Unique Mendocino Resort Spa Combines Healing for Body, Mind and Soul; Elk Cove Inn & Spa Features Natural Beauty, Body Therapy, Meditation and Organic Cuisine.

MENDOCINO, Calif. -- When Mendocino County's Measure H, banning the use of GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) passed in March 2004, it gained international attention. But no one foresaw the opportunity it would create for exciting new businesses. That month, the Elk Cove Inn & Spa opened its organic restaurant, 'ZEBO, earning quick acclaim from American Spa Magazine and Santa Rosa Press Democrat Food & Wine writer and KRCB Radio's Sunday morning "Mouthful" host Michelle Anna Jordan.

A former Silicon Valley marketing exec, David Lieberman purchased a fading 15-room oceanfront Bed & Breakfast inn in 2001. He replaced worn Victorian lace curtains, floral wallpaper and "antique" amenities with designer-inspired, understated, luxury decor. He added a unique Day Spa in 2003 featuring the region's only hydro- and aromatherapy wet-room -- then opened the gourmet organic restaurant. Today, this California North Coast resort uniquely combines seclusion, natural beauty, and luxurious accommodations, soothing body therapy, meditation, yoga and healthy cuisine.

According to Lieberman, "Everything we do is focused on rest and rejuvenation." A "recovering Type A" himself, he understands the stress and strain of busy lives. Turning his skills to entrepreneurship, he's built a destination resort on the secluded Mendocino Coast that caters to others in need of an escape. "From the moment guests arrive we pamper them with peace and quiet, privacy, comfort, nurturing, healing body therapy and meals that satisfy all the senses." The approach is no fluke. According to a recent study conducted by Cornell University, "The secret to creating better relationships and leading a more balanced life may be learned at a destination spa. Spa-goers feel more cared for by family, friends and colleagues after a destination spa vacation, and report finding improved focus and creativity in the workplace as well as increased levels of energy and endurance in everyday activities."

Nationally recognized Restaurateur and Chef Ira Mittelman, who runs 'ZEBO, the inn's ocean view restaurant, adds that with his skills, "The natural beauty, intimate, ocean view dining room, fresh, organic ingredients and boutique wines meld to form a perfect blend of relaxation and enjoyment." He ought to know. Chef Ira developed two successful restaurants in highly competitive Portland, OR. He was first to bring new American cuisine to the Rocky Mountains, hosting celebrities at an exclusive Montana resort, and has performed as Executive Chef, responsible for feeding up to 600 guests a day at "crazier places." "Here, in this healing environment," he says, "my dreams of creating the quintessential dining experience can come to fruition."

Why isn't this unique destination overrun? If you blink as you pass through Elk, or miss the turn from CA 128 to head south on The Coast Highway, you'll miss it entirely. But for astute San Francisco-bound travelers and Bay Area residents willing to extend their drives by 2 hours and challenge the roads that twist to the Coast, the journey delivers rewards far beyond better known Napa and Sonoma Valleys.

The Elk Cove Inn & Spa is perched on a cliff above a sheltered cove and unspoiled beach, tucked away in the bucolic hamlet of Elk, 150 miles north of San Francisco, just minutes South of lively Mendocino's renowned shops and galleries. The resort offers 15 luxurious accommodations -- suites, cottages and spacious rooms, most with spectacular ocean views. All feature private baths, fireplaces, and 400-thread count linens, down comforters and featherbeds. Guests enjoy a full buffet breakfast each morning in the inn's oceanfront dining room. Visitors may enjoy cocktails there at the town's only full-liquor bar. The Inn's European-style Day Spa offers visitors a full range of therapeutic massage services.

For more information, visit www.elkcoveinn.com or call 707-877-3321.