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.
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.
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.
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.
The Mar Vista experience is physically distanced by design, with wide-open spaces and a wealth of outdoor activities on our nine acres. We also have enhanced protocols to ensure a safe environment.
🎁 GIVEAWAY TIME! ’Tis the season for simple joys. We’ve teamed up with four local favorites to create a mindful, slow-travel inspired prize crafted with community, and a whole lot of coastal magic.
Giveaway Prize Includes:
🎁 Izakaya Gama – Dinner for two
🎁 Surf Market – Gift Certificate ($100 Value)
🎁 Mar Vista Farm + Cottages – Two-night stay
🎁 B Bryan Preserve – Private tour experience ($350 value)
🎁 Salvare - Wellness Basket ($300 value)
To Enter:
– Follow all participating partners above
– Like this post
– Tag a friend in the comments (each tag = one entry)
A little coastal calm is waiting!
Giveaway closes 12/15 and the winner will be announced on 12/16 on stories. Please note: blackout dates apply and the prize is redeemable for applicable 2026 dates February-December only.
Not every gift fits in a box. Some look like morning light through the trees. Like discovering a quiet beach, eating a slow-cooked meal, or the kind of conversation that makes time feel different.
This season, we’re leaning into gifts that don’t ask to be wrapped, only to be experienced. Presence over things is the only thing we are subscribing to this holiday season.
Scroll to see our collection of the kind of gifts that linger longer than anything you could buy.
Looking to head south while you’re here? We’ve gathered the best spots for you in Gualala, so you don’t have to. Save this post for your next trip to the Mendocino Coast 📍
📍 Gualala – 4miles south of Mar Vista
Nestled where the Gualala River meets the Pacific coast, this charming village is perched on craggy bluffs and offers a slow-paced, natural escape on the northern California shoreline.
📍 Red Stella – 39251 S Hwy 1, Gualala
A boutique destination celebrating “coastal living with an urban edge.” Since 2005, Red Stella has curated a vibrant collection of apparel, shoes, gifts and home-furnishings—stylish, functional, and fun.
📍 Anabel’s Boutique – 39114 Ocean Dr., Gualala
A sweet, well-loved consignment boutique for women’s fashion and accessories. Tons of gently used pieces, high-end finds and an inviting, friendly atmosphere.
📍 Salvarae Wellness – 39114 Ocean Dr., Suite C4-1B, Gualala
An indie wellness shop focused on handcrafted, organic CBD skincare and bath products—designed to soothe body and mind, rooted in local Northern-California craft.
📍 Four‑Eyed Frog Books – 39132 Ocean Dr., Gualala
A community-owned independent bookstore offering a broad assortment of books, audiobooks, and e-readers; the kind of place you linger in with a coffee and a good read.
📍 Surf Market – 39250 CA-1, Gualala
A full-service, locally-rooted grocery store specializing in artisan foods, sustainable seafood, organic produce and an impressive wine + cheese selection—perfect when you’re staying nearby.
📍 Gualala Seafood Shack – 38820 S Highway 1 Unit 104, Gualala
A casual, coastal seafood spot offering fresh local catches, fish-and-chips, tacos and burgers in a laid-back setting. Outdoor seating and pet-friendly too.
📍 Anchor Bay Thai Kitchen – 35517 CA-1, Anchor Bay
Just a few minutes north of Gualala, this hidden-gem restaurant serves authentic Thai cuisine with a California coastal twist. Known for its fragrant curries, fresh seafood dishes, and cozy, tropical-by-the-sea ambiance, it’s a local favorite worth the short drive.
