If you could sum up The Ranch in one image, it would be a swing. A swing is stillness and movement, all in the same moment. It’s relaxing in action, which is what we’re all about here at The Ranch. And it’s irresistible in its own way, hard for anyone—toddlers, CEOs, newlyweds—to walk by without taking it for a quick spin (or, ahem, a quick swing).
In the words of John Pritzker, who spearheaded The Ranch’s transformation into a 500-acre playground for all ages, “The swing is the thing … without that swing, we take ourselves too seriously.” At The Ranch, our swings are more than just wooden planks suspended from two ropes: They’re seats, roller coasters, time machines. But perhaps most important of all, they are an invitation. Sit down, lean back, and enjoy the ride that is The Ranch.
We have four swings on property, each highlighting a unique side of The Ranch.
River Ranch
Standing tall at River Ranch, this swing might be the most popular on property. Like all of our swings, it dangles from a regal Coast Live Oak with evergreen leaves year-round. No matter the season, families sprawl on the lawn under the oak’s shade. Children dart between the swing and the adjacent pool and splashpad, eager to add some airtime to their pool day. (Bonus: There’s need to towel off when you can swing yourself dry!) This swing is for all generations—you’re just as likely to see a daughter pushing her dad as the other way around.
Vineyard Lawn
Located at the intersection of our lavender fields, vineyard, and olive tree plot, this swing showcases The Ranch’s farm-to-table roots. In June and July, it sits surrounded by rows of lavender bursting with purple, stalks swaying in the wind. (We distill fragrant essential oils from the lavender and use it in everything from Spa Aiyana products to Valley Kitchen cocktails.) Centuries ago, The Ranch’s land was used for fruit and nut orchards; today it features grapes and olives, the two most common crops grown in Carmel Valley. Our aptly named Swing Reserve Pinot is made from grapes harvested in the fall from the vineyard next to this spot.
Every November, you can get a glimpse of our olive trees, branches sagging with fruit, before they’re picked and turned into delicious small-batch olive oil. Put your feet up. Close your eyes. And listen to the rustle of the olive branches and grape leaves in the breeze, the smell of lavender filling the air.
Lodge
Nothing says “Welcome to The Ranch” quite like a swing! Sitting at the entrance to The Lodge, this swing greets guests as they arrive and bids farewell to those departing. On summer evenings, kids and adults—still sticky from s’mores—try to swing off their sugar rush. Every Saturday after Thanksgiving, The Ranch welcomes the winter holidays with our annual tree lighting. Families mingle underneath the tree in the crisp autumn light, sipping hot cider and nibbling on gingerbread cookies until dusk. When darkness falls, the crowd counts us down until the switch is flipped and the tree shines bright in the night, the strings of light tracing its branches.
Hilltop Yoga Platform
Perched next to a wooden platform above the redwoods of Robinson Canyon, the most remote swing at The Ranch is also our most serene. Sign up for Hilltop Yoga and stroll up our scenic Horseshoe Loop trail to the platform, where you’ll take one of our signature hatha yoga classes. After finding some inner peace, take a quick swing before walking back to your room—or linger and catch glimpses of the deer and turkeys meandering in the meadow below. In the warmer months you can watch the fog (which sticks to the coast in the day) march up the canyon, leaving The Ranch with sunshine-filled days and cool summer nights. Even without a yoga class, five minutes on this swing will have you more relaxed than ever!