Hawaii Nature Retreat, 12 Remote Pastoral Acres - Near Volcano

• This place is magic !

  This place is magic !

  • Guest Surya and Nadam
  • Date of stay 04/21/13
  • Review Submitted 06/12/13
  This place is indeed magic. It was much more than we imagined. We loved the house, the surroundings, and the care we received from the owner, S. The whole house was clean and inviting. You will feel right at home there. Everything was provided, we did not miss a thing. This was more of a home to us than any other place we had stayed on the Big Island - and we stayed at 7 other places on our trip. This one was the most beautiful and unusual. S was a loving host to us, and went well beyond what one could expect. We think back to her and her beautiful enveloping nature a lot. There is a feeling of great care for comfort and love of beauty all around. The back of the house offers many places to retreat and relax and explore, and great privacy. We also loved to take a walk around the neighborhood roads - and the views up to the slopes. Do not miss the Budhist temple on the way. This location is close to the Black Sand beach with its turtles, and to the Volcano. This place would make a perfect retreat for a group of artist or as a massage or a meditation teaching event. I can also picture a family gathering with many participants, every one finding his or hers favorite room and bed. We hope very much that we can come back ! Of course, we recommend it wholeheartedly.

  Recommended for: Families with young children, age 55+, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, girls getaway, adventure seekers, sightseeing.

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• Gorgeous Place to Retreat

  Gorgeous Place to Retreat

  • Guest davinamar
  • Date of stay 05/24/13
  • Review Submitted 05/31/13
  The 4 restful nights we spent away from the hustle of Kona are filled with wonderful memories. We felt so at home, every room in the house is comfortable, including the beds, and furniture. There's plenty of space in the living room to do yoga, dance, and relax, and there are beautiful views from every room, including the indoor bathroom! I especially loved the sunken tub in the bath house. We loved walking on the grounds and around the valley--everywhere was peaceful and gorgeous. The meditation pavilion was enchanting anytime of day or night; we enjoyed it in the early morning, at sunset, and under the stars. Since we brought food with us, once we arrived, we had no reason to leave. When it rained, we cooked up some soup and enjoyed watching DVD's and catching up on reading. Truly enjoyed our respite and look forward to returning.

  Recommended for: Families with young children, age 55+, romantic getaway, girls getaway, adventure seekers.

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• Piece of heaven

  Piece of heaven

  • Guest Danish couple
  • Date of stay 05/19/13
  • Review Submitted 05/30/13
  We cant thank S enough for this absolutely wonderful stay. We arrived cold and tirred and were right away offered nice hot shower with a spetacular view over lush mountains and the steambath was heated up, so we could relax in the cutest steambath house with cedertree essence- oh what joy!! We were so amazed by the views and the warm and welcoming atmosphere- we felt at home right away!! The house was very modern and thoughtful decorated, which made us move around like we always lived there. The spirit in the house and the surroundings instantly made us feel relaxed and exploring the beautiful planned garden was like balm for the soul. Walking to the nearby temple one morning was amazing with the sun coming up. We were greeted with so much heart and we are so thankful for this stay- we will never forget Wood Valley! If you want a relaxing vacation, beautiful view and meet some amazing people- go here!! We cant put our finger on anything negative- all through a wonderful experience!

  Recommended for: Romantic getaway.

  Owner response: Mahalo for your kind, thoughtful review. I'm so glad you enjoyed all we try to offer the great people who stay here. It was wonderful to meet both of you. I am so impressed you ran around the entire Hawaii Island. Amazing. Please come again. We keep improving all the time. And it would be wonderful to see you again. Safe trip back to Denmark. S

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• Our first bad experience with an US-American-Lady, weisse-eule@arcor.de

  Our first bad experience with an US-American-Lady, weisse-eule@arcor.de

  • Guest Renate and Peter
  • Date of stay 01/20/13
  • Review Submitted 05/05/13
  My husband and I booked this house from 20th of january - 5th of march 2013 to relax. We talked to the owner numerous times by phone and we assured that the house was warm and comfortable. The house is situated on top of the mountain, about 2400 feet, above sea Level, most of the time shrouded in mist, fog and clouds. There is only a Screen door through which the cold wind blows constantly. It is unbearably cold at night this time. The owner did recommend to buy warm clothes, which we did, but it help not enaugh. After another discussion with the owner she gave us two electric heaters which blew the electrical fuse after a couple of hours use resulting in no electricity in bath and sleeproom, also it has had a disturbing noise. the outdoor-shower has had 5 days hot water, has given up and Change to icecold water in the cold area. We have booked a house to be private. We came back from down town and upon returning found the owner in the house, which she had entered without our knowledge or permission. After that, the Internet did not function, which was extremely annoying as my husband needed this to conduct his daily Business. We cannot recommend this house !

