Lifestyle
Do what makes you happy — we have options.
Discover a senior living community designed to engage residents with a series of robust life choice alternatives paired with an undeniable curriculum imbedded in proven strategies that strive to promote member interaction and optimize cognitive skills.
Enjoy the dazzling setting of The Cottages of Carmel, one of Watermark’s most luxurious senior living communities. Here, you’ll live an idyllic life on California’s central coast. Also known as Carmel-by-the-Sea, your life here will be rewarded with views of some of the world's finest scenery, historic sites, art galleries, restaurants, and boutique shops.
Here, we keep the body and mind active with everything from arts and crafts to dancing and language classes, and on-site social gatherings and off-site group excursions to social gatherings. We offer something for each member of our community. If you’ve been searching for an immersive, engaging senior living destination, one visit to The Cottages of Carmel and that search may well be over.
Signature Programs




Define your new life.
Like you, life here is different. We offer a life that is unique, fascinating, and surprising. Our classes, courses, and workshops help you lead a great life here. Explore your bold new world with us through the events and activities at Watermark University.
The compassionate, personalized care you deserve.
More than basic cognitive care services, our Thrive Memory Care program leads the field in innovation and enrichment, promoting self-expression, exploration, wellness, and joy.
Experience a whole new reality.
The EngageVR virtual reality program creates transformative, immersive digital experiences to surprise and delight your senses. Visit places you’ve only dreamt of seeing and indulge your curiosity with a fascinating list of new adventures, all from the safety and comfort of home.
Welcome made warmer with new friends.
Gain insider knowledge from your personal Ambassador, a fellow resident and new friend to help you get settled, make introductions, and share their tips and tricks for easing into community life, getting involved, and thriving in your new home.
Amenities & Services

Indulge Spa & Salon
Our on-site spa and salon are both staffed with stylists, therapists, and personal care pros here to help you be the undeniable best version of yourself. Often we all need a little TLC to help us look and feel our best.

Fitness
Physical fitness is your key to long-term, sustained wellness. Work at your own pace toward your efforts to avoid muscle and bone loss, help fend off sickness, fatigue, and a host of other preventable health issues. Your frequent workouts are a proven to help extend your physical health.

Happenings
Live a life rich with discovery, adventure, and new beginnings. Every activity and event we offer have the unique goal of expanding your horizons and making your unique life journey exceptional.

Welcome to a coastal paradise.
Our premier, resort-style township is an energetic, safe, and sustainable community that prides itself on its diverse cross-section of people to meet, things to do, and places to see. You’ll find Carmel a perfect blend of quiet elegance and local charm.

Partnerships
We are all on life’s journey together. Enrich your life through empathy, connectivity, and engagement. Our partnerships keep us at the cutting edge of community enlightenment, so we can keep residents growing, doing, and learning new things.

Activities & Events
We’ve forged a safe, comfortable community that features a nearly endless selection of activities that help you live through a rich, full life. Thanks to a full, continuously updated event calendar, there is no end to the possibility of discovery.
What People are Saying

My mom recently moved into The Cottages of Carmel in the midst of a major COVID-19 pandemic. It couldn't have gone more smoothly. The entire team there is so authentic, kind, patient, and caring. They really are like having a second family. They are looking after her every need and are so responsive. It's a lovely community as well, with great food, activities, and welcoming neighbors. She absolutely loves having her own gas fireplace and private patio. She is happier than I've seen her in months, after having to cope with the loss of her darling husband, my dad, last year. We're so thankful for The Cottages!
Lisa M.
The Cottages of Carmel

My mother lived in Assisted Living at Cottages of Carmel for three years. The administration and staff is incredibly caring and compassionate. The caregivers truly care about the residents and they become part of a large, inclusive family. My mother truly loved so many of the staff members and had several close friends among the other residents. The facility is beautiful; it is clean and well appointed. There is a wide variety of activities and excursions, from group exercise classes to scenic drives to historical talks. She also raved about the food; it was fresh and tasty with a lot of variety!
But what really sets Cottages apart is the level of care the residents receive on an individual level. I visited my mother on a daily basis, and from the front desk, to the director and marketing manager, to the med techs and caregivers, you could not ask for a better place. The atmosphere is positive, helpful, and caring! I highly recommend it.
Bill P.
The Cottages of Carmel

I cannot say enough about The Cottages of Carmel. We chose this facility when it was clear that my parents were no longer safe in their multi-level home. From the moment we moved my parents into the facility three years ago, we have had a wonderful experience. The staff is friendly and very caring and knowledgeable. The executive director could not have been more accommodating during COVID and really addressed the concerns of our family during the pandemic. I am so very grateful that we found The Cottages for my parents in their later years.
Kim M.
The Cottages of Carmel