Big Sur’s Post Ranch Inn

With buildings designed to blend into the landscape, “You feel like you’re the only people here,” says one guest.  (Heidi Volpe / Los Angeles Times)

Some of the cottages are set atop 9-foot poles amid stands of trees.  (Heidi Volpe / Los Angeles Times)

The inn redefines luxury as a connection to nature—and pays for its innovations with some of the country’s highest room rates: $550 to $2,185 a night.  (Heidi Volpe / Los Angeles Times)

Whimsical, recycled details are part of the aesthetic.  (Heidi Volpe / Los Angeles Times)

Wildflowers and native plants spread over the earthen roofs of some of the cottages.  (Heidi Volpe / Los Angeles Times)

The works of local artists and artisans are woven into the environment.  (Heidi Volpe / Los Angeles Times)

The inn has used sustainably harvested and renewable building materials since the beginning.  (Heidi Volpe / Los Angeles Times)

The green mission is woven into the understated décor–radiant heating systems warm the floors; the handmade rugs are from a company that supports humanitarian projects.  (Heidi Volpe / Los Angeles Times)

“We’re trying not to compete with nature,” says the resort’s co-founder Mike Freed. “It’s the back-to-nature movement done in an upscale way.”  (Heidi Volpe / Los Angeles Times)