  Recommended for: Age 55+.

  Owner response: I've given this response sincere thought. I'm saddened that Renalte would remark about bad experience with US- American-Lady. We had conversed and Emailed numerous times before they arrived. I knew they wanted to relax and Hawaii Nature Retreat is the very best place to accomplish that. It is totally quiet except for singing birds. We do everything to make the house clean and comfortable; good beds, lots of pillows and comforters and lounging sofas. Because I could tell these people were going to be high maintenance I bought all new quilts and bedding for the Master Suite. (they never slept there.) I bought all new cookware and made sure everything was in perfect running order. I told my caretakers to be prepared to do some extra helping for these folks. I bought them two electric heaters. I brought Renalte my heaviest coat, clothes, pj. and sox as we did have unseasonably chilly and damp weather. I knew Renalte was very interested in hula. So I gave of one entire Saturday and personally took them to Hula program at Volcanoes Natl. Park. They met kumu hula there and arranged another meeting with them. Then I took them to local potluck and music and hula presentation. They wanted to leave early and sat in the backseat of my car and from their comments in German I could tell they didn't like the presentation. My caretaker spent one day driving to Kona so they could exchange their car they didn't like. Renalte went out of her way and prepared a special dinner for me and my caretakers. They stated they really liked it here. Two days later they disappeared. I had no idea if they would return or not. We could have worked something out. I did Email them and told them the very day they left the weather turned dry, hot and gorgeous. They rented the house until March 5. They could have returned. What surprises me the most is we were in touch with them daily. I can't believe they were without hot water for 5 days and no electric power. That is shocking news to me and didn't mention it to us, it has to be inaccurate. Without a doubt they would have called us as they frequently did for other reasons and at other times. I only went into the house, 5 steps to pantry to reboot the modum for them. They were so angry at me that I quickly left. These seem to be very unhappy, stressed people, I wonder how they survive in germany? I had high hopes that they would have enjoyed themselves like all my other 5 star renter's review.

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• Great place to go with family or friends

  Great place to go with family or friends

  • Guest vigor
  • Date of stay 03/27/13
  • Review Submitted 04/12/13
  We stayed at this place from Mar 27 til Apr 4 of 2013. The place was better than I expected. A bit rainy at nights, about after 4-5pm it would start raining and it rains some nights all night long it was also raining on other islands so it was just rainy season I suppose, But the next morning no rain so we would go to the black sand beach or hike in surroundings. Lots of nature - cows, horses, sheep, goats though no smell at all :). Very unusual landscape around and near the ocean shore - lava fields and lava cliffs. Never before had a bath with an open wall to the nature with nobody out there, fun to take a bath at night with candles :). Steam room is awesome, I thought only Russians can really do steam rooms right, was I wrong! Did not get a chance to do a camp fire on the backyard, was raining in the evenings. But we did enjoy meditation tent. Awesome neighbors always willing to help - experience Hawaiian hospitality! Overall, very good and affordable place to go with a big group of people or just a couple for romantic nature retreat. The green sand beach is awesome, though be ready to hike about 3 miles, or take a shuttle from parking lot, another option is to just rent 4x4 vehicle and go there all the way by yourself but it is definitely worth going there.

  Recommended for: Families with young children, age 55+, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, girls getaway, adventure seekers.

  Owner response: It was so great to have you 5 guys here from Russia. I wish you were here today...Hot and Sunny! It's make me so happy to know the house worked so well for you. Glad you enjoyed tub and steam house. Hope you can come again. Blessings

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• vacation destination

  vacation destination

  • Guest perfect vacation search
  • Date of stay 03/09/13
  • Review Submitted 04/01/13
  Quaint, was my first impression upon seeing the property. Enchanting, has been the lasting impression. Rental of this property is in your best interest if you check-in to check-out. The relaxation, serenity, of this property is spectacular! It was hard to leave, when our vacation was over. I would return, and recommend the property without hesitation. It encouraged me to think, seriously, about retirement. Wood Valley is a gem! We stayed in Kona last year and rented part of a duplex. It was the tourist area. I heard the people next door, setting the table for meals. It was an ok launch point for discovering the island I always dreamed of visiting. The love of my life out did himself this year, finding Nature Valley Retreat. He actually found an area I wanted to relocate to. I never thought such a place existed with an United States address. Mahalo, Hawaii! We didn't get to spend much time with our host, Sandra. Needed more time! She was so helpful and accommodating. Thank you, for opening your property rental for others to enjoy! We will never forget it. The property is off the "beaten path", but not to be missed. We weren't on the island for the tan. We wanted warmth, relaxation and time-out. We got all, and more, of that. We snuggled under a blanket at night. Bring house shoes, slippers, for the morning floor chill, 60's. Totally doable! Breakfast and dinner on the patio, viewing the valley, mountain ridge. I could have just stayed at the house, everyday. This is a wonderful way to explore Kau, Hawaii!

