Carmel Mission Inn is located at the Crossroads Shopping Center in Camel-by-the-Sea, California.   This hotel is perfect for that traveler or family who want to be “in Carmel” but also want more room than the usual bed and breakfast Carmel is known for.

Facing Highway 1

What makes this place pretty sweet for our kind of travel is:

• It is next to Highway 1 – easy access
• It’s across the parking lot from a Chevron – no running out of gas on remote roads!
• Safeway can been seen in the distance – no hunger arguments
• It is NOT located in downtown Carmel – no parking worries
• The property includes a lounge/bar, a fitness room AND a pool – something for every family member!

We also discovered upon check in that they had completed a very lovely renovation of the rooms and property within the past year.  This explained why we had déjà vu but couldn’t place the hotel property. Yes my memory is going already.

Comfortable Room!

If you stay be sure and ask for a room on the fourth floor, which is the highest.  We stayed in a room that faced the highway, Room 404 and loved it.  With a balcony we kept our windows open, however Highway 1 at this neck of town is dead quiet at night.  The clock radio with the iPod dock helped.

The bathroom is a good size and nicely outfitted, though I disliked the smell of their soap they do give you Bath and Body Works toiletries.  The lighting above the bed is a cool feature.  They have a black light along the edge, washing the seashell print in a nice light (leave it on like a fancy nightlight when you’re away).

Cool Seashell Wall Print

My memory tells me this inn was not so nice the last time we stayed, and though this is not new construction like this hotel, the work done by its new proprietor Luxe Hotels in 2008 is very nice, no offense to Best Western (the previous management).  And $119 a night, now that’s luxe.

Bixby Bridge along Highway 1

Valentine’s Day is coming and what better place to escape to but the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, California. This luxurious hideaway is found along a ridge high above the Pacific Ocean and perfect for that quiet and romantic getaway.

The entrance and 98 acre property is hidden or rather tucked out of sight along the western edge of Highway 1 just south of the village and near Pfeiffer State Park.

Big Sur has been attracting creative types to its wild landscape and isolated location for decades, starting with authors Henry Miller, Hunter S. Thompson and Jack Kerouac.

Looking northwest from our room

After Highway 1 was completed in 1937 the area was sought after by Orson Wells and his wife Rita Hayworth, who bought a cabin here in 1944. And one of my favorite Beach Boys album is Holland which features the song “California Saga/Big Sur”, written by Mike Love – it is the best.

Wide open views

Romantics as well as those looking for a peaceful retreat come to this area every year, and with the Santa Lucia Mountain Range dropping almost directly into the Pacific Ocean, secluded bays and unpredictable surf – Big Sur is the perfect secluded location.

The Post Ranch Inn has earned its reputation with the 2008 Traveler’s Choice Award for Best Romantic Hotel in the United States and the Conde Nast Traveler 2008 Gold List for World’s Best 700 Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines. And if that isn’t enough to convince you that this beautiful place is worth a visit, they were named one of the top “Ten Greenest Accommodations in the World” by Trip Advisor.

Private deck for condor watching

When I stayed here, the first thing I noticed was how secluded the property was away from the highway then how well organized it was. We parked our car below, on a lower part of the property and then were driven up to the registration. After checking in we were taken to our beautiful room overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

The amenities are very high end and just enough to make you feel pampered rather than overwhelmed and uncomfortable. I loved touches like the little iron tea kettle in the mini-refrigerator, filled with cream for your coffee or tea. The rooms are furnished with fireplaces and a big fluffy beds that have a clerestory window above for star gazing.

I loved the way our Coast rooms were set along the ridge so that you may be close to your neighbor but when you go out onto your deck, you cannot see anyone near by – all you can see is the sunset, maybe a California Condor fly overhead (there are several pairs that live in the area), or possibly whales on their biannual migration north or south.

Sierra Mar Restaurant

During our stay I got up every morning and walked across the property down towards the pool, to the yurt for a yoga session – where we were never more than six guests, that was luxury.

Afterward there was still plenty of time to slowly walk back up the hillside for the free and delicious buffet breakfast in the restaurant. As a guest you will get preferential treatment for all of your meal reservations at their gorgeous Sierra Mar Restaurant – which showcases organic and seasonal foods.

A wonderful surprise treat you will find are the lovely sculptures situated throughout the property, sometimes in unexpected places.

Inside the Sierra Mar Restaurant

And did I mention the rooms do not have a television? This makes the experience even better and very special. Soak up the impressive landscape and views, meditate or read a little, snuggle up with that special someone, walk the uninhabited beaches near by – or if you prefer book some time at the spa.

Big Sur is special place in California and in the United States. Its fragile ecosystem was tested last year when the Basin Complex Fire forced a two week evacuation of the area just before the 4th of July holidays. However, this resilient area is again thriving and ready for visitors whether to stay in this luxurious hideaway or to enjoy the local parks and beaches.

Beautiful sculpture

If you are looking for a unique place to escape to that will rejuvenate you during this unsettled time or a wonderful and romantic getaway for that special Valentine’s Day this year – the Post Ranch Inn is it.

Now I realize this isn’t for everyone but I consider the higher price tag an investment in my well being and spirit – there is something about Big Sur and this part of the California coast that speaks to the artist in me.

Photo credits to sfcphotography