If you’re looking for something different to do on your next vacation, consider Treebones Resort located along Big Sur’s breathtaking Pacific coastline in northern California with the Los Padres National Forest as a backdrop.
The ocean views and sunsets are spectacular, as you would expect in this locale. What makes this resort unique among other oceanside retreats are the lodging options. If you like, you can camp out the traditional way – or, you have your pick of some more unusual lodging choices: a yurt or a human nest.
What, exactly, is a yurt? Picture a circular tent-like structure with a wood lattice frame covered in fabric, with pine wood floors and French doors opening onto a redwood deck with a fantastic view of the Big Sur coastline. Inside the yurt is a queen-sized bed, table and chairs, and sink vanity, with heat and electricity (showers and restrooms are a short walking distance). You can also request a massage in your yurt. This is not your typical tenting experience!
For a really unusual experience, sleep like a bird in a nest perched high in a tree. The “human nest” overlooks the Pacific Ocean and comes with its own campsite. When it’s time to sleep, just climb the ladder to your wood-woven “nest” and spread your sleeping bag on the provided futon. The nest holds two adults.
There are also campsites for those who want to camp the traditional way – with or without a provided tent - and all sites come with an ocean view.
Amenities include a hot tub, pool with an ocean view, restaurant, outdoor sushi bar with spectacular sunset views, free Internet access in the lodge, free morning yoga classes, and an extensive American breakfast buffet.
Since this is California, it’s not surprising to see an ecological theme running through the resort. Many of the salad greens and vegetables used in the restaurant are grown on-site. Then, the restaurant scraps are used as compost to feed the garden and the two dozen chickens whose eggs are used in restaurant dishes. The heat exhaust created from their energy producing turbines is used to heat the pool, hot tub, and radiant flooring in the lodge, restrooms, and showers.
If the beautiful sunsets, spectacular coastline, and various resort amenities aren’t enough to fill up your time and senses while there, the resort offers two ecotourism opportunities.
Tour #1: Big Sur Ecotour
This guided one day tour allows you to explore redwood filled canyons, waterfalls, rocky beaches, and several historic sites – with a gourmet picnic lunch included. You might even spot some whales or the rare California condor.
Tour #2: Ocean Kayaking
After a brief instructional lesson designed for novices and intermediates, your group, led by a guide, will paddle through the beautiful natural harbor of San Simeon Cove at the southern end of the 60 mile stretch of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the nation's largest protected marine area. Here, you’ll commune with the wildlife surrounding you, such as sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, whales, and dolphins.
Big Sur Treebones Resort is located about halfway between San Luis Obispo and San Jose in Big Sur, California. The resort is suitable for both adults and families with children over 6.
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