Vacation Rentals by Owner

Hidden treasure is appropriately named!

Guest: Anna S.
Date of Stay: 05/12/12 Review Submitted: 05/22/12

Although they have a great website. There are no pictures to do it justice. The balinesian decorum is awesome and has inspired me with my home. Everything is provided with exceptional attention to detail. If you appreciate the outdoors, lots of beautiful foliage, boating/kayaking, and absolute relaxation this is your pick. Even though we didn't ask for a lot, Shawn would bend over backwards to accommodate. This home is one of not many places that I would go back to again and again. The only persons I would not recommend this home is someone with small children because it is on the water. Anna From North Carolina May2012

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Nirvana at The Hidden Treasure

Guest: Dr. Shane F.
Date of Stay: 04/01/12 Review Submitted: 04/16/12

Folks, if you are considering this property as an option to spend some time relaxing in the Keys, you can stop looking and book your next adventure in Nirvana aka The Hidden Treasure as soon as you can. My wife and I chose Shawn and Adele’s Hidden Treasure as our 30th Wedding Anniversary gift to each other. On our drive home we asked each other on a scale of one to ten, how we each rated our time spent at The Hidden Treasure. We both believed it was somewhere around thirty-eight. Anyone that does not agree this is the ultimate romantic getaway, would not have been impressed when Moses parted the Red Sea. Shawn’s ability to help you settle in and enjoy your visit is only exceeded by his gracious manner and laid-back attitude. Here is the down side to The Hidden Treasure: It is probably the best holiday you will ever have because every vacation thereafter will be compared to your time at The Hidden Treasure and fail to come even close.

Owner response:Thank you Shane and Karen, We are honored that you chose our home for such an auspicious occasion. With that review we are considering building a wing onto the house and naming after you! Shawn and Adele

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little piece of heaven

Guest: Bruce, Shannon, Sarah, Mike, Sydney & Madison
Date of Stay: 02/01/12 Review Submitted: 03/31/12

Shawn and Family, Thank you so very much for sharing your little piece of heaven with our family. The house is amazingly beautiful & comfortable...& well equipped! And so clean! It was a joy to stay here- we really loved the deck & enchanting gardens- Everything is so well thought out - We felt as though the whole place embraced us- We would love to stay again!

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an artful applicaton

Guest: Julie
Date of Stay: 11/01/11 Review Submitted: 03/31/12

Shawn, What a perfect pause for us- the artful application of your Zen, enthusiasm an commitment to place and purpose made for a true retreat for us. Thank you for the connection, the reinforcement of good things made to happen and oasis for us ole gals connected through each other with appreciation- Julie (1 of the Kappa Delta sorority sisters)

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Fantastic vacation spot!

Guest: Helen
Date of Stay: 11/01/11 Review Submitted: 03/31/12

Shawn, What a fantastic Vacation spot & wonderful home. I have a tree house that I built as my home in Louisiana & I note the same 'soul' of a artist in your Hidden Treasure. You have given me the encouragement to create another place in Madeira beach. Also a great follower of the Atocha Adventure. Your private stories & the treasures were a special treat. Namaste... Helen (1 of the Kelpa Delta Sorority Sisters)

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Thoroughly enjoyed our stay

Guest: Brooks, Ronnie and Tommy
Date of Stay: 10/29/11 Review Submitted: 03/31/12

Shawn and Adele, Thoroughly enjoyed our stay at your Hidden Treasure. Tommy, my father and I enjoyed all aspects of the retreat. Being as we usually come down for the bike rally in September, Fantasy Fest week was definitely a break from the norm. I think Tommy thoroughly enjoyed his retirement party and we will definitely be repeat offenders at your Hidden Treasure. Thanks so much and we will see you again soon! Brooks

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Spot On!

Guest: Andriana and Matt
Date of Stay: 10/01/11 Review Submitted: 03/31/12

Shawn and Adele, Thank you for the wonderful house and memories for our wedding week. So easy to slip into the Key West zone at The Hidden Treasure. Your many recommendations were spot on- with the highlight of our own wedding charter on Danger charters 68' sailboat. The water access from the house was fantastic! We used our boat everyday to explore the area and even learned to catch lobster while snorkeling! Can't wait to return!

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Excellent vacation getaway for some much needd R and R!

