Heart Circle Mountain

Heart Circle Mountain sits on 36 private acres in the hills above Big Sur, reached by a paved private road off Palo Colorado Road. The property includes redwood and oak forest, streams, waterfalls, and ridge-top spots with views toward the Pacific. One of two retreats on the land is the Forest Cottage, a two-story structure originally built in the 1930s and since remodeled with Venetian plaster walls, tumbled marble, and art glass lighting.

The cottage sleeps two in a single upstairs bedroom, where a queen sleigh bed with a Tempur-Pedic mattress and down duvet sits beneath two skylights for stargazing away from city light. A sitting area downstairs has a desk, loveseat, armchair, and a Smart TV with a Bose soundbar and streaming access. The retreat is cleaned with non-toxic products and kept pet-dander free, and linens are line-dried in Big Sur sun.

Outside, guests have access to on-site hiking trails that lead to waterfalls, streamside lounging areas, and open ridge views, all without needing to drive. High-speed Wi-Fi reaches the property, and a private hot tub is available at the cottage. Garrapata Beach and State Park are about three miles away. The drive from central Big Sur town runs roughly 15 to 20 minutes.

This is a couples-only retreat: it sleeps two, does not allow pets, and is not set up as an off-grid stay. Bookings and rates run through the property's own site or by contacting them directly.