A few weeks ago, my best friend Alixe and I decided to do a spur of the moment girls trip. We had been talking about organizing a trip together for a while, but our busy lives and hectic schedules got the best of us and we just never made any headway. That is until my brother’s wedding in New Orleans. Over a few glasses of champagne, we dreamed up the perfect spot – Big Sur! After a year and a half closure due to the California mudslides and wild fires, the road to Big Sur was open again and better than ever. Alixe and I knew we had found the perfect destination. We booked our flights Sunday and left that next Wednesday.
Our plan was to fly into San Francisco, spend the night at Alixe’s apartment and drive our rented car {a convertible Ford Mustang!} up Highway 1 to Big Sur Thursday afternoon. We would spend two nights in Big Sur, and then head back to San Francisco for one last night in the city before I flew back home to Dallas.
Before heading to the coast, we first wanted to have lunch in the city at one of Alixe’s favorite spots – Jane. Alixe is a major foodie, so it was hard for her to narrow down where we should eat. She said she finally decided on Jane because she knew their healthy menu was right up my alley – and she was so right! The extensive menu, filled with delicious sounding goodies, made it too difficult for Alixe and I to pick just 1 thing each so we actually ended up ordering 3 main meals, 2 cookies and 2 coffees #vacation. The food was so, so good and because it was such a beautiful day in SF, they had all the windows and doors open which made the entire setting dreamy. Perhaps the best part of the lunch though was the *most* random run in to one of my long time friends & favorite influencers – Jess from the blog Jess Ann Kirby. She lives in New England so it was so unexpected & fun to see her in California!
With Jessica from Jess Ann Kirby – one of my favorite ppl ever. We go way back!
After Jane, Alixe and I started the drive towards Big Sur. The drive is about 4 hours, and half of that drive is along the coast {aka highway 1} and soooo beautiful. At this point in the drive, Alixe and I were giddy with excitement. We pulled over several times to snap photos and take the Mustang’s top down.
Our first night in Big Sur was spent at Ventana. Having recently undergone a massive multi-million dollar renovation, Alixe and I were excited to see what the resort had up its sleeve. After check in, we noticed a wine + cheese tasting that was open to all guests, so we happily grabbed a glass of wine, and a little of plate of cheeses to bring back to our room. Alixe and I stayed in a ‘ventana guestroom‘ which was really nice – it came with a fireplace, and a private deck that overlooked a massive forest. We were pleased! We also liked how central it was – it was right next to the pool area and social house making it easy for us to come/go. We immediately went to the pool area which was beautiful. The pool itself was too cold, but the hot tub was perfection and we enjoyed it for quite some time.
The upside to Ventana was the beautiful land and views from every which way you looked. Set a bit back from the actual coastline, you feel more in the woods here while still seeing the beautiful coastline in the distance. The food and drinks were also delicious and we really enjoyed our meals during our stay. Minus the fact that you could hear your neighbors every move through the floors, the accommodations were cozy & comfortable. Did I mention our room had a fireplace? I loved that!
The downside to Ventana was their service. We were told there was service at the pool, but there was no one in sight to order from. When we finally got a hold of someone, they said it would be 45 minutes before 2 glasses of wine could be brought out. We thought this was odd considering the number of guests & size of the hotel, but tried to shrug it off. The next day service during brunch was almost laughable. Our waitress messed up our order several times {both food & drink} and kept making it seem like it was our fault. Again, Alixe and I let it slide, but we were slightly surprised given again, the small size of the resort, and the price we were paying to be there. When you invest that much in a stay, you expect the best. And Alixe and I’s overall experience was hampered by the consistent disappointment we felt in the Ventana’a ability to accommodate relatively simple requests.
If I were to recommend Ventana, it would be to go for lunch {you can do this as a visitor!} The patio they have overlooking the coast is absolutely stunning.
the view from lunch at Ventana
Our check-in at Post Ranch Inn was actually quite similar to our check-in at Ventana. Our bags were placed in a waiting SUV, our car was whisked off by valet and we were offered a glass of wine while they found our reservation. All of that was lovely. But what immediately set Post Ranch Inn apart was something we desperately craved after Ventana – excellent service. After setting our bags down in our adorable treehouse, Alixe and I, quickly changed into swimsuits and went straight to the pool. When we ordered 2 spicy margaritas, there were delivered within minutes. It was then we knew Post Ranch Inn would trump Ventana, but I didn’t expect was that PRI would soon rank as one of the best hotels that I’ve ever stayed in in my life. More than just speedy cocktail service, the attention to detail the people who work at PRI show is unparalleled to anything I’ve seen at other resorts. We felt catered too without being suffocated. It was the best feeling.
I’ve already mentioned their impeccable service, but what also sets PRI apart are the cozy tree houses and cliffside bungalows, the incredible Michelin worthy food, and of course, the breathtaking views. Alixe and I truly felt so relaxed there we never felt the need to leave the property and wander elsewhere. Why would you when everything is better than perfect? The morning of our departure we decided to go on a mini hike around the property. We stumbled across the chef’s garden where many ingredients from the previous nights dinner came from, the yoga yurt where complimentary yoga is offered, and then finally the gorgeous pool surrounded by a huge field covered in wild flowers. Alixe and I were so in love with our overall experience at Post Ranch that we considered staying an extra night.
If you’re planning a trip to Big Sur I would recommend Post Ranch Inn a thousand times over. It was a 10/10 and would make the most incredible honeymoon, babymoon, girls trip or just quick getaway spot for anyone.
Breakfast amongst the clouds at Post Ranch Inn
One of three pools at Post Ranch Inn {this is the one surrounded by wildflowers}
One of three pools at Post Ranch Inn, an infinity hot tub – we spent the most time here overlooking the coastline
A few other notable places in Big Sur –
Big Sur Bakery – We stopped here on our way out and it was adorable! I got a big slice of banana walnut bread and it was heavenly. Seriously so good. I also picked up a bag of their homemade granola for my sister. Have heard their pizza is life changing! Sad I didn’t get a chance to try it.
Banana bread from Big Sur Bakery – so good!
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – Alixe and I decided to park across the street from Julia Pfeiffer State Park and hike to McWay Falls. We had read online that the trail to McWay falls was closed due to construction and that was true. Our ‘hike’ was more like a 5 minute walk to an elevated trail that overlooked the waterfall. it was cool to see, but not life changing…..we both felt like we checked a box and moved on. If you do go see the falls, go in the afternoon when the sun is shining! Otherwise it is cast in shadows and difficult to see.
McWay Falls
Love all of this. I’m kinda dying for you to create a travel section.