Guest: Jess (Indianapolis)
Date of Stay: 08/26/11 Review Submitted: 09/04/11

We stayed for one week while my girlfriend was home for R and R from overseas. This truly is a Hidden Treasure! The prime location on the water made for some relaxing fishing and swimming along with some cold drinks in the hot tub. We used the full kitchen all week and enjoyed time at the tiki bar, as well. The only thing that could have made this trip better was more time there! Thank you so much for sharing your home with us!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Soulful Tropical Elegance!!!

Guest: William S.
Date of Stay: 08/10/11 Review Submitted: 09/01/11

Wow!!! That was our when the gates to the "compound" opened. Don't you love it when a place exceeds your expectations right off the bat! We shared this lovely paradise for 10 days in August and our souls have yet to return, if you see them, send them back. Really, what a beautiful, elegant, fully provisioned gem. The location is perfect and literally "hidden." Removed just far enough from the intense energy of Key West, which is also fabulous, the hidden treasure provides a reclusive base from which to access everything Key West has to offer. Shawn set up guides, a fantastic boat (requirement), restaurant recommendations, etc., etc. Loved it!!! The only issue is booking space, it fills up quickly!!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

We love it Here!

Guest: Jocelyn, George, George Sr.& Janet, Tyler, Craig
Date of Stay: 06/01/11 Review Submitted: 03/31/12

Shawn, I so Appreciate your opening up your lovely, gorgeous home. Delicious dinners by candlelight outside, waterfalls, kayaking every morning, relaxing with family under the stars. Your home has given us so many wonderful memories, we look forward to coming back soon. Thank you again and again.

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A Green Oasis

Guest: Pat & Jim
Date of Stay: 04/01/11 Review Submitted: 03/31/12

Shawn, your home is truly a green Oasis. No matter The Temperature outside the gate, once you walk through it, it was always cool and comfortable. We lived outside all month, never shutting doors or windows. Swam and did laps in the canal everyday & made great use of the Kayacks. The assortment of fish off the deck ( which I did feed everyday) were a joy and seeing the dolphins up close was wonderful! Thank you for sharing your home, we would love to return. Pat & Jim

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It is a hidden treasure

Guest: James H. (OC,NJ USA)
Date of Stay: 04/01/11 Review Submitted: 05/03/11

House was wonderful and as described. Water access and views. Swimming,snorkling,kayaking,feeding fish, right off the back deck. Cool breezes, hardly needed A/C. Greenery and water features made relaxing easy and almost mandatory. Was a good month. Should of brought the boat. Very well stocked kitchen (spices and condiments included). Shawn was a gracious host. Highly recommend a month here.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Honeymoon Haven

Guest: C and E W (Jacksonville, FL)
Date of Stay: 03/20/11 Review Submitted: 03/29/11

My husband and I spent our honeymoon at the Hidden Treasure. The home was beautiful and accommodating. We spent most of our time in the house even though Key West was only 2 stop lights away. It was so relaxing an peaceful. Shawn and Adele have done a wonderful job and were very friendly. I would definitely recommend staying here as words cannot explain the experience and the pictures hardly do it justice. Thanks Shawn and Adele! - Courtney and Erik

Owner response:Thank You Courtney, I am so glad you decided to spend your honeymoon at The Hidden Treasure. It truly is a magical place and perfect for romantic getaways. When you come back for your anniversary we will have Sarah, the 70 foot Schooner pull up to the house and take you out for a sunset dinner cruise! All the best Shawn and Adele

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

zen-like living

Guest: peggy (waynesville, mo)
Date of Stay: 03/06/11 Review Submitted: 03/18/11

The world disappears once you walk through the gate and look down the pathway. Shawn and Adele have done a spectacular job of making a getaway spot where you can 'center' yourself and let all the issues of the day melt away! Shawn was fabulous and pointed out not only the 'hidden treasures' of the property but shared info only the locals know about the area - where to eat, what to do, etc. Totally conflicted as I can't find enough words to describe how awesome this place is but hate to share how much we truly enjoyed it as it will make more competition for us to find free time on the rental calendar for us to come back - and we are coming back for a longer time on the next trip. All in the party - family members - joked about how horrible a parent I was in 'forcing' them to 'suffer' in such a luxurious setting as they soaked in the hot tub or enjoyed the scenery from the roof top deck after a day on jet skis or checking out the Key West sights. Like MacArthur said in the Phillipines - we will be back!!!! Thanks huge bunches to Shawn and Adele for creating such a perfect vacation spot. Truly hated to leave and I have the broken fingernails from being drug away to prove it. ;-)

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

The Perfect Place

Guest: Missing the Treasure (Minneapolis, MN)
Date of Stay: 11/21/10 Review Submitted: 01/31/11

