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Forest Cottage in Big Sur w/Private Hiking & Hot Tub

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A patio with outdoor furniture, a hot tub, and umbrellas.
A house with a wooden fence, a gravel driveway, and a wooden gate.
A spacious loft bedroom with a skylight, a cozy sitting area with a sofa and armchair, and a small dining table.
A cozy kitchen with wooden cabinets, a dining table with woven placemats, and a window with a view of greenery.
A house with a stone staircase leading to a door, surrounded by a garden with various plants and flowers.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
  • Your own private chef
    One of the few properties offering private chef services.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.

Popular amenities

  • Massages in spa
  • Spa pool on site
  • Patio
  • Barbecue
  • Washing machine
  • Refrigerator

Explore the area

View map
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
  • Place, Garrapata State Park
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Bixby Bridge
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Garrapata Beach
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Airport, Monterey, CA (MRY-Monterey Peninsula)
    ‪35 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

Add dates for prices

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Carmel-by-the-Sea
  • Ocean view
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (6 reviews)
The Little Gem in Big Sur w/Private Hiking & Views

About the area

Carmel

Located in Carmel, this cottage is in a rural area and in the mountains. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Kayaking and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding and hiking nearby.
View more Cottages in CarmelOpens in a new window
Map
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

What's nearby

  • Garrapata State Park - 6 min drive - 6.8 km
  • Bixby Bridge - 7 min drive - 7.6 km
  • Garrapata Beach - 12 min drive - 12.9 km
  • Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - 18 min drive - 19.7 km
  • Point Lobos Ranch - 18 min drive - 20.1 km

Getting around

  • Monterey Station - 30 min drive
  • Monterey, CA (MRY-Monterey Peninsula) - 40 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Ranch Club - ‬45 min drive
  • Big Sur Coast Gallery Cafe
  • ‪Mertin Mekanı - ‬31 min drive
  • ‪The Nest - ‬45 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Forest Cottage in Big Sur w/Private Hiking & Hot Tub pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Forest Cottage in Big Sur w/Private Hiking & Hot Tub?

As of 11 Nov 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Forest Cottage in Big Sur w/Private Hiking & Hot Tub on 30 Nov 2026 start from AU$13,908, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Forest Cottage in Big Sur w/Private Hiking & Hot Tub?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Forest Cottage in Big Sur w/Private Hiking & Hot Tub?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Forest Cottage in Big Sur w/Private Hiking & Hot Tub?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Forest Cottage in Big Sur w/Private Hiking & Hot Tub located?

Situated in the mountains, this cottage is within 6 miles (10 km) of Twin Peaks, Garrapata State Park and Bixby Bridge. Los Padres National Forest and Garrapata Beach are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 26 out of 27 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 27 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 27 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 27 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 27 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great spot

We really enjoyed our stay here. Great place in a great location. The hosts keep the property in amazing condition and were a pleasure to rent from.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

Lovely place to stay and relax. Everything was as advertised and very clean.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Must Stay!!

We loved everything about this property & owners! Amazing time - we WILL for sure be back to stay again!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful area

We really enjoyed our weekend getaway to this beautiful area. It was perfect for a couple and more than we could have asked for.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cabin Getaway

It was a wonderful, secluded stay. Just what was needed to enjoy the coast, great restaurants, and a place to relax in the evenings.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great romantic cottage for 2. Perfect for those who want to be in nature without totally roughing it. Everything was as advertised.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The Forrest Cottage is the perfect place to stay in Big Sur! A cozy cabin situated in the woods, the place feels very private and has private hiking trails to a beautiful view of the rolling hills and ocean as well as a Redwood grove by a stream. It is also a great location for exploring Big Sur and the many state parks in this region.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Minimoon

We had a lovely stay! It was very clean, comfortable, and relaxing. We loved sitting in the hot tub and doing the on property hikes to the waterfall. Convenient location for dining in Carmel and exploring the ocean look out points and Point Lobos. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Married!

Perfect for romantic getaway or elopement. Clean, peaceful and everything you need.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Carmel Getaway

It is a relaxing place to getaway in nature. We hiked on the property to a relaxing waterfall amongst many trees. The forest landscape is beautiful.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing getaway

This property is so special! It is nestled in the redwood forests between Carmel and Big Sur. We found that we loved being on property so much that we spent an entire day here after sightseeing the other day. It's really a nice place to unwind and just be surrounded by beautiful nature!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Secluded Cottage

We really enjoyed the accommodations and the amenities (hot tub, yard with table and chairs, hot water, nearby hiking trails, TV, etc). The owners really made our day by leaving a bottle of champaign. Don't know if that was a gift from the previous renters, but either way it was appreciated! Highly recommend this rental if you are looking for a peaceful getaway.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely charming

We had a lovely stay at the Forest Cottage in Big Sur. Everything was as advertised and the grounds are beautiful. The hosts have thought of everything and there are so many thoughtful touches throughout the cottage. I won’t spoil any surprises; I’ll let you discover them for yourself. We will definitely consider staying here again for our next Big Sur trip. Totally lovely and the hosts are so responsive and helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Charming cottage in the redwoods

The cabin is sweet, very clean and well-equipped. The hosts were responsive and helpful. You do need to be prepared for the drive up to the house from the PCH, it is narrow and you have to go slow, but that ensures privacy and quiet!! Close to Carmel and Monterey
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The perfect secluded getaway

