Words can't express my sincere thoughts on this resort. Sure the cabins are a blast from the past but I fell in love with them the moment we opened the door. We had a short 2 night stay there and then a stay in Friday Harbor and on one of those nights I motioned for my husband to turn back into their entranceas we drove by, he mentioned we weren't booked in there anymore and i replied but that is where my heart is.From the quaint cabins, the mama raccoon and babies, endless robins and hummingbirds, eagles deer and whales, it is a place to treasure. Our hosts were most helpful and kind and the property has views to die for. Thanks Mar Vista!

The cabins are dated, but the location and beautiful scenery are unbelievable! We visited in 2007 and just planned another trip for 2009. We saw orcas daily, seals (including a baby seal on the beach), a resident raccoon, and eagles. The sunsets are spectacular. With the gentle sea breeze and spectacular views, this tranquil spot is truly a slice of heaven.

Go to Mar Vista for the natural setting not for the architecture. This is an older property, well cared for, but not the Marriott.
We spent a week and enjoyed every minute. Cabin and beds were adequate and comfortable, the deer, and racoons and whales appeared almost on schedule. "Our" Eagle appeared every morning. The view of Haro Strait and the Olympic range is spectacular. We strongly recommend "tidepooling" in False Bay - so called because it empties out at low tide. The bottom is firm and easy to walk on.
With realistic expectation this would be a great place for anyone interested in the natual setting.

The earlier review is somewhat unfair to Mar Vista Resort. What the visitor did not understand is that the San Juan Islands were once a more primitive and simple place to live. Folks who inhabited the islands may have had less in terms of all the modern conveniences, but instead they had the grace and beauty of a unique place. I know this because my family lived on the island for about 16 years. I was lucky to get to go back and visit this beautiful place. Mar Vista reminded me of the old farmhouse on our property. Yes, it's a little funky, but the sheets and towels were clean, and best of all, there were no phones, no t.v., no loud car stereos, just the beautiful views and the sound of the ocean. You can stop at the market in town and stock up on some goodies to enjoy while at your cabin, or drive back into town for a meal at any of the many restaurants there. We enjoyed a quiet meal on the porch of our cabin on our first night there - some bread, cheese, wine, summer sausage and apples. It wasn't long before three deer came by the cabin. During a whale watching cruise on our first day, 3 pods of whales were viewed in the same area where anyone from Mar Vista's whale watching point would have had an amazing show. Seals are visible on the rocks off shore, and Mar Vista has a great beach for agate hunting and seal and whale viewing. I would definitely go there again. Please just don't expect the Ritz Carlton, if that's what you want, book at stay at the Spa in town.