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.
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.
Post Ranch Inn
47900 State Highway 1
Big Sur, CA 93920
United States
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