The Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, 40 cottages nestled along redwood-lined cliffs overlooking the Pacific, is a leader in green luxury. (Heidi Volpe / Los Angeles Times)
With buildings designed to blend into the landscape, You feel like youre 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 natureand pays for its innovations with some of the countrys 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 décorradiant heating systems warm the floors; the handmade rugs are from a company that supports humanitarian projects. (Heidi Volpe / Los Angeles Times)
Were trying not to compete with nature, says the resorts co-founder Mike Freed. Its the back-to-nature movement done in an upscale way. (Heidi Volpe / Los Angeles Times)
