mentally to deal with unpleasant situations.

Here are some suggestions and tips for your next airline trip:

BOOK EARLY MORNING FLIGHTS

Many experts suggest that booking early morning flights may help in reducing the chance of flight delays or cancellations. If you think about this, it does make sense. Airlines can typically get their first flights of the day off on time which will likely help to avoid issues, rather than later in the day when problems begin to compile and disrupt flight schedules. An additional tip, if you have a specific event to attend and have some flexibility in your schedule, you may want to consider adding a “buffer” day to allow for unforeseen setbacks.

BOOK NON-STOP FLIGHTS

Whenever possible, it is a good idea to book a non-stop flight to your destination. The more layovers you have on a trip, the more likely it will be that something can go wrong. A non-stop flight might be a little more expensive, but it may be a cost that pays off in a big way.

Also, book your flight sooner than later. Due to airline shortages of staff, gas prices, and other variables, those last-minute airfare deals aren’t as common as they used to be and airfare prices only seem to be increasing as the travel date approaches.

APPLY FOR A TRUSTED TRAVELER PROGRAM {TTP}

Although this is not a quick process, it will benefit you in the long run to move forward and apply for a Trusted Traveler Program such as TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry. Once approved, you will able to expedite the process of going through long TSA lines and also enjoy the benefits of alleviating some of the frustrations of TSA procedures such as removing your shoes and simpler international custom procedures.

DOWNLOAD TRAVEL APPS

Arm yourself with information. Staying informed on your flight status and other useful travel information can help you gain an upper hand should something go awry. Downloading travel apps such as FlightAware, LoungeBuddy, and Kayak, can give you immediate access to the information you need to get through unforeseen hurdles. Apps such as FlightAware allow you to track flights online, see a live flight map, and send you notifications on delays, cancellations and gate changes should your schedule change; an app such as LoungeBuddy can help navigate access to premium airport lounges that can provide a comfortable rest area should your flight be delayed regardless of the airline or class you’re flying; and should your flight be canceled and/or you need to stay overnight, an app like Kayak or Skyscanner can help you secure a new flight or hotel.

DRESS COMFORTABLY

This might sound like a very simplistic suggestion, however, keep in mind that with all the delays and cancellations that are currently happening, people have been camping out in airports for extreme hours, if not days.

You will want to be wearing comfortable clothing and shoes for the possibility of running around the airport trying to reschedule or catch a different flight; wear slip-on shoes for easy access through TSA; wear clothes that are loose, cool, and comfortable for possible long term delays that will have you sitting in the airport or on the tarmac for hours; and have a sweater, jacket or shawl on hand for temperature fluctuations.

This is definitely not the time to choose fashion over comfort. Being in a physically comfortable state will be much more beneficial for keeping a positive attitude and outlook should you be delayed for hours on end.

BE PREPARED TO DEAL WITH DELAYS

Expect the best, prepare for the worst.

Should you experience some delays, be prepared to deal with a situation where you might have hours of down time. And keep in mind that if you are delayed during off-hours or at a small airport, you may not have all the airport concessions available to you. Here are some suggestions to get you through a long delay:

  • Stay hydrated throughout your travels. Buy water after you pass through TSA to have on hand and to avoid dehydration.
  • Pack some snacks. Power bars, nuts, dehydrated fruits are perfect nutritious options that will pack easily. During stressful delays, no one wants to deal with a “hangry” person.
  • Prior to your travel, download your phone or tablet with your favorite music, books, movies and/or games to avoid boredom.
  • Inflatable neck pillows and a light shawl will help you stay comfortable in the waiting room seats or even after you make it on the plane.
  • Keep a few aspirin available and be sure to have any important medication with you.

Being prepared for a long delay will help to alleviate some stress and keep you in good spirits.

