You know this place—or perhaps it just feels like you do. Mar Vista Farm + Cottages instills that sense in nearly everyone who visits our magical site on the “secret coast” in Mendocino County, where life slows down so you can forge stronger connections with nature and the ones you love. Here, the everyday fades away, replaced by a more conscious, simpler way of life.
A three-day retreat for slowing down on purpose on August 27th-30th, 2026
Three days on nine acres of a working farm on the Mendocino coast. No itinerary. No notifications. Just the coast, the farm, watercolors in the Glass House, an instant camera, and a shared dinner that goes longer than anyone planned.
Day One — Arrive + Exhale
Settle in. Shared dinner.
Day Two — Hike in the Morning + Craft in the Afternoon
Go on one of our favorite local hikes. Tea foraging with Deanna. Afternoon in the Glass House — watercolors, puzzles, records. Lawn games. Dinner on your own.
Day Three — Into Town
Gualala Farmers Market and local shops. Crafter-noons in the Glass House.
Your pace. The Glass House. One last shared dinner together.
Day Four — Slow Morning + Send Off
Move at your own pace for final morning send off.
Pricing – Includes lodging and two shared dinners with breakfast included.
The more people you bring, the better the value!
Everything on the schedule is optional. We mean that. Every guest arrives to a Field Kit in their cottage — a journal, Fuji Instax film (shared cameras available throughout the weekend), washi tape, a box for your phone, your Mar Vista Weekend Guidebook, and more!
Just across Highway 1 from the Pacific Ocean, Mar Vista offers vintage cottages, the Glass House events space, a redwood soaking tub, and nine acres of natural areas—forested trails, farm animals, harvesting gardens, spaces for family play, even private access to a secluded beach. Ideal for solo travelers, couples, families, furry friends, and gatherings, it’s as if you have your own private country getaway.
At Mar Vista, you’ll feel restored, reinvigorated, ready for whatever’s next. And you’ll realize that you did, in fact, know this place all along. Because ultimately, it is a reflection of you at your best.
2026 marks 90 years of Mar Vista Farm and Cottages. We’re planning celebrations throughout the year, and you’re part of the story.
Share your favorite memories with us, photos from that magical sunset, stories from your family traditions here, moments from stays past or recent. Every memory helps tell the story of these 90 years, and we can’t wait to celebrate them together.
Email us your memory or historical moment directly at hello@marvistafarmandcottages.com
PLUS-enjoy complimentary farm-fresh egg deliveries each morning.
Explore the many local beaches nearby-ideal for picnics, tide-pool fun, sunset chasing, and whale spotting.
We are powered by 100% renewable energy. On-site, find EV charging, composting, and plastic-free swaps.
With nine secluded coastal acres, Mar Vista is the perfect playhald for your furry friend.
Our Scandinavian-style fishing cottages feature a fireplace, plush bedding, and a well stocked kitchen
Restore with forest bathing, on-site yoga, meditation, massage (available upon request).
Our 11 bright and airy cottages each feature a fireplace, antique furnishings, plush bedding, and a well-stocked kitchen.
From forest bathing to farm activities, Mar Vista is a mindful escape designed to bring you closer to the land and one another.
With coastal views and serene forests, Mar Vista is perfect for weddings, retreats, milestone occasions, and celebrations.
We consider ourselves the stewards of Mar Vista, rather than the owners. It is our dream to share this wonderful place with you.
Photo by Pauline Chatelan for The Panafold.
Mar Vista is a place for people to be present and act with intention—and we act with intention as well, with sustainable farming and gardening practices, responsible water use, and more.
Solo travel is better when the place feels like it was made for it.
At Mar Vista, your cottage sits on nine acres of open grounds with plenty of space to roam, rest, and be as social or as still as you want. Seclusion here is a feature, not an accident.
📍Point Arena Market & Café — the Co-op 185 Main Street, Point Arena · (707) 882-3663 Mon–Sat 7am–7pm · Sun 8am–6pm
A community-owned co-op serving the area for over 15 years. Organic and natural groceries, fresh produce, bulk section, deli, local wines and beers, and a full café with breakfast burritos, soups, sandwiches, and espresso. Vegan and gluten-free options too. The locals just call it the Co-op — it’s the heart of town.
📍Pelican Bread 40 Port Road, Point Arena Owner and baker James McKenna mills his own grain before each bake to produce organic, whole-grain sourdough bread and pastries — some of the most aromatic and flavorful bread on the coast. Shop hours are Wednesday 8–11am and Saturday 8am–1pm only — so plan accordingly. You can also find Pelican at the Gualala Farmers Market on Saturdays May through November, 9:30am–12:30pm.
📍Point Arena Lighthouse + Stornetta Lands The Stornetta Public Lands trail extends over two miles along the coastline with stunning Pacific views, a blowhole where waves spout into the air, and excellent coastal bird watching. The lighthouse itself is iconic and worth the drive out Lighthouse Road.
📍Manchester State Beach Just north of Point Arena, the beach stretches five miles down to the lighthouse with long dunes dotted with wildflowers and plenty of driftwood for exploring.
📍Arena Theater A beautifully restored 1928 art deco theater — could be a highbrow art film, a first-run Hollywood drama, or a live music or dance performance.
📍Franny’s Cup & Saucer — legendary pastries, cookies, and cakes with a line out the door most mornings. Get extras for later!
📍Izakaya Gama — fried mushrooms, karaage, ramen, fresh sashimi.
📍Point Arena Pizza — right on the pier with ocean views.
📍Cove Coffee — family-owned coffee and tackle shop overlooking Arena Cove Beach.
📍Mar Vista Farm + Cottages
🎥 @paulinechatelan
The Offline Weekend at Mar Vista is happening. A three-day retreat for doing nothing on purpose🔗 Link in bio to learn more + book your spot.
Perhaps we all haven’t forgotten how to be still, but rather we just haven’t had the right place to practice it. Mar Vista’s latest journal entry exploring what it means to document without posting. To be somewhere without proving it.
