In the hills of Lake Leelanau, an impressive bed and breakfast sits atop its own perch, offering 360-degree views.
Fernando Meza and his wife, Arminda Meza, are the masterminds behind the vibes of Luna Rosa Farms in Lake Leelanau.
“It’s a beautiful vista,” Arminda said. “We have this little hidden gem up there off of Eagle Highway. I think that’s just what makes our property so special, the view and the energy that we bring to the bed and breakfast. From the cuisine to the community, we try to use as much local organic food as we can.”
After opening in 2022, the bed and breakfast’s popularity has grown, heading into its third season. The lodge is located three miles north of M-204 at one of the highest points in the area, with views of north Lake Leelanau, Good Harbor, Pyramid Point, and across the passage, witnessing North and South Manitou Island.
Among the stunning views, the farm is situated on 18 acres of fields and forest, featuring over 2,000 lavender plants that bloom from June to August. In the fall, the trees and lakes take center stage for miles of dramatic scenery. They produce lavender products on-site for sale in the store located on the property. With select products, they mostly love lavender because of the vibe it gives.
The married pair and parents of three children keep busy.
Arminda found the place at the tail end of the COVID pandemic. She is a nurse practitioner in hospice, while Fernando owns a business called One Up Web, a digital marketing agency located in Traverse City.
“We were realizing there was a sea change that was happening in the area where people were looking to retire and or move on to the next thing and said, ‘We’re gonna get our eyes out to see what was hitting the market as far as business,’” Fernando said. “It’s a really interesting center of gravity.”
After developing a business plan to operate the bed and breakfast, they were off and running with a creative and experimental focus.
One of the most significant success and favorite events is hosting painters for the iconic Northport, Leland, and Glen Arbor Plein Air contests every summer.
“It’s just a vibe people wake up in the morning and they have one of the best views that no one knows about,” Fernando said.
The couple said they never know who’s going to step through that door, from musicians to executives and everything in between that always comes with an interesting story.
Fernando was made in Mexico, born in Los Angeles, raised as a West Coast boy, and moved to New York 2007-08 to work in advertising. Arminda, who is originally from downstate on the Michigan-Ohio border (Monroe, Temperance), also grew up in L.A.
They met in eighth grade, and eventually, Fernando had to move to Michigan, as Arminda’s work consistently relocated north after returning to the area.
“I’ll never forget meeting her at eighthgrade social studies, and that’s when my infatuation with her started,” Fernando said about Arminda.
They balance the madness with grace, crediting their experience as the eldest siblings of large families.
Another aspect of the bed and breakfast they take pride in is serving authentic Mexican cuisine.
“We have a very deep connection to the (Mexican) culture, so we were running through the lens of that, and especially because a lot of the food that we serve there is inspired by Mexico,” Fernando said. “I grew up in the kitchen ... my mom and dad are excellent cooks ... My mom is always the one that would get approached by people in our community to do the communion meals and other celebrations like a Quinceanera.”
Fernando is the inspiration on the food side of things. At the same time, Arminda is on the creative side, finding inspiration from guests who have no menu.
“What (patrons) get from us is based on the questions that we ask them, which is a unique experience because for people,” Fernando said.
To eat, you must reserve a night stay and vice versa. However, good luck, as Luna Rosa Farms is mostly booked for the rest of the summer, with only a few openings remaining.
“It’s not your grandmother’s bed and breakfast ... I feel like the consumer nowadays is more interested in a unique experience than homogeneous Airbnb rental,” Fernando said.
They take direct bookings in addition to being listed on Airbnb, among other platforms.
“We are always looking for inspiration and sharing those experiences with our guests. I think most people that come to see us are walking away with an experience that they’ve never had before ... Hospitality is in our blood,” Arminda said.
