Post Ranch Inn, serenely overlooking the great blue Pacific, is certainly one of the globe’s finest destinations. Large-winged birds, including rare condors, glide along this cliffside perch while privileged coastal vagabonds from Los Angeles environs blend anonymously with those from San Francisco and beyond. As the quintessential wining and dining respite of choice on the Big Sur coastline, Post Ranch’s Sierra Mar impresses even the most deeply jaded. An unparalleled 1,200-plus-bottle wine cellar featuring boutique wines from minimalist producers (those generating a mere 100 cases or less ) is a treat to behold— even more so when professionally paired with a hand-selected, four-course prix-fixe menu that changes on a daily basis. Between the “better than Four Seasons” service and winter views that include migrating whales, your palate and sensibilities will truly be tickled.