Summer 2025

C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 2 5 193 Sierra Mar Restaurant casts a warm glow at dusk. Designed by Mickey Muennig, known for his eco-conscious architecture, buildings are made of natural materials and fit seamlessly into the Post Ranch property, which is 90 percent protected land. California condor, along with Monarch butter- flies, deer, bobcats, foxes, mountain lions and coyotes. Off the coast, migrating gray, hump- back and blue whales can be seen at different times of the year as well as sea otters, sea lions and dolphins. “There are quite a few behind-the-scenes systems that play a big role in our sustainability efforts,” Lee says. “For example, our on-site water treatment plant allows us to recycle and reuse water for irriga- tion, which is essential in California. Our solar array helps power the property, and our landscaping choices prioritize native, drought-tolerant plants that support the local ecosystem. Trees that fall on property are retrieved and made into benches along the pathways, and even our lighting is carefully selected to reduce light pollution, preserving Big Sur’s famed night sky. These are things guests may not notice right away, but they contribute to the overall sense of environmental responsi- bility we strive for.” With hospitality that blends into the land- scape as seamlessly as the architecture, Lee hopes that guests take home the natural expe- rience with them into their everyday lives.While participating in a forest meditation experience, gazing in awe at the natural beauty in all direc- tions, or basking in your cozy room with giant windows that make it feel like you are outside at all times, opportunities to unplug abound. “I wish for every guest to leave feeling more connected to nature, but most importantly, to themselves,” he says. “We often hear that peo- ple arrive at Post Ranch Inn amidst their busy lives, and by the time they leave, they’ve relaxed, exhaled and left recharged and ready to step into their everyday life, but with a more restora- tive lens. If we can create the space for that kind of transformation, even in a small way, then we have accomplished something meaningful. “I’d like to express a heartfelt gratitude to our incredible team, our guests and everyone who contin- ues to carry forward the vision of Post Ranch Inn,” Lee continues. “This place is so much more than a luxury resort—it’s repre- sentative of what’s possible when sustainability, a deep appreciation for the land, and hospitality converges. We are honored to be stewards of this property and to share it with all who visit.” Post Ranch Inn is located at 47900 Highway 1 in Big Sur. For more information, call 800/527-2200 or visit www.postranchinn.com . Post Ranch Inn opened in 1992, but the vision from the beginning was to create something that felt like it belonged to the land, rather than placed on it.