When travel takes you to Big Sur, it comes with infinite ways to interact with the ocean, by way of Highway 1 views, beach rambles and restaurant patios, across seemingly infinite iterations.
Options to tap into it from your hotel grounds — room included — not so much. (Not that the redwood and ridgeline viewscapes are not all that bad, but still.)
These rare spots present a chance soak in the sounds of the waves and the fresh sea air, true South Coast waterfront lodges where you can enjoy the Pacific from on high.
Featured photo: Courtesy of Tree Bones Resort
Treebones Resort
Reasons abound for Treebones’ sweetheart status among some of the world’s most adored travel publications, from the wellness programming to the uniquely luxurious yurts.
None of that really materializes, though, without the sweeping views of the Pacific that serve as the front yard of the family-run village-like complex of high-ceiling spaces, campsites, gardens and Human Nests.
Treebones also qualifies as one of our picks for the best Big Sur lodging for group getaways, romance and wellness.
HIGHLIGHTS: Sharing the experience with other yurt dwellers in the village.
Post Ranch Inn
Post Ranch Inn’s haul of accolades approaches overload.
Just a few include Condé Nast‘s Gold List, #1 Top Hideaway in the World for Travel + Leisure readers and, oh, #1 Top Hotel in the World with fewer than 50 Rooms, from Andrew Harper Members’ Choice Awards.
None of that happens without the on-the-edge-of-the-world positioning PRI’s dramatic architecture enjoys, perched right there absorbing arguably the most unforgettable views of the Pacific Ocean in the luxury lodging landscape.
HIGHLIGHT: While they don’t involve ocean vistas, walks around the valley grounds unlocks communion with art installations, consideration of curated gallery works and the full-on sensory immersion that is the Chef’s Garden.
