June 2025 - Travel Trend

I attended a preview of The Edge, and it is set to open to the public on July 1. This new concept at Edgewood Tahoe Resort feels like a natural extension of its setting. Inspired by the rustic beauty of the Sierra Nevada, it offers a level of sophistication that will quickly make it one of the best places to dine in the area.

A Stunning Lakeside Setting

The design highlights natural textures, expansive lake and mountain views, and an atmosphere that feels inviting and timeless. Just steps from the shoreline, it offers a panoramic vantage point where guests can watch the lake shift throughout the day — from morning mist rising off the water to the glow of evening sun brushing the peaks. This seamless connection between the dining room, the lake, and the mountains gives The Edge its unmistakable sense of place.

A Memorable Dining Experience

The experience goes far beyond the plate. It includes tableside presentations, multi‑course tasting menus, and artisanal craft cocktails that reflect the character of this special destination. At the preview, we tried a selection of the signature drinks. The Blue Tahoe — crisp gin with a hint of blue raspberry — captures the vibrancy of the lake. The Golden Poppy, a fragrant blend of lemon and sagebrush, delivers summer in a glass. The Leaves from the Vine, a Japanese gin cocktail layered with ceremonial matcha, sudachi, and calico soda, is subtle, complex, and captivating.

We also sampled a range of standout dishes. The carpaccio topped with caviar and king crab was delicate and savory. The scallop carpaccio with passion fruit and leche de tigre felt fresh and bold. The deconstructed tiramisu was a unique take on a classic dessert, and the elk preparation was a nod to the heritage and wilderness of the Sierra Nevada — presented with precision and deep, savory richness.

An Exceptional Wine Program

What excites me just as much is the wine program. The Edge showcases over 1,000 labels, including rare estate vintages, hand‑selected wines from boutique California wineries, and timeless classics that anchor any great cellar. The team of expert sommeliers guides guests through the list with precision, making every pairing feel approachable and tailored to the experience.

A New Standard for Dining in Lake Tahoe

“The Edge blends elegant mountain cuisine with modern flair,” says Corinna Osborne, Chief Operating Officer at Edgewood Tahoe Resort. “We’ve created a dining experience that captures the character of the region while introducing a fresh, contemporary approach.”

Led by Executive Chef Jon Snyder, The Edge delivers an experience where every element feels intentional — from the tasting menu and wine program to the cocktail list and the lake and mountain backdrop. It is a space designed to capture the best of the region, inviting guests to slow down, settle in, and experience this remarkable place.

After attending the first-ever Beyond Green Summit, I made my way down California’s storied Highway 1 to Post Ranch Inn, one of the most iconic sustainable luxury hotels in the U.S. Set atop the Big Sur cliffs, the property reflects everything Beyond Green stands for. This global portfolio of hotels, resorts, and lodges includes only those that meet over 50 measurable sustainability indicators, from environmental responsibility to cultural and community impact.

We arrived at Post Ranch Inn in the late afternoon. There are no grand entrances here, just a quiet path leading to the reception, where the resort blends into the landscape and the ocean appears in the distance, uninterrupted.

At Post Ranch Inn, sustainability is central to its identity, thanks to Mike Reed’s vision. His leadership established the inn as an environmentally conscious sanctuary long before sustainability gained global attention, this commitment to conservation and responsible tourism has helped preserve Big Sur’s natural beauty while benefiting the local community.

Meyrose Suite offered stunning views of the Santa Lucia Highlands. I loved the expansive back deck that connected me to the rugged beauty of Big Sur. One of many accommodations at Post Ranch Inn, designed with sustainability in mind. The Tree Houses are elevated on stilts to protect the root systems of redwood and oak trees. The Cliff and Ocean Houses use reclaimed wood and incorporate passive solar design. The Living Roof Rooms are planted with native grasses and wildflowers, providing natural insulation and aiding in habitat restoration. Throughout the property, water-saving fixtures, on-site composting, and solar panels further contribute to the inn’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Golden hour at this property is truly magical. We enjoyed aperitivo hour while watching the sunset, followed by a private chef’s dinner in one of the exclusive private houses on the property.

Chef prepared a delicious dinner where every ingredient was thoughtfully sourced locally, with many coming from the on-site garden. This ensured a meal that was both hyper-local and environmentally conscious. The property also has composting and recycling programs that underscore its commitment to minimizing its ecological footprint. This sustainable ethos extends to their on-site restaurant, Sierra Mar.

One of the most serene moments of my stay was taking a sunrise swim in the meditation pool. Enjoying the heated infinity pool while watching the sunrise reminded me how the design of Post Ranch Inn encourages guests to slow down and truly appreciate their surroundings.

Living roof at sustainable luxury hotel post ranch inn

Meditation poo; at sustainable luxury hotel post ranch inn

My stay at Post Ranch Inn was more than relaxing, it was a chance to connect with nature in unexpected ways, like the unforgettable falconry experience, where I had the opportunity to get up close with these incredible birds of prey. Learning about their role in the ecosystem and the conservation efforts to protect them made the experience even more special. The experience is led by Master Falconer Antonio Balestreri and requires reservations.