Okay, so I had today's post all planned. I was going to tell you all about the Adobe Inn and its cool interior, upload pictures to demonstrate the point and generally revel in how awesome California living is followed by a healthy dose of "can I live here now please?" (responses to the question along the lines of "we wish you would" need not be posted..). But then something happened. The Post Ranch Inn to be exact, which meant that this post could not be delayed. Now talking about the PRI (sorry there is no way I am going to type Post Ranch Inn a million times) is quite a daunting task. To say that I will NEVER be able to do justice to the place is an understatement but I will have to give it a go. I should clarify at this point that I am not raving about the PRI in a loved-up honeymoon stupor that would make me think a roadside inn was the lap of luxury. I have been fortunate enough to stay at some pretty incredible places (yes the Maidstone and Gramercy Park I'm looking at you) but nothing compares to this place, so here goes..
Yesterday we drove from Santa Cruz to Big Sur via Monterey. So far so good. We arrive at Big Sur to take a sharp right into the entrance to PRI. Hint number one this is going to be good, the chap at the entrance asks for our names and immediately wishes us a happy honeymoon; nice attention to detail me thinks but this is a honeymoon, more to the point one organised by JD, so chances are there are going to be some good places involved. We move on, driving up a fairly steep and winding drive through the forest, woo hoo me thinks imagining a pretty spectacular room with a pretty spectacular view. To say that I had no idea was an understatement.
We finally arrive at reception. Hmm, reception is a single room with no easily discernible evidence of a hotel behind it and I start to get that feeling of, I don't know where we are or what we are about to do but I think I am going to like it. The feeling is confirmed when we are offered champagne on arrival. Strengthened when we are taken in a hybrid Lexus 4x4 to our room, accompanied by said champagne.
We drive from reception into what can only be described as a hidden land. I know, I know that sounds ridiculous but seriously I have spent all morning thinking of how to describe this place and it is the most accurate description I can come up with. The PRI is a collection of individually wooden tree houses or ocean front homes accompanied by an incredible restaurant, spa, library, infinity pools and hot tubs. All of these are wooden built and clearly designed by the coolest architect on earth. We are staying in an ocean front house which means it is cut into the side of the cliffs so that you can hardly see it from the front. You walk down stairs to the front door which opens into a double height room with wood panelled walls and ceilings, whilst with floors are all slate. There is a roaring wood fire for the evening and air conditioning for the day. The far walls are floor to ceiling glass looking out over your private deck and the most spectacular view of the ocean I have ever seen (we are 1200 ft above sea level). The bathroom is in a similar ilk. When you arrive the sound system plays, of course, ocean music, there is champagne waiting for you and the mini-bar (stocked with fizz, wine, kettle chips (yay!) and anything else you may want) is, of course, free. I know, sorry shouldn't love that last point given that this place should be a wonder of the world but somehow I quite like it!
I attach some photos of our room, including the view, which I nearly didn't as it doesn't do them justice but it gives you some idea of what I have been incoherently rambling on about. There are some better photos to add but lets just say it took the entire duration of our 1.5 hour breakfast for these to load up so I think I shall save those for another day.
Incidentally, whilst waiting the requisite 700 hours to load these photos we have gotten ready to go out exploring the 100 acres that the PRI is set in. Jonathan has only just stopped laughing by way of response to my question "Do I look like a boy scout in my hiking gear" so I think that gives you some idea of what I look like right now..
Until the next post, AD xxx
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