"Clinging to the cliffs of Big Sur, some 1,200 feet above the Pacific, is the iconic Post Ranch Inn, a nineteenth-century homestead that delivers on romantic ocean views and elevated, tranquil spaces: elements of slate, marble, and wood complement the dramatic natural setting, rather than competing with it, and floor-to-ceiling glass walls make it easy to spend hours taking it all in together. It’s easy to forget there are other guests here, despite a collection of 39 rooms—including several treehouses, and two private homes for rent—making it easy to focus on the company you arrived with. Take advantage of the spa (or better yet, let them come to you for a couples’ massage in your room), and indulge in long meals exploring the hyperlocal menu at Sierra Mar restaurant (they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with daily prix-fixes and an extensive wine list). During the day, you can borrow a complimentary Lexus for a spin along Pacific Coast Highway, or escape for a hike—likely, with nobody else around. Get there: Three hours from San Francisco by car. Splurge on: To really soak up the views, treat yourself to the Post House private home, which has vintage details (including the original fireplace once used by the original owners of the property, the Post Family), and private outdoor hot tub and patio that face away from the rest of the Inn, making it really feel like you have the grounds to yourselves." - Megan Spurrell
