On the plus side: My mother made some good friends at Maravilla. On the minus side: Food is generally good, but not great. Maravilla does not know how to do pastries, and deserts are often very disappointing. As a rule, vegetables are undercooked. Maravilla business practices are somewhat unfair. When one is absent for two weeks or more, one gets vouchers for half the meals that one missed. Why not all of the meals? And, why does one have to be absent for two weeks or more? Overall, I'd say that Maravilla does not offer good value for the money. read more

The holy grail of retirement communities! It's really feels like a high end resort. From the grounds to the amazing lobby, to the many amenities: all top notch! It you can afford it, your last years could be your best years at Maravilla! read more

Outstanding lunch at a great price. 3 of us had the Alaskan grilled Cod with a lemon-cream sauce, salad, veggies, and spaghetti (really), along with dessert and drinks. Fourth person had grilled salmon- great. Plus, a beer and glass of wine for two of us. Cost? $18.00 a person. The restaurant is within the retirement community but open to the public, you just need to sign in and out, paying when you check out. Parking is tight, you need a good walk. read more

Yes, it is visually a very pretty place. That makes one forget that it lacks some very important aspects of a senior living facility...namely medical help. It is a hotel essentially, with emergency buzzers, and some exercise classes. The housekeeping is less than a hotel would offer and the maintenance would be expected in a hotel. Many of the activities are " resident -run." And if one member of a couple gets sick, they would be in a nursing home elsewhere, unlike places like Valle Verde, Samarkand, etc. which have nursing facilities where one is near their partner. There isn't someone with knowledge about senior nutrition monitoring the overabundance of salty, spicy and fried foods that we get daily...with loads of gravy on top! Lastly, I do not always feel that the administrative staff treats us with dignity. I feel "trapped." read more

My husband and I have lived here for 2+ years. We looked for an independent-living experience within a vibrant community. Our 2-bedroom, 2-bath cottage located in the Casitas part of the property meets all our needs. We enjoy daily walks on the beautifully-landscaped property and know that, with a simple phone call, a staff member can be at our door should a need arise. During the current time of quarantine due to the Coronavirus, we feel totally safe knowing that the exceptional Maravilla staff values our well-being. It is heartening to know that additional needs can be met in the onsite assisted-care facility should our health decline. We appreciate the sense of community that we have established at Maravilla and look forward to the day we can resume the wealth of activities that are offered to make life so enjoyable. read more

If you walk into Maravilla and meet the staff, your first thought instantly will be I want to get to know the staff and this community immediately. Moreover, I was on target, because, in short order, I learned that to know them is to love them. Maravilla in and of itself is an exquisitely impressive property. All that said, the staff trumps the exceptional beauty of the place. Impressed, by the staff, at every level, they exceeded all of my expectations. Maravilla's staff is sincerely accommodating, observant, earnest, and professionaI. I have visited various communities, and without a doubt, Maravilla stands tall amongst its peers. The activities are numerous; the first evening of my stay they had an opera singer visit who is known internationally. Not only was he a gifted singer, but he was also very kind and interactive with the guests of the community. Maravilla puts effort into bringing talented and original activities that stimulate the community and set it apart. Neighbors from the surrounding area come from far and wide to experience such grace and talent. The dining staff will adapt and provide to your every need -- and always with a can-do attitude and a smile on their face. There is no request too large or small for them to pleasantly take on. I would highly recommend this community. It is thoroughly upscale, yet moderately priced. Nearly an impossible combination to find. They take all your worries away and leave you to enjoy the day. I am continuously impressed by the loving care being provided. Moreover, always with respect and dignity. I thoroughly recommended Maravilla to anyone looking for care. Maravilla offers peace of mind. It is priceless. What a blessing. Respectfully, Beverly read more

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My wife and I moved into this lovely "senior community" over a year ago and we are so VERY happy we did. Beautiful Mediterranean style buildings, immaculate landscaping, and management/staff that really cares. Example of this last point: After a full month of cautionary (and successful) "lock-down" due to the COVID-19 virus with no social activities offered, no outside visitors allowed into the community and no unnecessary trips out of the community, we were all getting a bit "stir crazy." This afternoon, the doorbell rang and we opened the door to two Maravilla employees delivering complimentary ice cream to us. What a spirit-lifter! What a good example of Maravilla hospitality! Love this place! read more

This place sucks. Don't be fooled by pretty exterior, or by fancy reception area. Rooms are extremely small. Half of population uses wheelchairs or walkers. Rooms are not soundproof; you can hear elevators at all hours 24/7. House doctor is belligerent. read more

Mother In Law in Maravilla Assisted Living...recently lost 7lbs because they constantly neglect to bring her meals. Have to call EVERY DAY to get a meal delivered to her. Delivered groceries to the front desk for her (can't go up due to covid)...groceries still sitting at the front desk days later. Management, Including Ruth Grande, Exec Director admits failures and then fails over and over again. "Oh, that was Lupe's day off". WTH?!? No one is writing a $11k check per month to Lupe. Nice facade, crap follow through. Shameful Maravilla, just shameful. read more

I do packing services and have been here to help new residents move in and unpack. Each time I was very impressed not only with the beautiful grounds and lovely apartments but also by the staff. They are always helpful and friendly. It's nice to see staff that cares and that is so welcoming. What a nice community. read more

My mother was at Maravilla for severa years. The place is beautiful, and, in general the staff is vero nice. But i believe that it is severely understaffed, both in assisted living and in memory care. Management is very aloof. Do NOT recommend. read more