We had the best time at Heart Circle Mountain. The owners were amazing and had great communication. The location was an easy drive to scenic views and Big Sur parks. The cabin is secluded and tucked in the trees but still provided good light. It was meticulously cleaned and had all the kitchen essentials needed. Wifi worked perfectly. We really enjoyed a dinner at the outdoor seating. The on-site trails were fun to explore. Highly recommend and would love to return.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The location was beautiful and remote. I felt a little silly because I had forgot to download my driving instructions prior to getting to the cottage (no Internet signal!). But I was graciously given them again with no problem and a follow up text from my host. He made it easy. Everything felt homey, comfortable and easy. I loved it as a secluded getaway and the hot tub and trails were lovely perks.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Private Forest getaway

This is a beautiful and well maintained cottage, it was perfect for our honeymoon! It was very clean and comfortable with lovely forest views from every room. We loved having the private trails, especially after exploring Big Sur and encountering lots of people. The hot tub and the hammocks enhance the tranquility, and the bed was super comfy. We would definitely recommend it, especially if you are looking for a place to escape the crowds for some peace and quiet. Also a very short drive to lots of sights in and around Big Sur and Carmel. Thanks Andrew and Brianne for a wonderful stay, and for the bottle of bubbly 😊!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great place to stay; home away from home. The cottage was secluded among the redwoods and very quiet. All rooms were clean and tidy. Hot tub worked well. While there were enough kitchen tools to cook dinner we brought all our meals ready to eat so we didn’t need to cook much or go to restaurants which were not very close by and very pricey. Cottage had great WiFi which was not available in many areas in Big Sur. If you follow printed directions , very easy to find. Helps to arrive with daylight. Would definitely return.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hot tub turned on at random hours. Also some jets are broken. Bathroom smaller than photos displayed. Shower in particular is somewhat dangerous it’s so small. But the kitchen was a joy, tv channel and app selection was outstanding. Bedroom was more than restful - skylights, comfy bed, great mattress, relaxing sitting area. The hot tub at the end of a hiking day was perfect.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Engagement Trip

The property was exactly as imagined…and more…as was our stay. The drive through the redwoods set the stage for the solitude at the home itself surrounded by more redwoods. Andrew promptly answered any questions about the Big Sur area; its beaches (including Garrapata beach where we were engaged), hikes and restaurants. The Waterfall Trail on the property was magical and the hot tug was put to good use after full days exploring Big Sur. The home was stocked with everything needed for our stay…a microwave would have been nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet cottage getaway in the redwoods

This cottage placed in the red woods was an amazing spot to say the least. A beautiful drive up a canyon road through the canopy of a red wood forest that parallels a creek was before we even got to the cottage & was something we looked forward to every time we would go out for an adventure and come back. The spa was an amazing way to relax after the beach or going on hikes and the cottage itself kept cool with a nice ocean breeze every night. Speaking of hikes, we loved the fact you could walk out the front door and no more than a few yards up the driveway was a fire road trail that ended up at a waterfall with a hammock and chairs for a great place for lunch and relaxation. We would come stay here again in a heartbeat!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful retreat

Everything was exactly as described. Its the perfect spot if you want R&R without the need to leave the property or if you want a place with easy access to Big Sur or Carmel-By-the-Sea and other sites. Very private siting of this lovely cottage in the redwood forest. The hot tub outside your front door is secluded and wonderfully maintained. The 2 hiking trails on property are easy to access. One leads to a “Redwood Cathedral” with a hammock. The other leads to a perch overlooking a valley and the ocean beyond. I watched the Super Moon rise over this gorgeous and diverse landscape. The hosts are lovely people, too. I would love an opportunity to return. It’s easy to see the loving care the owners have taken with this private oasis.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place is amazing! That sums it up for me.From the moment you get off the PCH, you get transported into a forest that takes you to the property. You go into a land all of its own, into the hills surrounded by redwoods. The morning greets you with the mist of the marine layer, and as during our stay, beautiful rain and wind the rustles the leaves.The Forest Cottage is a delightful place, a home away from home. The kitchen is well stocked with utensils, coffee maker and everything else you might have forgotten to bring along. The bedroom was well appointed and very comfortable. Even though we faced a pretty decent rainstorm that knocked out power, the place had lanterns that kept us out of the dark.Andrew and Brianne were very helpful if we had any questions and were available whenever we reached out to them.If you like a quiet place away from the city, you definitely need to consider this beautiful property. You will not be disappointed.
View from near the laundry room.
Just some regular morning visitors.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Forest Cottage Weekend

There isn't enough great things I could say about our experience with Heart Circle Mountain's forest cottage. To start, working with our Host Andrew was one of the best experiences we've had in booking with a property. He was professional, helpful, responsive, polite, and understanding.The property was amazing!!! It was very clean, beautifully decorated in a quaint and cozy style with all the amenities you could ask for. The location was the best, nestled in the Carmel woods 20 min from Carmel and 20 min from Big Sur. You can step out the front door and have 5 trails to choose from and then come back to the cottage to relax in the two person hot tub in the serenity of the tress.I highly recommend you trust Heart Circle Mountain to help make your getaway the best it can be at this spectacular property. My only regret was stay for only two nights, we will definitely be back again! Thank you Andrew and Heart Circle Mountain!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Private Canyon Cottage

To be honest, the pictures provided of the cottage dont do it enough justice. Palo Colorado Rd is initially intimidating but as long as you turn your lights on, take it slow and be cautious of other vehicles its a wonderful road to drive through. The cottage is plesantly private and has everything you would want/need. Both trails are well taken care of, felt very safe and at the end of each trail is a place to relax on chairs or a hammock. Palo Colorado Canyon is absolutely stunning and you wouldnt be able to experience it on this level of it wasnt for the hosts sharing their personal space. There are lots of places to stay in the Big Sur region but what makes this place stand out from the rest is the sheer privacy in a place that one could only dream of with all the comforts of home. You will not be disappointed.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
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