The suites at Post Ranch Inn and Ventana are iconic for their incredible vistas of Big Sur's coastline but did you know that you can absorb the same great views from a yurt, treehouse, tepee, or better yet, a human nest? Treebones Resort in southern Big Sur not only offers up unique accommodations with vast ocean views, but it is one of the leaders in glamorous camping, otherwise known as glamping.
Not being exactly the camping type, my boyfriend figured that glamping would be the perfect way to ease me into the great outdoors. To my surprise he took it one step further and booked us in the human nest at Treebones Resort.
Treebones is certainly a destination in itself, located deep in the heart of Big Sur, about 30 miles south of Big Sur village and 25 miles north of San Simeon. After a one and a half hour drive from Monterey along the windy stretch of Highway One we arrived at the secluded treasure just after sunset. We checked in at the lodge where we were given a rundown on all of the amenities and were told to park below where a driver would pick us up to haul our gear, talk about convenience!
It was dark by the time we reached the nest but the moonlight gave it a truly mystical vibe. The human nest was perched on a hillside and looked like something out of a storybook; twigs and branches were perfectly arranged with two large oculus' opening up to a night's view of the Pacific Ocean to one side and rolling hills to the other.
Above the sturdy wooden ladder sat a full sized futon mattress. Luckily we had planned ahead and brought in all of the appropriate sleeping gear including a sheet, pillows, sleeping bags and flashlights. The human nest also comes with an accompanied campsite below with plenty of room for a tent if needed.
I went to sleep that night with the sound of barking sea lions in the distance and crashing waves that seemed to be just steps below me. The clarity of the sky and the glow from the moon was almost as spectacular as the sunset during the drive. I found myself wide awake at 2:00 am just admiring the stars through the peepholes of the woven wood and anticipated the views we would have at daylight.
After a good night's sleep I awoke to a light sea breeze, expansive ocean views and a complimentary breakfast. The lodge hosts a scrumptious breakfast to its guests complete with waffles, toast, yogurt, homemade granola and coffee; something I think every camping experience should offer. Everything was delicious, not to mention organic!
Throughout the rest of the day we enjoyed the resort's heated pool and Jacuzzi tub which also offered breathtaking views of the sweeping coastline. Other resort amenities include free Wi-Fi in the lodge, massages, yoga sessions, a convenience store and two restaurants including the Wild Coast Restaurant and a sushi bar.
I never thought that I would call a campgrounds' bathroom stunning but the onsite restrooms had spotless showers and freshly cut flowers from their organic garden; now that's what I call glamping!
That evening my boyfriend and I set up shop outside of the nest with a bottle of Merlot while awaiting nature's spectacular show, aka the sunset. The sun's reflection from the sea was almost blinding but you just could not look away from the stunning spectacle. I have to admit, there couldn't have been a more perfect way to wind down my first glamping experience where nature's rustic beauty and Treebones' added niceties made for a superb combination.
For an even more "glamping" experience check out one of Treebones' 16 yurts. These spacious circular tents come equipped a queen sized bed, cozy linens, a fireplace, a dining table and comfy patio chairs. They even have running water!
For more information visit: http://www.treebonesresort.com