Hidden Treasure worked for my family on so many levels it's hard to put into words. From the minute you enter this Polynesian paradise you start to transform, shedding stress and anxiety so much more than one would ever think possible. The magic of Hidden Treasure is it's much more than just beautiful tropical gardens, high-end amenities and incredible ocean and mangrove views; it's that you're surrounded by what's obviously been a labor of love by the homeowners, experienced and felt in every amazing detail. From the chef worthy kitchen with literally every utensil/pot/pan/accessory you could desire (trust us, we did Thanksgiving for the extended family without want), to the Zen meditation bed over the Koi pond that flows to the Buddha waterfall, you encounter a focus on the details that transcend other vacation homes (and we've seen many). You bask in a life well lived and traveled through the unique touches throughout the home, including actual shipwreck treasure found by the homeowner. I'm actually torn; I want to keep going on about how great it is, but I also want this treasure to stay hidden so we can come back, over and over again! If you want to experience Key West (with Duval St. just minutes away) but feel like you're living in your own nature preserve oasis, then really don't waste a second looking elsewhere - this truly is the best to be found (and trust me here as well, when we wanted to extend our stay and the Treasure was booked, we looked and looked, but found NOTHING that even came close).

Owner response: Thank you so much for the glowing review. With guests like you who needs friends! The great thing about the Hidden Treasure is that it is a magnet for like minded people. It was such a pleasure to meet your beautiful family and watch you emerse youselves in the Key West life style. I think John knows more about lobster fishing at this point, than we do. Our home is always open to you and we eagerly look forward to sipping champagne with you at next years Christmas parade. Fondest Regards, Adele and Shawn.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautiful house on the water

Guest: F&D (Charleston, SC)
Date of Stay: 11/06/10 Review Submitted: 11/16/10

What a wonderful vacation! This house is beautiful and we felt so at home and relaxed. Perfect location, on the water and just 5 miles from Duval St! I definitely recommend that you rent a boat. You don't have to go far to do some fishing, or you can just cruise around and enjoy Key West from the water. Shawn was a great host and even though we just got back, we are already looking forward to the next trip down.

Owner response:Thanks for submitting a review Fernanda, It was great to have you both here. Maybe next time we can all dive the Atocha site together. Call me soon, the calendar is filling up quick! See you soon, Shawn

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Paradise

Guest: Peg (Gulfport, Florida)
Date of Stay: 10/04/10 Review Submitted: 10/22/10

This is a gem. It is a tropical-Asian influenced setting with first class amenities. We, and our two adult children, had plenty of room to sleep and play. We met Shawn upon arrival, and he was helpful beyond the call of duty. His tour of the cottage and its many features was most helpful. Everyone in town commented on what a great guy Shawn was, from the bait shop owner to the owner/bartender at "The Porch" on Duvel. His restaurant suggestion of "The Cafe" was right on too. Loved the food. We also appreciated the easy bike into town. It was about 5 miles and riding along the water was amazing! I would recommend this place for those wishing to kick back and relax--there is nothing like having that first cup of coffee on the water--and those wishing to see the many historic sites of the Keys.

Owner response:Ahhh, thanks Peg! It was great to see you guys pull up to the house with your bikes. We are a big biking family and Key West is made for Biking. If you really want to get into the nooks and crannies of Key West biking is the way to do it, in fact I will leave a biking map at the house for the next time your here. P.S. Adele just bought a "Fender Blender" so now we can make smoothies and and fun blended drinks while we ride! Let me know if you want to borrow it. : ) Cheers, Shawn

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect Vacation

Guest: Tina (State college, PA)
Date of Stay: 09/18/10 Review Submitted: 10/06/10

Where do I start? The Hidden Treasure was surreal. Shawn was a gracious host spending hours when we arrived answering questions, showing us around the Island and even taking us to the store! The home was clean, well kept and truly unique. The custom rock shower, ponds, gardens, tiki bar, gourmet kitchen were all as advertised and more! We highly recommend renting a boat as this was a perfect home to boat in and out of and the best way to see the Keys from the water! Captain Bob in Marathon was great and we docked a 29 FT Grady right off the back dock with ease and convenience! We snorkeled on the reef, scuba, fished, kayaked and enjoyed grilling our feasts outside around a very cool tiki bar. The hot tub was a great relief at the end of every adventurous day. We truly had an amazing time!

