Rustic Elegance at the Post Ranch Inn

The next stop on our California trip was Big Sur. We drove south from San Jose on Highway 1 until we encountered a roadblock. The helpful staff at the Post Ranch Inn directed us on a detour around the collapsed section of the highway, and hours later, we were thrilled to be welcomed to this exceptional resort.

It was nighttime when we arrived and we were driven in a Lexus to our secluded room, which overlooked the Pacific Ocean. This incredible suite looked less like a hotel room and more like a Frank Lloyd Wright creation – the inn’s rooms are literally built into the landscape -- cantilevered off the mountain -- and each one is its own unique and private oasis.

After a world-class dinner at the Inn’s Sierra Mar restaurant, we walked down the path back to our room, past the heated meditation pool, and marveled at the sheer number of stars visible in the night sky. We were truly worlds away from city life here.

Back at the room, my husband braved the chilly outdoors to take a dip in the hot tub on our balcony while I filled up the tub in the bathroom and began to relax for real. The next morning we took a walk on Billy’s Trail which led us on a path through the forest. But my favorite part of our stay at the Post Ranch Inn was breakfast. A fantastic buffet complete with waffle and omelet stations was only surpassed by the view of the ocean we had from our table, perched high on a cliff in the middle of nature.

This gem of an inn was the perfect babymoon for us. The staff was professional yet friendly and the overall vibe was sophisticated but never stuffy. We agreed that we could have spent an entire week relaxing here, but alas the lure of Los Angeles was calling…

Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, a babymoon or anniversary, or just want to be alone with that someone special, book a room at the Post Ranch Inn. You won’t regret it!

Post Ranch Inn, 47900 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920, 831.667.2200, reservations@postranchinn.com

Hotel Valencia, Santana Row -- a great first stop on our CA adventure

Earlier this month, the Tall Man and I took a trip to California together. The allure of the Winchester Mystery House led us to begin our journey in San Jose, but thankfully we found a hotel that did not feature the insane design of staircases that lead to nowhere or doors that open onto walls as found in the mystery house. In fact, the Hotel Valencia was the perfect combination of hip, contemporary design, coupled with the luxurious comfort we so desperately desired after the six-hour flight from New York City.

Located on Santana Row, we were pleasantly surprised to find that the hotel was right smack in the middle of a bustling nightlife, featuring restaurants, bar and upscale shopping. But inside our room, it was a calm oasis. There was a plush, comfortable bed, and a bathroom with separate shower and soaking tub. The balcony overlooking Santana Row gave us a bird's eye view of the lively scene down on the street. Though we didn't have a chance to take advantage of the gorgeous swimming pool, the breakfast (complementary with your stay) was a step above what you'd expect.

We only wish we could have stayed a little longer at the Hotel Valencia but our Mustang convertible had a full tank of gas and there was much to see and do before heading back home.

Whether you're traveling for pleasure or on business, it's seriously the only place I'd consider in the San Jose area.


Hotel Valencia Santana Row, 355 Santana Row, San Jose, California 95128 ph: 866.842.0100