LUGGAGE: CARRY-ON, CHECK-IN OR LOST

If you’ve seen the news lately, it is a crazy reality the amount of luggage that gets lost. Carry-on luggage is always a smart choice for the convenience of not going through baggage claims and avoiding lost luggage. However, this option is not realistic for everyone. For those who do check-in their bags, there are a few things you can do that may be a saving grace should your baggage decide to go to Hawaii while you head to Boston.

It is a wise decision to pack a small carry-on bag that has some of your essential items in the event your checked-in baggage gets lost, such as important medications, contacts {keep solutions and any other toiletries in compliant sized cases}, valuables, or other crucially needed items, along with a change of clothing or at least undergarments. It may sound like overkill, but should the worst-case scenario happen you will have access to some essentials that can carry you through until your luggage arrives.

One of the biggest frustrations with lost luggage is not knowing where it is and when it will get to you. For that reason, many people have started using “luggage trackers” to help them locate where their luggage is in the event it doesn’t reach its destination. Mobile or GSM luggage trackers get around the GPS coverage problem by using the local mobile network to help track your luggage. They easily slip into your suitcase and monitoring is accessible through an app. There are many different forms of trackers that are easy to use, see Amazon for ideas that will work best for you.

KNOW YOUR CREDIT CARD BENEFITS

Many of us don’t take the time to study the benefits offered by our credit card companies. Credit cards can offer some great reward benefits such as building up points for travel but they can also offer some valuable travel insurance coverage. Each card will be different in what it offers, but it’s worth the effort to find out what your card covers and to know how they can help in the event your trip is canceled, delayed, or you encounter lost luggage. You might be very surprised at the benefits, services and reimbursements that are available. If you are a frequent traveler, it may be in your interest to compare credit cards geared towards travelers. The Points Guy does a good job in comparing some cards {here}. My personal favorite is the Platinum American Express.

PACK YOUR PATIENCE

Lastly, pack your patience! With so many factors that are out of your control, it’s imperative to know that keeping a calm and positive mental state will help guide you through any disruptions. By using some of the tips above and preparing for unexpected delays, you will be better prepared to keep your emotions in tact, reduce stress and navigate through any issues that arise. Happy {uneventful} Travels!

If you have your own tips or suggestions, feel free to add them in the comment box.

How A Spontaneous Leap Of Faith Led To The Opening Of A Luxury Hotel In Spain

Sometimes you hear a story that lifts your heart and spirit. A feel-good story that lights a little spark of hope and motivates you to believe you can aim a bit higher in your own life. This recently happened to me when I connected through LinkedIn with Christine Cunanan, Publisher/Editor of Travelife Magazine and Owner of La Esperanza Granada.

I do not personally know Christine, but I am always happy to connect with colleagues within my industry as you never know where it might lead…and little did I know that by connecting with Christine, I would discover this inspiring story of how her spontaneous leap of faith led her to purchase a private hacienda in Spain that she would transform into a small luxury hotel naming it La Esperanza Granada. And during these times, what a prophetic name it is as the meaning of La Esperanza is Hope.

Image Courtesy of La Esperanza Granada

While the majority of us amid the 2020 COVID 19 pandemic were in our sweat pants streaming Netflix, Christine Cunanan was on a flight when she had an out-of-the-blue idea to purchase a property in Spain. Arriving home from her flight and before even unpacking her bags, she went online and googled “properties for sale in Spain”. Upon finding a private hacienda online and purchasing it sight unseen, Christine renovated the property and had it operating as a small luxury hotel within a year. One short year after opening, the hotel has received glowing reviews, has recently been named one of the six best new hotel openings in Spain, and is currently a member of the prestigious L.V.X. Preferred Hotels and Resorts. Is anyone else besides me feeling a little lazy right about now?!

I am posting this story because I find it hopeful and inspiring. No matter how small or large our dreams are, shouldn’t we sometimes choose to take that leap of faith? Maybe one of us has a story like this in ourselves as well. I cannot begin to tell Christine’s story as well as she can, so if you want to read the full story of her journey, click the link (here). I hope you find it as uplifting and inspiring as I do. Happy Dreams my friends…and if you do have a similar story, please share it!