In these stressful times, sometimes you just want to switch off the phone, ignore the TV, and go somewhere no one can find you for a week or two to recoup from the daily grind. This kind of escape requires a place that’s off the beaten track yet has amenities enough to relax in comfort. Costa del Sol Bungalows is just such a place.

Costa del Sol Bungalos entrance and thatched-roof restaurant

This unique resort is in Punta Allen, a small settlement located at the tip of a painfully narrow peninsula that juts south into the Caribbean from Tulum, Mexico. The road begins well enough in Tulum, but after passing through the northern reaches of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve it becomes a sand track riddled with potholes literally large enough to swallow a car. Although only a 30 mile drive, the trip can take up to three hours, especially if there have been recent heavy rains. For the first 20 or so miles there is no sign of civilization but as land’s end nears, mansions begin to appear in the dense jungle that separates the road from a crystal clear turquoise Caribbean Sea. A few miles further, scattered casitas appear, until the village finally comes into sight at the tip of the peninsula.

Just a half mile before town, Costa del Sol Bungalows beckons. At the entrance is an open air restaurant where the proprietors cook up whatever fresh catch has been delivered to their door that day. After meals, guests are encouraged to retire to one of the many hammocks, conveniently strung between trees just steps from the dining tables. If complete relaxation isn’t possible, the area offers some of the best saltwater flats fishing in the world, as well as excellent diving and snorkeling.

Beach and hammock at Costa del Sol Bungalos - nothing but relaxation

The resort has only four casitas, simple but exceedingly clean rooms with 24-hour hot water that are well separated for privacy. Punta Allen is still so remote that electricity is only available until 9 p.m. each day and it doesn’t come back on until 6 or 7 a.m., forcing even the most intrepid corporate types to slow down and remember how to enjoy life. It takes a little effort to get to Costa del Sol, but when guests see the pristine white beach and immaculately kept grounds, taste the made-from-scratch meals, and experience the warmth of the host family, there is never any doubt that it was worth the effort. Departing guests grin as they negotiate the tortured road back to civilization, knowing it guarantees that Costa del Sol Bungalos will remain a secret just a little bit longer.

Photo Credit: Barbara Weibel
Article by Barbara Weibel of Cultural Travel with Hole In The Donut

Giant bed with great linens at the Marriott Napa Valley!

Two things are high on my must have list for hotel rooms:

• plentiful and easy to access outlets so I can plug in my traveling library of electronic devices
• good light in the bathroom so I can accurately apply my “too much for daytime, but perfect for me” eyeliner

You might think luxury hotels would always have these two oh-so simple features, but you’d be wrong. It’s hotels that cater to business travelers that always seem to come through for me.

I’m pleased to say that the magical place where you can find all of these delights is in my backyard: the Marriott Napa Valley Hotel and Spa.

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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