Heartwood Mountain Sanctuary

The space is warm, beautiful, and inviting, and we enjoyed every moment there. From our first contact, Lucy Jo and Charlene made us feel welcome and looked after, going above and beyond. Their service made us feel genuinely appreciated. We can’t wait to return, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone seeking comfort, charm, and caring people.

The mountain setting is breathtaking, and the place is still lovely and well kept, even though the pandemic years hit it hard and it no longer gets the clientele it once did. We enjoyed the rooms, pool, sauna, and the kitchen access, including the deck where we ate our food. Nathan, our host, proudly showed us around, and we met George, a ceramic artist currently living there. It’s a magical spot, and I wish we could have stayed longer. I chose it for one night because it cost less than most hotels and motels near the redwood forests, and I thought it was closer. It wasn’t necessarily closer: the drive up into the mountains is 22 miles on a narrow, winding road and takes 51 minutes. I hate heights while driving, so the trip up and down was a bit much, even in our trusty Subaru crosstrek. If you’re comfortable with intense mountain drives and want a retreat like atmosphere, it could be a wonderful place to stay for a few weeks. Email first to find out what to bring. They no longer provide food, and the location is remote. They’re in the process of selling the place, and I hope they find a buyer who can restore it to its former glory.

I come here for short work retreats when I want to focus and get back into a creative flow. It’s a good way to get away from modern noise and crowded campgrounds, with nature all around for thinking, making things, or meditating. The staff are welcoming, friendly, and accommodating. The kitchens have almost everything you need, though you do bring your own food, and the sauna gets nice and toasty with a great view. I highly recommend it for a quiet escape.

A good place to stay near Garberville if you enjoy mountain driving. Heartwood Mountain Sanctuary is beautiful, with well-kept facilities, nice linens, towels, and bedding, plus wonderful spa facilities. The staff were all very cool, and the community kitchens are a great idea.