Imagine waking up in a nest-like structure perched among the forested hills of Big Sur. Smooth, woven branches and twigs hold the nest in place, sheltering you from the elements. On one side, the branches splay out to reveal a circular opening, from which you can see striking views of the wild California coast.
Well, there’s no need to simply imagine such a structure…because it actually exists! Welcome to Treebones Resort, an eco-resort and “glamping” destination more enchanting and eccentric than anywhere in your wildest dreams.
I’ve previously waxed poetic about my deep love for Big Sur, the land of foggy coastlines, enchanting redwoods, kitschy family lodges and wood cabins, and breathtaking scenic drives. Now, allow me to share with you one of the absolute highlights of our time in Big Sur: the accommodation.
The Property
Treebones is an eco-resort, which means they take steps to minimize their footprint on the earth. They maintain an organic garden onsite, where they grow most of the vegetables and herbs for their two restaurants. How cool is that?!
The resort also has an extensive recycling and composting program, and operates completely “off the grid” with their own clean-burning micro turbines for electricity and water heating.
The main lodge is the “heart” of the property; it’s where you’ll check in, and also where you can find the Wild Coast Restaurant, Sushi Bar, men’s and women’s showers, convenience store, heated pool, and hot tub. The actual accommodations are sprawled out across the rest of the property.
We spent a lot of time at the main lodge during our stay, usually drinking wine on the ocean-view deck or by the fireplace. We also played a round of chess in the lodge, and enjoyed a sunset soak in the hot tub!
As for where you’ll be sleeping, the accommodations mostly consist of yurts, which have private decks, cozy queen or king sized beds, and cold running water (you’ll need to head to the shared bathrooms for hot water).
Treebones also has a number of standard campsites (i.e. you supply your own tent and supplies). Not your style? Maybe you’d prefer the luxurious Autonomous Tent, which is secluded on the edge of the property, has an ensuite bathroom and gas fireplace, and starts at a cool $595 per night. A gal can dream!
Of course, I’d venture to say that Treebones is best known for its two “special” campsites: the Human Nest and the Twig Hut, where we were fortunate enough to spend two unforgettable nights.
The Twig Hut
Yes, the Twig Hut actually does qualify as a campsite…although I wouldn’t blame you for not recognizing it as such!
Starting at $215 per night (with a two-night minimum), the Treebones Twig Hut is a two-story, hand-woven masterpiece built by local Big Sur artist Jayson, Fann.
It’s easily the most whimsical and imaginative accommodation I’ve ever stayed in…and this is coming from the girl who has slept in a cement tube in rural Mexico, a lighthouse hostel on the coast, and a hammock on a seaside cliff in Colombia.
The Twig Hut goes beyond “unique accommodation” – it’s truly a work of art! The craftsmanship and attention to detail is glaringly apparent; I can only imagine how long it took to construct by hand, bending and nailing twigs into place one at a time.
That said, it is still a campsite. The Twig Hut contains a round futon pad in the sleeping area, but you’ll need to supply your own pillows, sleeping bags, and blankets.
It’s also recommended to bring and pitch your tent in the designated space next to the Twig Hut, in case of inclement weather (the hut is not rain-proof or wind-proof).
And here’s your official warning: it DOES get windy in the hut, and it DOES get cold at night. During our stay over Labor Day weekend, we bundled up in flannel PJs, thick socks, a sleeping bag, and an additional blanket every night.
We also had a 3 A.M. visit from a curious raccoon who was investigating the exterior of our hut, which was equal parts annoying / exciting / terrifying.
But in exchange for roughing it a bit, you’ll be rewarded with hands-down one of the most memorable travel experiences of your lifetime. Even when we weren’t out exploring the majestic natural beauty of Big Sur with hikes and scenic drives, we were still able to enjoy the scenery from our private Twig Hut.
Whether you’re cozied up in the cocoon-like sleeping area (and trust me, it IS cozy) or relaxing in the nook on the ground floor, the northern-facing views of Big Sur’s coastline are unbelievable. Falling asleep to the sound of the Pacific Ocean and waking up surrounded by the beauty of the central California coast is simply surreal.
Pro Tip: BYOB (or wine)! You can purchase alcohol in the main lodge, but it’s cheaper to bring your own. Plus, enjoying your own private views of the sunset while sipping wine in your Twig Hut is something that everyone should get to experience at least once. Pure magic!
If you’re curious about the full layout of the Twig Hut, head over to my Instagram and watch the Highlight called “Big Sur.” It contains a walkthrough and tour of the whole site!
The Sushi Bar
I know what you’re thinking: A sushi bar at an eco-resort? In the middle-of-nowhere California? Really? But hear me out!
The Omakase sushi experience at the Treebones Sushi Bar was easily one of the highlights of our trip to Big Sur. And not just that…it was actually THE BEST SUSHI I’ve ever had. (For the record, I eat a lot of sushi; I could eat it nearly every day.)
“Omakase” is a Japanese word that means something along the lines of “leave it up to the chef.” At Treebones, this translates to a paced-out sushi tasting experience, complemented by views of the Pacific.
The chef carefully prepared each roll by hand, course-by-course, as we observed from the other side of the bar. The ingredients are kept simple (and local), designed to perfectly complement the natural flavor and texture of the fish.
The quality was absolutely unparalleled; every bite seemed to melt right in my mouth! You can truly taste the freshness, as well as the care and precision that goes into the preparation.
Seating is highly limited; it’s an intimate space with just two seatings per night, at 4:30pm and 7:00pm, Wednesday through Sunday. So if you’re planning to book a stay at Treebones, I advise making your sushi reservation at the same time, to ensure you’re able to snag one of the coveted spots.
The cost is $90 per person (or $70 for the vegetarian experience), not including alcohol, tax, or tip. Pricey, but if you have the room in your budget, I truly can’t recommend this culinary experience enough. If you’re a sushi lover, you’ll be blown away!
Not into sushi? (You heathen!!! Just jokin’ 🙂 ) Treebones has another dining option in their main lodge, the Wild Coast Restaurant. There’s no need to make reservations, and you can choose from dishes like sandwiches, burgers, salads, pastas, and appetizers.
I highly recommend ordering a glass of wine there, and cozying up by the fireplace or enjoying the ocean views from the elevated deck.
Planning your own glamping getaway to Treebones Resort? Be sure to check out my Ultimate Big Sur Travel Guide for all of the best hiking, beaches, dining, and other activities in Big Sur, along with a perfect two-day sample itinerary!
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Have you ever “glamped” before, and if so, where? Would you ever sleep in a Twig Hut like this one at Treebones Resort?
This place is absolutely incredible! I can’t get over that being made of sticks and twigs the way it is!
Emily recently posted…Life Lately | Goodbye, October
Me either!! It was even more amazing being up-close inside the hut. The attention to detail was honestly crazy.
Kelly | The Wandering Blonde recently posted…Gaudi & The Gothic Quarter: Four Blissful Days in Barcelona