SEAWEED + SHINRIN-YOKU: NEW PROPERTIES RETOOL TO WOW THE WELLNESS MARKET

From the Danish practice of Hygge to hitting the ancient redwood trails, Mendocino County offers a wealth of wellness options for the ultimate mind/body reboot.  Times are changing and travelers no longer want to check off their vacation in a sexy little hammock.  From sound bathing to Shinrin-yoku, seaweed scrubs and a mind-bending array of health and wellness-oriented programs, hotels throughout Mendocino County have hit the green light on wellness. 

Debuting in 2025 are two wellness-focused properties set in the historic village by the sea. The 78-room Trailborn Mendocino Cliffside property overlooks Mendocino Bay with 49 guest suites and an upscale tavern/restaurant.  Nearby, the Trailborn Mendocino Hillside property, perched with sweeping views of the Pacific, steps up with 44 lodgings. 

THREE PERFECT DRIVES – Travel & Leisure Spotlights Elk as America's Top Small Food & Wine Town

Elk (population 275) was just named America's Top Small Food & Wine Town, given its idyllic coastal location and the two-Michelin star Harbor House Inn with chef Matthew Kammerer driving the stoves.  The Michelin Guide calls the cooking here “highly original,” touting the use of “hyperlocal and foraged ingredients, elevating not only delicacies like sea urchin but also more humble items like seaweed harvested from the nearby coastline or lace lichen plucked from overhanging trees.” Down the road the recently reopened Sacred Rock Inn steps up with cliffside guest lodgings set in a contemporary motif and two restaurants.

With road trips on the upswing, Mendocino County offers Three Perfect Drives:  Gualala to Elk, Hopland to Willits and Yorkville to Fort Bragg:  https://www.travelandleisure.com/guide-to-elk-california-8681690.

SOLO TRAVEL TREND ON TAP IN MENDOCINO

It's no secret that this is one of the top trends of 2024 given the intrinsic need for people to disengage and recharge.  Mendocino County, with its vast network of 24 state and national parks, 90 miles of pristine Pacific surf and 110+ wine tasting venues -- enough to keep the country of Bhutan buzzed -- is a leader in this category.  Quaint cabins in the woods, sleek oceanfront Airbnb's, rustic water towers-turned-guest-suites.  Need we say more?

ARTISTS ON THE EDGE:  AN ALFRESCO ROMP

World-class with a “wow” factor, Mendocino's alfresco arts scene is a timeless trek through the lens of one of the nation's most creative hubs.  In a region where redwoods outnumber residents, Mendocino County's artisans play a pivotal role in shaping this secluded enclave.  Known internationally as a top stop for art enthusiasts, the destination boasts 56 galleries/museums showcasing all genres of creative expression from murals to fine art, glass blowing, sculpture and mixed media.   www.visitmendocino.com/al-fresco-arts-scene/.

DARK SKY TOURISM

There's a new trend in tourism that is taking rural regions by storm: Dark Sky Tourism.  According to National Geographic, unplugging under the stars in destinations light on light pollution is gaining in popularity with new hotel programs, weekend astrological camp-outs and park ranger-led constellation cavorts taking center stage.  Mendocino County, Northern California's crown jewel with  24 state and national parks and a wealth of inns and enclaves unscathed by urban light, is a top choice for travelers seeking pristine starry nights and a front row seat to the 11-year Solar Maximum cycle.  Let the ultimate astral affair begin!  www.visitmendocino.com/dark-skies-in-mendocino-county/

SLEEPCATION: TOP TRAVEL TREND TUCKS INTO MENDOCINO

It's a simple truth, hoteliers are focused on providing the best sleep experience possible for tourists seeking a super tuck-in.  Booking.com (2024) states 58% of traveler are opting for getaways focused on undisturbed sleep.  A bevy of Mendocino inns fit this ticket including the oceanfront Sea Rock Inn, with cushy suites and fireplaces; The Brambles tucked in wine-centric Anderson Valey or the ultimate Hideaway Tree House tucked along the Pacific Coast in Albion. Farther south along the Pacific, the Elk Forest Retreat steps up with two unique lodgings: The Water Tower and Forest Camping Hut set deep within the redwoods. 

THE “NEW” MENDOCINO:  FROM SLEEK NEW INNS TO RAW BARS

The adventure starts two hour's north of San Francisco, as asphalt drops into wilderness, deep canyons laced with lichen, vineyard vistas and resident sheep lazily mowing the weeds.  The trek to historic Mendocino Village, set along the Pacific with a population of 932, is a mind-changer.  Slip in and it's hard to slip out of this walkable slice of California that is currently riding a rebirth.  Gone is the chintz, replaced with hot little raw bars, soothing holistic hideaways and a vibrant lodging scene.  Wine tasting is on tap as is a legendary Bloody Mary, $130 Belgium Lambic-aged beer and a hip Southern-Vegetarian outpost.  www.visitmendocino.com/village-of-mendocino-takes-on-a-new-edge/.

CANNA-CURIOUS VACATIONS:  LUXURY ESCAPES IN THE EMERALD TRIANGLE

A key player in the legendary Emerald Triangle, Mendocino County stands ready to showcase its world-class cache of cannabis with a new line-up of tourism options including lodging, food & beverage, tours and outback experiences.  From a “Puff & Paint” session to a luxury stay in wine-centric Anderson Valley, complete with private legacy farm tours and a seven-course micro-dosed repast, this region is rife with fresh, new canna-cation adventures, one toke at a time.  https://www.visitmendocino.com/listing_type/cannabis/cannabis-cannabis/

MENDOCINO COUNTY BY THE NUMBERS:

• National/State Parks: 24

• AVAs: 12; Wineries 110+

• Pacific Coastline: 90 miles

• Top Crops: Cannabis, Grapes

• Unique Language:  Boontling, Late 19th century language still spoken in Boonville

• Airports: SFO, OAK, SMF, STS

• Drive Time from SFO: 2+ hours

MEDIA CONTACT: Koleen Hamblin/KOLI Communications; link2koli@gmail.com; 805.451.2015