The Little Gem in Big Sur w/Private Hiking & Views

Wild Luxury on the Edge of the World

*We are excited to share this updated retreat after taking a hiatus. VRBO deleted our old listing so please see the photos showing our previous 5 star rating from 53 reviews on VRBO alone.

~ Big Sur is open and accessible from the north!
~ Private Acreage Property= Privacy + 360 views
~ Miles of on-site hiking with romantic lounging areas: creekside w/waterfalls or ridgeline w/ocean view
~ 3 miles from breathtaking Garrapata Beach and State Park
~ Paved, private road free of dust
~ High speed internet
~ 2 unique retreats

Welcome to Heart Circle Mountain—36 private acres of redwoods, mountains, and waterfalls, offering the Big Sur experience without the crowds. Step outside your door and immerse yourself in a private forest, where you can hike among towering redwoods, discover hidden waterfalls, and unwind in a serene streamside settings. Bath in the tranquility or venture upwards for sunny ridge-top views stretching toward the Pacific ocean. No need to get in your car—adventure and relaxation start at your doorstep.

Heart Circle Mountain offers a unique balance of wilderness and luxury, with two secluded retreats, each on their own area of the property that are thoughtfully designed for your enjoyment. Hammocks sway in the dappled sunlight, waterfalls provide a soothing soundtrack, and nature’s grandeur surrounds you.

Come experience Big Sur’s wild beauty—without the crowds.

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The Little Gem: A Cozy Hillside Retreat with Sweeping Views
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Perched on a scenic hillside, The Little Gem is a romantic, cozy cabin with breathtaking mountain, valley and forest views. Inside, you’ll find a queen Tempur-Pedic cast iron bed, a Jøtul wood-burning stove, and a beautiful dining nook with a skylight that opens to the towering redwoods and madrones.

The fully equipped kitchen includes a four-burner stove, oven, and under-counter refrigerator, plus an electric BBQ. Lace-covered French doors lead to an exquisite bathroom, featuring a clawfoot soaking tub/shower, a stunning bowl sink on a redwood countertop, and expansive views.

Built with the finest materials—redwood, art glass lighting, and natural stone—the retreat is meticulously cleaned with eco-friendly, allergy-safe products and features crisp white linens, sun-dried in the fresh Big Sur air.

Step outside onto the wrap-around balcony with a bistro dining area, take in the stunning ridges and forest below, or relax in the two-person hammock. For a truly magical experience, dine on your own mountaintop terrace, surrounded by flowers and embraced by redwoods, madrones, and oaks. At night, gaze at a star-filled sky—unobstructed by city lights.

An unforgettable Big Sur escape awaits!

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The Property
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Heart Circle Mountain sits in the Goldilocks Zone—above the fog line but below the hotter, buggy highlands—offering a sunny microclimate teeming with wildlife. Here, deer, foxes, squirrels, quail, birds of prey, and even bobcats roam freely.

Just outside your door, two private hiking trails invite you to explore the beauty of Big Sur without the crowds. Along the way, discover scenic lounging areas with two-person hammocks, loungers, tables and chairs —perfect for a picnic or a drink while bathing in nature.

The Waterfall Trail

This serene path winds through a redwood forest along a private stretch of Palo Colorado Creek, leading to two enchanting lounge areas, surrounded by lush sorrel and ferns. At the halfway point, you’ll find Forest Glen, a magical haven where a meandering creek flows beneath a soaring old-growth redwood fairy ring. Further ahead, the trail ends in an intimate forest retreat, where a 10-foot granite waterfall cascades into a tranquil pool, framed by ferns, horsetails, redwoods, and oaks.

The Zen Trail

For breathtaking ocean, mountain, and valley views, follow the Zen Trail up Garrapata Ridge. Along the way, you might spot a bobcat or our resident fox near its den. At the summit, relax in a secluded lounge area beneath a natural oak arbor, with panoramic views of dramatic ridgelines and the Pacific on the horizon. Watch red-tailed hawks and peregrine falcons glide overhead as you take in a fog river pouring over the ridges or a stunning sunset.

You won’t need to drive anywhere to experience the best of Big Sur—it’s all right here. But if adventure calls, the coastline and Ventana Wilderness are just a short drive away.

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The Neighborhood
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Heart Circle Mountain sits atop a small mountain overlooking Palo Colorado Canyon and the Pacific Ocean beyond. Conveniently located just 2.2 miles from Highway 1, our retreats offer the best of both worlds—a peaceful Big Sur escape that’s only: a 15-20 minute drive North to Carmel or a 15-20 minute drive South to the Big Sur Valley.

You’ll experience some of the most scenic roads anywhere, without the hassle of dirt roads—our private, paved road ensures a smooth, dust-free, and traffic-free journey to your retreat.

Without a doubt, you will leave Heart Circle Mountain with a unique piece of Big Sur in your heart.

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The Attractions
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North
~ Rocky Point Restaurant – 2.5 mi
~ Garrapata Beach & State Park – 3 mi
~ Soberanes Point & Canyon – 6 mi
~ Point Lobos State Reserve – 10 mi
~ Carmel – 12 mi (80+ restaurants, art galleries, and shops)

South
~ Bixby Bridge & Old Coast Road
~ Andrew Molera State Park – Miles of trails, beach access, and guided horseback rides.
~ Big Sur Valley – 12 mi (restaurants, art galleries, and shops)

East (currently closed)
~ Palo Colorado Road – A scenic drive winding inland to Bottchers Gap Park, with campgrounds, hiking trails, and breathtaking views of the Ventana Wilderness and Mt. Pico Blanco.
~ Mill Creek Redwood Preserve – Now open by permit only, a few miles before Bottchers Gap.

West
~ Rocky Point to Castle Rock – the aqua blue Pacific Ocean crashing onto the shore.

We look forward to welcoming you!

2 Adults 21 & Up, No Pets, No Children