5.0 star rating 6/28/2017 I have been living at Maravilla Independent for over a year and realize what a great choice I had made after researching and visiting other retirement facilities in the area. From the very beginning in my meetings with Andrea which included numerous questions and clear accurate responses, I knew I had made the best decision for me. Downsizing was cleansing and although I maintain a fairly active life, I know one day I will participate in the many activities available. Fellow residents are friendly, cheerful and inspirational. Stories of personal histories abound and continue to enrich me in areas I never pursued. Learning continues as does graditude and joy. read more

Andrea has an incredible understanding of how to provide amazing customer service. I have placed so many residents at Maravilla (this beautiful community where she works) and have confidence in doing so. Maravilla is one of the nicest communities in Santa Barbara. From the moment my clients and I are greeted by her to the move in paperwork, and even after they have settled in, Andrea goes above and beyond every step of the way to make sure they are happy. She is very seasoned when it comes to working with seniors and takes time out to do discovery about what my clients needs are and how they can be met at Maravilla. Her strong work ethic, professionalism, and wealth of knowledge make every encounter a successful one. She is truly an asset doing what she does and I love working with her. read more

I write this review as a 10-year relationship comes to a close. That long ago, my then 89 year old mother moved into an apartment in Maravilla's independent living section, where my mother spent the next years, dining with friends, participating in Maravilla's painting classes, playing bridge, and taking in at least a movie a day in Maravilla's beautiful movie theater. When friends and family visited, she proudly walked them through the verdant grounds of the facility, showed off the Club House, and expressed how happy she was to be part of the Maravilla community. Friends inevitably commented about the elegance and spaciousness of the facilities and more than one visitor commented that Maravilla was "likes staying at the Biltmore". Two years ago, (at the age of 97), My mother's level of independence waned, so she moved from "Independent Living" to "Assisted Living". We were concerned that the move would be come with some level of distress, but, the transition resulted in very little noticeable change. The facilities were equally elegant, she dined on the same menu (and to some extent with the same friends) that she'd enjoyed in Independent Living, She spent time at in-house concerts and "at the movies" and regularly availed herself of Maravilla's Saturday and Sunday ride program. The only material difference was that that an ample, well-trained, cheerful, and caring staff looked in on her regularly and cared for her as her need for assistance increased. My mother passed away "at home" at Maravilla, a few months short of 100 years old. I'm sure that she'd join us in recommending Maravilla unqualifiedly. read more

Memory care is understaffed. Sometimes only 2 caretakers for 19 patients. Supervisor there only part time (3 days). Caretakers sweet and try hard but severely overworked. Personal care of patients suffers. read more

Toured the lovely Maravilla on February 4, 2017. It's a five star resort hotel. It has all of the amenities of an upscale resort including great food. All the public areas are tastefully decorated and pristinely clean. Staff are welcoming and friendly. A one bedroom model apartment would be perfect for me...spacious, updated, and very clean. There are many activities on a daily level and I believe there is something for everyone. The day I visited the staff were preparing for a Super Bowl party/event. This property has independent, assisted, and memory care. read more

My parent has lived at Maravilla for 1.5 years. She has experienced thefts of jewelry, clothing (good brands only), personal care supplies, even her kindle charger. This week her Christmas presents disappeared. Management is completely uninterested. She has experienced verbal abuse from caregiving staff; telling her she shouldn't be ring the help buzzer while they are on a break. How would she know who was on a break and when? And shouldn't there always be someone available? This is a big place. She gets bladder infections because help may not arrive for an hour. She fell out of bed one day and managed to push the help button and no one came for 30 minutes. There have been many communications and meetings with management and they simply DO NOT CARE. We are looking for a new safe place for my parent to live. read more

My father was at MV for six years and I would not recommend it. If you or your loved one is healthy, and wants a resort lifestyle and you are CERTAIN that you will not decline before death this is the place for you. They are geared to provide hotel/resort services (which they do well) but are intolerant and worse, unsympathetic to the effects of aging. Management is focused on their bottom line first, and as a result want do provide the minimum services for a high price. Elders with problems seem to annoy them, even in the assisted care unit. A special mention should be made for Liz, the head nurse in assisted living and memory care who is not only cold and aloof but was downright mean to me and my dad. And although I got my dad out before he needed memory care, I agree with K.R., that the MC unit is poorly designed, understaffed, and charge the highest prices in the area. You can do better for your loved one. read more

I can't begin to thank Maravilla and their staff, Andrea Katz, Angela, and please forgive me for forgetting the name of the woman that runs the assisted living building. You truly saved my life while caring for my father! I am not just saying that, it is true, 6 months earlier, I suffered a heart attack due to stress, then my father became ill and I could no longer take care of myself like I needed to. Maravilla, took a huge load off my back! Every person that you met, staff or residents, couldn't be nicer or more welcoming. From the bottom of my heart, I can't thank you enough! Shelley Fitzpatrick read more

It's very unfortunate that any human being should be mistreated. When it is a senior living in assisted living it is deplorable. Maravilla was the worst experience our family member and family has ever experienced. I read the two other reviews and while we did not experience the Memory Care unit we experience everything else. Management is too concerned about appearances with little concern for the resident. Meetings them are worthless. We always say to anyone asking that Maravilla is like Disneyland; it's all a facade. read more

I read the other ratings and was moved to write my first Yelp post...it is what you make it. We looked all over Santa Barbara for a facility, but we found more happy, friendly, smiling people here. Our mom has been at Maravilla for over 7 years, and has taken full advantage of everything the facility has to offer. She plays bridge, Mahjong, takes Tai Chi classes, goes to plays and music in their buses... and really enjoys her friendships with fellow residents and staff (she is over 90). With MV's help, we were able to transition dad from his house, to Maravilla and then another facility as he faced the ravages of dementia. They will go out of their way to be helpful, but they are not a facility who can handle some of the things that make aging so painful and difficult...and they are very up front about that going in. It has been a perfect place for our parents to live and age gracefully. read more