Getaways

By Miki Akil

Located around 300 miles up the coast from Los Angeles, this idyllic, picturesque stretch of land is one of the Golden State’s biggest treasures. The raw, unfiltered beauty of Big Sur extends over an 85-mile stretch of coastline, and we’ve got the ultimate escape for lovers of both nature and glamping that offers the best of both worlds.

Dramatically situated on a coastal ridge overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Treebones Resort offers exquisite views and a unique “back to nature” stay for its guests in a fun and relaxed setting.

In 1983, Corinne and John Handy were on their honeymoon, driving the coast from Canada to Los Angeles. A massive rockslide had closed a section of Highway 1 for most of that year, which turned out to be the Big Sur stretch. “The closure only amplified the allure of this special part of the world, and we knew that we had to go back and explore all along the coast,” Corinne says. After settling down in L.A., the owners frequently visited the Central Coast to camp and explore the outdoors. During one trip, they found a 10.7-acre parcel known as “Treebones” by Big Sur locals. “Back in the 1960s and ’70s, there was one local in particular who used this land as a lumbermill,” Corinne shares. “The area was filled with dead trees that gave off this silvery glow — hence the name ‘Treebones’ — and this man would recycle and repurpose the dead wood. He was permitted by the U.S. Forestry to create useable lumber, and his lumbermill was located in the area in which our parking lot now sits.” After years of conceptualizing their vision, zoning changes to the land, and a divine turn of events, a special opportunity presented itself for the Handy family to build and open a unique lodging experience in Big Sur: Treebones Resort.

Treebones opened its doors in November 2004. The property houses 16 yurts that visitors can rent, which were thoughtfully selected by the family as they felt this was the perfect shelter option for the land. “Round structures just made sense,” Corinne notes. “After all, most indigenous people successfully lived in round structures. Igloos, Teepees, wigwams, wickiups, as well as the rudimentary dome-like shelters of the local Esselen and Salinian tribes — they all have ‘round’ in common.”

The resort also offers yoga, massage, a heated pool and hot tub, and two incredible dining experiences. Wild Coast Restaurant boasts garden-to-table food in a casual, relaxed setting with scenic heated outdoor seating overlooking the Pacific Coast and cozy indoor seating. The eatery utilizes fresh produce from its on-site organic garden and local farms whenever possible, and offers local wines and regional beer. The Sushi Bar offers an inspired omakase experience, where guests delight in an elaborate 16-course tasting menu. It incorporates the highest quality seafood available, with highlights of herbs and seasonings harvested from Treebones’ organic garden. “Our sushi bar is so popular that people come from all over to make reservations to dine with us, even when they’re not guests of the resort,” Corinne adds. Although daytime visitors are not allowed to roam the property due to the privacy of overnight guests, they are welcome to dine at the Wild Coast Sushi Bar (which is now offering seatings for the 2022 season). Prepaid reservations for parties of one to eight are available at $140 per person and can be made online via Tock at www.exploretock.com/treebonesresort.

Surrounding the area and all along Highway 1, there are dozens of parks, day hikes and wilderness trails that Treebones’ guests can explore. Whether you’re a beginner just looking for a quick outdoor stroll, or an avid hiker who wants to dedicate a full day to a challenging trek, there are options for any experience or fitness level.

To de-stress and cultivate your inner peace, Treebones also provides weekly yoga sessions held either out on the panoramic outdoor platform (when it’s sunny) or indoors in the Red Door fireside studio. Guests can purchase classes in advance at the front desk for $35 per person.

Based on the history of the site, Corinne and John Handy always knew that they wanted to recycle and repurpose as many materials as possible and have stayed true to that commitment. From cleaning supplies to the non-packaged, natural soaps offered in each guest’s yurt, everything is 100 percent environmentally friendly. “We didn’t want to just pretend that we were environmental, we wanted to be environmental,” Corinne says. “A large part of that success comes from the work-live culture that we’ve created, and the 25 staff who live on the property to help us make it all work.”

1. It recycles all cans, bottles, paper, cardboard and batteries. 2. It refuses single-use plastic shampoo and amenity bottles, and bottled water. 3. All restaurant scraps, coffee grounds and napkins are either composted or fed to the 20 on-site chickens. 4. It uses recycled or compostable components whenever possible (to-go containers, to-go coffee cups and coffee stir sticks are all compostable). 5. It grows much of its own produce in the on-site organic garden, and whenever possible buys from local farmers and purveyors. 6. When an appliance or fixture is no longer needed or remodeled, the resort donates the items to

Habitat for Humanity. 7. It is completely “off the grid” and generate its own power using clean-burning microturbines. It also supplements this form of power with solar power and wind turbines. 8. It uses high-efficiency pumps and LED or CFL lighting throughout the property, as well as skylights to reduce electrical demand. 9. It provides on-site employee housing, which reduces its carbon footprint, since all employees walk to work each day. 10. The owners help sustain the Big Sur community by volunteering when they can, serving on several local boards, and donating to their local charities and nonprofits

To book your getaway to Treebones Resort, simply go online and check upcoming availability. treebonesresort.com | IG: @treebonesresort