The first thing you’ll notice about the Post Ranch Inn is the congruous nature of the architecture, I think in their press kit they refer to it as “organic architecture”. When you approach the rooms, you don’t see buildings, well not in the typical sense. And rarely a door or entryway. Architect Mickey Muennig has hidden the rooms stealthily into the hillsides, under the plants, and in the trees. Which is where we found our room, quietly perched in the trees.

Architect Muennig either spent months selecting the angles of the windows and the directional positioning of the triangular structure relative to the rising and setting sun and their point-of-view juxtaposition to the bed (kind of like a modern Stonehenge) or it could all have been a serendipitous creation. Whichever, the room captures the essence of living out in nature and the triangular room works brilliantly to create trompe l’oeil window facets that will have you wondering, am I inside or out? The height of the Tree House gives you complete privacy while creating a new visual perspective, much like when Robin William’s character Mr. Keating from the Dead Poet’s Society directed his class to stand on their desks to view life from a different angle.

The interior features rich, Redwood-paneled walls, slate floors, a deep slate whirlpool tub and shower (with windows that open up so you can virtually shower outside), a tall king size bed with comfy luxury linens, a wood-burning fireplace (kindled and ready to go, just add light), and a few comfortable seating areas to lounge and read. The feeling of the space and surfaces is very Zen-like, with an Asian sensibility.

All around are tall Redwoods and views of the Ventana mountains. The sun filters through the trees that encircle the house, gently bathing the space with beautiful variegated light. But what separates the Tree Houses most, from your garden-variety resort suite is the architectural-style that transfers through the pure-form triangular design into perfectly flowing interior spaces. I’m confident Mies van der Rohe would have approved.

The practical aspects of the Tree House include: A fully stocked complimentary mini-bar with plenty of wine, juice, snacks and water (bravo); A coffee maker with fresh cream in a beautiful little Japanese pot sitting in the fridge; A brilliant DMX satellite stereo that lets you tune to a streaming variety of musical genres (show tunes anyone?); Thick plush robes to lounge in; Comfy slippers; And, your very own private patio deck with two Adirondack chairs to enjoy the peaceful serenity and stunning vistas.

	With brand new jeans and a nice pair of hiking boots, bi-focal sunglasses, walking stick and his signature hat, Billy Post was standing right where he always is at 10:20 every morning, in front of the Sierra Mar restaurant. He patiently waits to take whoever’s game, on a two-hour hiking tour of his 93-acre property. As the one who not only conceived the Post Ranch Inn but who, on a handshake with Michael Freed agreed to build this beautiful property, Billy Post is the one essentially responsible for "green-lighting" this blessed space. At 83, Billy has quite a few aches from arthritis, especially in his ankles. He agrees that the everyday walking probably doesn’t do them any good, but he feels he’s got to keep moving. His left ankle was operated on and fused, and now it seems, the other one is due. At his age, Billy is reluctant to go under the knife, not because of the surgery itself, but because of the three months he’s likely to be laid up. Months become more precious at 83.

	For the next three hours we hiked up and around this lovely chunk of land, soaking up about as much about plants and folklore as Martha has recipes. We saw the charred evidence of fires that date back to the 1700’s (probably from lightning) with magnificent live trees jutting out from the damage. We also learned quite a bit about which plants are actually edible. Billy recounted how he’d dazzle his childhood friends with his immunity to poison ivy by actually ingesting the stuff. (I forgot to ask him, what the heck he was thinking, to even try this in the first place).

	At one point on the tour we passed an antique corn-shucking contraption. Billy explained how it worked and that as a young boy, it was the machine he’d often be working at. Here was a device deserving of being in some historical museum somewhere, just propped up against a fence collecting rust. Then I was struck with the thought that one day, like all of the trees around here, this piece of folklore would outlast all of us.

Sierra Mar Restaurant
The breakfast at Sierra Mar is complimentary and full of delightful choices. How about having some fresh strawberries and blackberries with granola swimming in a bowl of yogurt. Vegetable or ham frittata. Homemade chicken sausage. A variety of Odwalla juices. Or array of breads, pastries and cereals. Eat inside or eat outside on the large patio overlooking the ocean where you can take a peek through the powerful monocular at some whales swimming by. Breakfast at the Post Ranch Inn is really one of life’s special treats. A note of warning sits on the table to keep an eye on your food when going in for an extra napkin; those Stellar Jays delight in Sierra Mar’s morning fare as well.

Dinner at Sierra Mar is worth the trip to the Post Ranch Inn. The décor is comfortable and simple in a multi-level, glass-enclosed space that plays second fiddle to the jaw-dropping views of the deep blue majestic ocean, 1100 feet below. Fog permitting, there’s also a beautiful sunset that plays every evening and after dinner, right out on the patio, you can join other “star gazers” and look through the eye of their powerful telescope to enjoy viewing different color stars and planets.

The delicately drawn pre-fixe menu $73. satisfies everyone’s taste. Let’s start with the tasty Seared Foie Gras with Port-Candied Grapes and Shallot Jam. For my second course I’ll have the White Bean Crostini with Wild Arugula, Proscuitto and Truffle Vinaigrette. For the main course, I’ll try the Teriyaki Glazed New York Steak with Spring Roll and Peanut Dipping Sauce. And for dessert, the yummy Chocolate Canache Terrine with Bruleed Banana and Coconut Sorbet with coffee. And while I’m too stuffed to go on, why don’t you just bring out the Apres Dessert, Petits Fours. At least I can look.

Or what about this combination: The delicious Soft Shell Crab “Po-Boy” with Frisee and Cherry Tomatoes. Organic Earthbound Farms Watercress with Blackberries, Lavender and Goat Cheese. Alaskan Halibut with Gremolata, Chorizo and Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes. For dessert the Strawberry Tart with Basil Ice Cream. And that’s just the first night. Remember that each night at Sierra Mar means a completely different Pre-Fixe menu selection.
Oh, and the wine list, 4000 selections strong pulled from a wine cellar 20,000 bottles deep. This is a first class restaurant dropped in the middle of nowhere.

The Post Ranch Inn’s Style Points: The architectural style. The complimentary mini-bar filled with delightful snacks, wine, juice and water. The views. The whirlpool soaking tub that opens to the outside. The clean windows that make you feel one with nature. The cushy robes. The soap wrapped in a single straw string. The wood-burning fireplace “pre-kindled” and ready to light each night of your stay. The decision not to have televisions. Great DMX satellite stereo system. The comfortable mattress and linens. The friendly and accommodating staff. No wide-band access for my laptop. My Cingular cell phone doesn’t work here.

No-Style Points: The height of the tub makes it a little dicey to get in and out of. No wide-band access for my laptop. My Cingular cell phone doesn’t work here.

And lastly.

There are three places I’ve found that accelerate your ability to get centered and move you towards getting in touch with your spiritual side: Caneel Bay on the Virgin Islands, Koele Lodge on the Island of Lanai, and the Post Ranch Inn at Big Sur, California. I’m changing in my sensibilities toward luxury resort properties. Now, it’s more a matter of, as the Post Ranch Inn’s Soaring Starkey says, ‘a time for decompressing and regenerating’. I’m also going to miss Billy Post, the grandfatherly man, who agreed on a handshake to make this whole wonderful luxury resort 11 years ago. He affected my life this weekend in a profound way. I see in him, a simple man secure and content, with the blessed life God has given him. A life whose purpose it is to take care of people and let them see a part of his past. Billy I wish you well on your remaining years. I predict you’ll make it past 100 and that after all is said and done, you’ll have impacted the lives of thousands of people through your graciousness and generosity. Thank you.