A high/low vibe appeals at Tomales Bay’s newish Lodge at Marconi. Admittedly mostly high, the coastal retreat’s ambiance and amenities are ideal for those who like their fleece with a bit of Frette. Akin to elevated glamping, a stay here affords easy access to the wonders of West Marin, a region known for its abundant natural beauty and for its culinary and artistic communities.
Managed by Oliver Hospitality, Lodge at Marconi perches atop forested hills that overlook picturesque bay waters. Its 62 sprawling acres were originally developed in 1914 by namesake Guglielmo Marconi as a radio receiving station. Marconi, often credited as the inventor of radio, is paid homage with a lobby display of antique radio equipment. In the 1960’s, the site became home to the controversial “alternative lifestyle community” Synanon. But any signs of a sinister past have been erased, save for a few Synanon community-made tiles. More recently, the property served as Marconi Conference Center, hosting corporate retreats, conferences, and weddings.
After a multi-million-dollar, 17-month-long renovation, Lodge at Marconi opened about a year ago. 45 guestrooms and suites of varying size and layout encircle a large Adirondack-chair-lined fire pit. The grounds suggest “family camp,” yet every accommodation features plush linens, Matouk robes, Frette slippers, plant-based Born Bathing bath products, refillable Path water bottles, and coffee/tea kettles. A no television policy furthers the camp vibe; the lack of distraction encourages communal pursuits such as cornhole and conversation. But if TV is a must, one can be found in the lobby’s game room where a fire flickers on cooler days and nights.
The entire aesthetic was spearheaded by New York-based design studio Home Studios, its team of which was inspired by the inventive spirit of Guglielmo, as well as the region’s splendor. Guestrooms and common spaces feature custom furnishings, organic materials, a saturated color scheme, and wall cube art inspired by the style of Stuart Arends, painted in colors pulled from the local landscape. Cedar paneling, artful Bay-area made Heath Ceramics tiles, and ample millwork further define a 70’s-esque ethos.
In the lobby area, you’ll find thoughtful amenities such as complimentary morning coffee (from a local roaster, natch), delicious pastries, fruit, and a water filling station with both sparkling and still. (Crafted espresso drinks are also available for purchase.) A small grab-and-go market features a highly curated assortment of locally sourced, artisanal snacks and wines; a kitchenette offers a microwave and toaster station for guests’ convenience. And gift giving is made easy with the lobby’s display of quality logoed-goods.
The lodge’s newest addition is Mable’s Restaurant and Patio, boasting a spacious indoor dining room, a striking full bar with a robust beverage program, and a 1,300-square-foot wrap-around patio overlooking the surrounding nature and shimmering Tomales Bay waters. Guests at Mable’s can enjoy a vast array of Mediterranean-inspired entrees (including vegetarian and vegan options), with a focus on inventive snacks, shareable plates of dips and spreads, salads, and veggies—all conceived and led by Executive Chef Les Goodman, who brings 25+ years of culinary experience to the new space. Just like the Lodge, Mable’s is fully committed to sustainable practices within their operations, from sustainable farming, to shortening supply chain, to minimizing food waste, and sourcing ingredients from local and organic producers.
And though there’s plenty on the Mable’s menu to entice for multiple meals, guests will want to check-out historic and iconic Nick’s Cove, a local institution just a 10 minute drive north. Originally a fishing lodge that dates to the 1930s, Nick’s Cove offers stunning views of the bay and the surrounding landscape and is known for its excellent seafood, particularly its oysters. The menu is led by Chef Chris Cosentino, well-known for winning Top Chef Masters, as a competitor on The Next Iron Chef and Iron Chef America, and for his legendary restaurants in the Bay Area and beyond. Cosentino grew up clamming and fishing in the coastal town of Newport, Rhode Island, making his collaboration with Nick’s Cove more than serendipitous.
With its miles of hillside hiking trails leading to spectacular vistas, there’s plenty to do on the Lodge at Marconi property, but you’d be remiss not to strike out in exploration of the bucolic region. West Marin is home to an abundance of cultural riches. Lodge staff can arrange for local activities such as: Tour & Tasting at West Marin Culture Shop whereby guests can learn the art of fermenting, a Farm Tour & Tasting at the iconic Hog Island Oyster Co., a bioluminescence kayak tour of Tomales Bay with Blue Water Kayak, a dairy and cheesemaking tour and tasting at Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co., a fungi ID hike with Dream Farm Mushroom, wildlife field tracking at nearby Limantour Beach, an olive tour and tasting at McEvoy Ranch, and a historical walking tour of Downtown Point Reyes Station.
Whether your hospitality preference is high (a glass of quality Cab enjoyed with a view, perhaps) or low (s’more’s by the firepit), Lodge at Marconi rewards with total relaxation.
Photos courtesy of Lodge at Marconi, except where noted
