Travel Daily Chats to the Managing Partner of the Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California
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This week, Travel Daily chats up with Mike Freed, managing partner of the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, California, which recently reopened following the temporary closure of parts of Highway 1, the main Pacific coastal road…
Q: You recently reopened the Post Ranch Inn following a temporary closure; what can guests expect following the relaunch?
A: To begin with, an amazing helicopter ride to Post Ranch Inn. The views of the Big Sur coast and Santa Lucia Mountains are simply spectacular. It is so rare to be able to fly the coast in a helicopter that this alone is worth the price of admission. Normally Big Sur this time of year is busy with tourists and cars – now the animals outnumber the people. The hiking trails around the Ranch are all open, along with some hiking trails near the resort. The landscape is extraordinarily green, with wild flowers dotting the landscape.
Post Ranch Inn officially reopened on Thursday, April 20, along with other Big Sur businesses, including the iconic restaurant Nepenthe, the adjacent Phoenix Shop and the Hawthorne Gallery. A portion of the Pfeiffer Canyon State Park also reopened on May 19.
Q: I understand you are now offering helicopter transfers from Monterey Regional Airport. Is this now a regular service and will you expand it to more airports in the future?
A: We are offering a new “Escape Through the Skies” package to transport our guests via helicopter to Big Sur from Del Monte Aviation at Monterey Regional Airport. In addition to guest room accommodations, the minimum two-night package offers amazing value since it includes roundtrip helicopter service for two from Del Monte Aviation, plus daily four-course dinner for two at Sierra Mar; daily light lunch for two at Sierra Mar; daily breakfast at Sierra Mar. Our complimentary activities and amenities will be offered as normal, including guided nature walks, culinary garden tours, stargazing, daily yoga classes and more.
At this time, the helicopter trip is only available from Del Monte Aviation, but we are working on arranging additional flights from San Simeon, near Hearst Castle. Some guests have arranged to fly in from San Francisco rather than renting a car and driving to Monterey, although this is not a scheduled flight.
Q: For visitors who are unfamiliar with Big Sur (perhaps our readers in Asia or the UK), what are the area’s main attractions and why should they include it as part of their Californian itinerary?
A: Without a doubt, the Highway One drive to Big Sur is one most enchanting road trips in America. This stretch of California coastline is known for its chiseled mountains, sweeping views, windy roads, misty horizons, hidden beach coves and state parks. Big Sur has served as a muse for many writers, artists, and musicians. The drive itself is pure scenic bliss but travelers should be sure to budget extra time to take in the area’s iconic waterfalls, bridges, beaches and historic sites, including McWay Falls, Pfeiffer Beach, Bixby Creek Bridge, Hawthorne Gallery, and Henry Miller Library.
Q: Where do your guests usually come from and how long do they stay? And in terms of repeat guests, what factors draw them back to the Post Ranch Inn?
A: Our guests come from all around the world. Within California, our guests primarily come from the San Francisco Bay Area/Silicon Valley, Southern California, and Central Coast regions. In terms of international markets, our focus lies in the UK, Australia, Brazil, Western Europe, and Asia. In terms of overnight visits, the average length of stay per guest is roughly three nights.