Owner response:Thank you Tina, It was a real pleasure having you and your friends at the house. The way you enjoyed your vacation is exactly the way we pictured our guests would enjoy Key West and the house. It truly is a Hidden Treasure, offering every amenity to vacationers who enjoy the water. We look forward to having you back! Cheers, Shawn

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Cindy and Thom
Date of Stay: 08/15/10 Review Submitted: 08/31/10

Shawn and Adele After over a month on the road with a 9 year old and aging dog, walking through your front gate into a tropical paradise, was just what our bodies and souls needed. The kids thought they were in a Robinson Carusoe adventure, and of course, the adults just felt like we were in heaven! Watching my husband, Tom, living like a "Key Wester" enjoying his rented boat and swimming in the Canal was a treat for me. Thank you for sharing this little slice of paradise with us - we can't wait to come back! With heavy heart (or as my daughter keeps telling me, "don't frown because it's over, smile because it happened") We leave and say good-bye to summer and your lovely Key West home. Cindy,Thom, Olivia, & the hound Lou

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Guest: Paul, Amanda,Hayley, and Tim
Date of Stay: 07/01/10 Review Submitted: 08/31/10

Our vacation in Key West has been fabulous in large part, because of this amazing house! The "Hidden Treasure" has been so relaxing and we have enjoyed every minute ofour time here. thank you so much for showing us around the museum, we loved seeing the artifacts and treasure of the Atocha and the Margarita. We are already looking forward and planning our nest stay here next year! Thanks Paul, Amanda, Hayley &Tim

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Guest: Sue and Lou
Date of Stay: 05/30/10 Review Submitted: 08/31/10

Arrived 4 weeks ago, at dark after traveling all day. When Shawn opened the front gate to welcome us in we were transported into a twinkling oasis of sounds and fragrances that initially excited us, then soon carried us to a much needed relaxation. The inspiration of love and beauty for this house's development was felt everywhere we looked. The winged and and crawling visitors in residence were also entertaining. Being our first visit to to Key west we had to go fishing. "Duck" , the owner of the "Tiki Boat" next door, gave us a great thrill and filled our dinner plates with the most delicious fish we'd ever had. Highly recommending his entertaining style and fishing skills. Then to balance the Qi, we tried paddle boarding, with Tara McCabe for the first time. She introduced us to the boards and also showed us some yoga poses while in the lagoon. It's our hope to return here to recapture more of this environment and these surrounds. Thank you Shawn & Adele for sharing your home. Sue and Lou Princeton , MA

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Guest: Bill Fox (-)
Date of Stay: 03/09/10 Review Submitted: 03/09/10

I rented this awesome place for one month. It is truly unique and all my guests loved it. It is like stepping onto Bora Bora or Bali Hai when you enter the gate. I've been going to Key West for years and own a time share there. This is one of the nicest places to rent you will find. The owner is super accomodating and you will be very, very happy. Everything you need is close by. I plan on renting for another month next year.

Owner response:Thank You Bill! We loved having you here and look forward to having you back next year. Maybe we can get some fishing in together this time. Cheers, Shawn

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Guest: Randy and Mary Lynn
Date of Stay: 03/01/10 Review Submitted: 08/31/10

Shawn, what a Beautiful place youv'e created! We've enjoyed it beyond our greatest expectations! It's been great meeting you and you can bet we'll be back for more. Thanks for your hospitality! Randy and Mary Lower Burrell, PA

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Guest: Bill & Mary
Date of Stay: 02/01/10 Review Submitted: 08/31/10

What a unique and peaceful sanctuary from which to enjoy all that Key West has to offer. Thoughly enjoyed the tropical feel. Views from the decks-and of course- The Tiki bar! Thank you for sharing your Beautiful home with us! Namaste Bill & Mary Charlevoix, MI

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Guest: Damien Triouleyre (North Myrtle Beach, SC)
Date of Stay: 08/24/09 Review Submitted: 08/24/09

Having been blessed to stay at the Hidden Treasure numerous times, I have found it to be one of the most beautiful and peaceful places I have ever stayed. I am glad that your website truly reflects the reality of this special place. I especially enjoy the cottage with its private balcony over the water and being able to just jump in the water to swim. Somehow when I leave I feel both more relaxed and a bit freer than when I arrived. Thanks for creating it and making it available, can't wait to return.

Owner response:Thank you Damien, It's alway's a pleasure to have you at the Hidden Treasure. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Shawn and Adele

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/22/09 Review Submitted: 08/22/09

Sometimes one stumbles onto the best of things!

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