Elk Cove Inn & Spa — Hotel in Point Arena

Elk Grove Inn delivers the rarest of travel dreams: a peak North Coast CA experience

For us, great travel is about magical experiences that inspire memorable recollections. What informs our travel highlights are times, places, food, and people that make us feel alive and special, even blessed. This season we first experienced Elk Cove Inn and Spa – awash with romantic tranquillity, transcendent vistas, standout food, and empathetic fellow voyagers. But what makes Elk Cove special are the two simpatico, highly trained owners.

Our positive experience started when co-innkeeper, Melissa, greeted us with warmth and easy grace, answering (all, even dumb) questions. That Melissa, aside from handling reservations, farm animals, vegetable gardens, staffing, and guest needs, is a certified sommelier sets this coastal Inn apart. That her co-owner/partner, Victor, is a professionally-trained, world-class chef – now cooking breakfast and dinner, with full-range menus – makes this pair, their Inn, wine , spa, and cuisine a standout.

Want excellence plus quiet, homey, unpretentious serenity? Except when the ocean is at its calmest, one hardly realizes Highway 1 is nearby. Of sixteen rooms, my wife and I enjoyed the "Wave-watcher" suite, with sparkling views of clouds, waves and whales, typical of most rooms. Varied lodgings span cozy and spacious Victorian farmhouse rooms to snug cottages and elegant suites, all with exceptional mattresses (a must have!). Elk Cove Inn enjoys its own private realm, nestled on a headland cove with stunning, rocky vistas, among the most beautiful CA coastlines anywhere. The Inn lies a half-hour south of Mendocino, two hours from Santa Rosa and Ukiah CA.

Elk offers village life with headland and forest walks, plus nearby, celebrated Mendocino and its award-winning Botanical Gardens, Skunk Train, biking, kayaking, shopping and more restaurants – though none surpass Victor's finesse (see my full, separate Sibo review). Professionally trained as a "saucier" (the essence of great French food), Victor produces terrific appetizers and main courses, spotlighting local meats, fish, mushrooms and wine, plus luscious, onsite salad greens, goats for cheese, chickens and quail for superlative eggs. We consider Sibo the best restaurant in Mendocino county, on par with top choices in Sonoma and Santa Rosa.

Altogether, the relaxed atmosphere, the vistas and private perches, and the Innkeepers make the Elk Cove peak experience a special Northern California opportunity – gracefully blending quality and comfort. We find the prices for rooms, wines and cuisine to be excellent values, crowned with a charming, cozy dining room that dramatizes the glories of coastal ebbs and flows. If the Elk Cove Inn isn’t one rendering of earthly paradise, we don't...

When you first pull onto the property, you’ll see the beautiful landscaping. And I don’t just mean a few flowers – I mean they have a full, colorful garden that you walk through and enjoy. There’s also a deck for you to sit, eat a picnic, play cards, or whatever you like while you enjoy the views. The gazebo is also a great, romantic spot on property to watch the sunset while drinking a nice glass of wine from one of the many local wineries.

After getting checked in and meeting Bella (one of the unofficial mascot dogs), I was shown my suite. Now, I will tell you – and the owners agree – that this is not 5 star accommodations. If you’re looking for the most modern of spaces to lay your head, this isn’t it. But what you will find is a clean, eclectic space that’s made up of thrift store furniture and meaningful touches. For instance, the suites are each named after a local historical figure from Mendocino County. And on the wall, you’ll find a little information about that person and their contributions to the area.

A lot of thought has gone into making these suites your home away from home, but the best part by far is the view. Right outside your window, or stepping out on your balcony, you see the stunning cliffs of the Northern California coast as far as the eye can see of the Pacific Ocean. It’s breath-taking. And that sunset – oh man, it’s absolutely mesmerizing.

Melissa and Victor are the heart and soul of the Elk Cove Inn & Spa, and they were the best part of this stay for me. I so admire the way they lovingly care for their staff, animals, and the people they serve. Their commitment to the ingredients they use, the people they employ from the community, and their work ethic is unmatched. And they serve every single guest with a genuine smile and compassion. They truly want you to enjoy your stay – you’re not just another line...

Where to start... If you are looking for a sleek, ultra modern Inn this is not the place for you! If you are looking for an Inn with personality (we had the Frank Drew room), beautiful views, fabulous food (1st class), personal service, romantic setting, beautiful gardens, 1st rate staff, all the usual amenities, near to everything Mendocino, an intimate restaurant (did I mention the fabulous food!), then this is your place. Our check-in Host, Ricky, was so personable, friendly, and accommodating, he walked us to our room and the magic began when he opened the door to our room, and we were welcomed by soft warm lighting, the fireplace on, soft landscape music playing, our wine and cheese plate ready to munch on, the night stand lights on, and a great view! Warm, cozy, robes also, await. It only got better from there for the next two days! Breakfast (made to order) is served hot to your room each morning (huge menu), with way more than you can eat, and dinner, made by the famous chef, is top notch cuisine! His lovely wife, and co-owner, greets you and is ready to explain anything you want to know. Be sure to seek out the lighted secret stairs to the beach for a cool experience! We just can't say enough great things about this place. I only wish we had booked more nights in advance, but who knew how great this place was going to be. We will definitely be coming back for a much longer stay! Be sure to carefully read the website to learn about breakfast, and dinner, ordering procedures, as the dining room is only open on Thursday thru Sunday. Grab and Go dinners are available the rest of the week (and are well worth it!). Dinner can also be served in your room. YOU MUST...