  Recommended for: Families with young children, age 55+, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, girls getaway, adventure seekers, sightseeing.

  Owner response: It was wonderful to meet both of you and thank you for your sister's referral. I'm so glad it all was quaint and enchanting and comforable for your visit. Come again.

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• The Ultimate

  The Ultimate

  • Guest yogi
  • Date of stay 11/06/12
  • Review Submitted 11/19/12
  The property is absolutely amazing. We enjoyed the location as it is centrally located between Kona and Hilo, the volcano is nearby and the turtles on Black Sand Beach are just minutes away. The owner is a very special person, making us feel apart of the island. She made sure the house was in tip top shape before our arrival and throughout our stay. Her hospitality exceeds any bed and breakfast I have ever encountered. Privacy is certainly not an issue, the stillness of the starlit nights were breathtaking and the morning sunrises with the birds chirping as you bathe outside was an outstanding experience. I highly recommend this house as I plan to return with the family, not soon enough.

  Recommended for: Families with young children, age 55+, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, girls getaway, adventure seekers, sightseeing.

  Owner response: Sherry...I'm just learning how to respond. Mahalo your your appreciation. It was a joy to meet you and your husband. We had some memorable times together. Blessings,

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/4

• Great get away!

  Great get away!

  • Guest TN
  • Date of stay 10/03/12
  • Review Submitted 10/12/12
  My kids loved it!

  Recommended for: Families with young children.

  Owner response: Great! I thought they were having a lot of fun. What a wonderful family..I hope Mom and Dad had fun too!

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• Isolated tranquility

  Isolated tranquility

  • Guest zaphod_t
  • Date of stay 08/16/12
  • Review Submitted 10/03/12
  We stayed on these beautiful grounds for over a week leading up to our wedding. It may take a small shift in attitude for some of us mainlanders to find acceptance of a little more nature indoors than usual, but what you get along with that is a paradise on earth. Sandra has thought of so many details to make your stay most enjoyable, from the free domestic calls and new washer & dryer to a kitchen with all the appliances you have at home. Upon our arrival, we found that she’d left us flower arrangements and freshly gathered macadamia nuts. During our stay, we picked a couple grapefruits for breakfast, as well as plenty of lilikoi and lemons for the tinto de verano we served the guests who joined us to celebrate our wedding. Sandra also put us in touch with neighbors who gave us great rates on fresh vegetables and free range eggs. Our view of the Milky Way was better here than from the summit of Mauna Kea, in part due to it being a full moon during our visit to the latter, but regardless, it is a sight to behold – preferably fireside after the moon has set! Your days will doubtless be full of volcano and beach outings, but you’ll find the treasures awaiting you at Nature Retreat are as plentiful. Enjoy!

  Recommended for: Families with young children, age 55+, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing.

  Owner response: Thank you so much for being here. The guys and I loved every minute of your stay and beautiful wedding. Your family (many from England) and Mainland were great. I worried a little about the upbeat Tradewinds the day of your wedding but even that turned out just fine. You're good people with solid values and we felt blessed to have you here. Come again! Much Aloha, S

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• We loved it!

  We loved it!

  • Guest Wogdog15
  • Date of stay 04/03/12
  • Review Submitted 04/24/12
  We just spent an amazing 5 nights at the Plantation Palace. Beautiful gardens surround you, wake to the sounds of birds and a variety of animal up in secluded Wood Valley. The home is very spacious and easily accomodated our party of 6. My wife and I and our 3 children plus Grandma. We especially enjoyed the fire-circle and grounds. Friendly sheep, our new friends Zazi(sp?) the dog and Hero the feisty goat. The kids had tons of room to run and play and be loud, we were all swallowed up by this beautiful pristine setting. Thank you to Sandra for providing us with the perfect backdrop for our time on the Big Island. We would start our mornings at the fire circle for a sunrise fire, with a nice hot cup of the local award winning coffee. Then we would set out on adventures near and far. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, Volcano VIllage, Hilo, Naalehu, The Place of Refuge. My 8 year old son told me last night if he could live anywhere in the world it would be here. We spent Easter morning here and had a wonderful egg hunt, and the Bunny did find his way to Wood Valley.

  Recommended for: Families with young children, age 55+, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, girls getaway, adventure seekers, sightseeing.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/5

$145/night (Two night minimum)
Rates based on two person occupancy.
Additional fee of $25/night per additional guest.
No pets and no smoking inside.
A one time cleaning fee of $75 and 13.41% lodging tax will be added.
A 25% deposit is required for reservation.
Call or Email for a spread sheet rate schedule.

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.