Vibe
Perched 1,200 feet above the Pacific, weathered cedar lodges scatter across 160 acres of coastal redwoods and oceanfront meadows.
“Cliffside redwood sanctum”
All-inclusive coastal dining at The Sur House, wood-burning fireplaces in every room, and private forest cabana massages.
Hillside Japanese hot baths, outdoor redwood treatment cabanas at Spa Alila, and guided forest bathing sessions.
A 160-acre coastal estate offering resident falconry, beekeeping demonstrations, daily foraging walks, and multiple heated pools.
On 160 acres of cliffside redwood forest above Highway 1, looking out over the Pacific.
Rooms
Rooms feature wood-burning fireplaces and private cedar decks, with select suites adding outdoor soaking tubs overlooking the forest canopy.
Wellness
Clothing-optional Japanese hot baths nestle into the hillside beneath redwoods, alongside an ocean-view infinity tub and outdoor massage cabanas.
Backstory
Hollywood producer Lawrence A. Spector founded the hideaway in 1975, financing the cliffside retreat with his profits from Easy Rider.
Eat & drink
The Sur House serves Central Coast cuisine on a cliff-edge terrace, paired with bottles from a ten-thousand-bottle wine cellar.
The neighborhood
Highway 1 snakes along the rugged cliffs below, with hiking trails leading straight into surrounding redwood canyons and coastline.
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.