Vacation Rentals by Owner

Maka Nui Exquisite Executive Estate [#298438] | View Property

Captain Cook
House, 4 Bedrooms + Sunroom, 4.5 Baths (Sleeps 8-10)
$475/nt $3,320/wk
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Traveler Reviews (18)

• Fabulous place!

  Fabulous place!

  • Guest nbdoc
  • Date of stay 04/13/13
  • Review Submitted 04/29/13
  The house is designed with great taste, high end furniture and decor, and all the features to make you feel very comfortable. Almost like you see on the pictures, only better in reality. Beautiful wrap-around lanai with the views of the bay. Kitchen had everything we needed to cook any meal. Owners provided beach coolers, umbrellas, beach lounges, basic snorkeling equipment. Bedrooms are spacious, each has it's own en-suite bathroom and lanai. Plenty of fresh air, and quite cool at night. We had 6 people in the party, but there was plenty of room for more people. We chose to have a very active vacation, so this home was a perfect place to come back and relax. Most of the Kona side places are within 30-45 min. Snorkeling at the 2-steps or Kahalu beach is 20 min, white sand beaches are 45 min. Wish we could spend more time on the lanai or by the pool! Candi is very sweet, and very helpful in all respects. The coffee they produce on the property is better and less expensive than in the stores. So, if you come across this property, and it fits you by size and price - grab it, you will not regret it. If I have to give you a word of caution - beware of the public parking in Kailua-Kona, if you have something in your car it might get stolen - so pay and park at the hotel.

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

  Owner response: We are so glad that you enjoyed your stay. Altho you came a great distance we hope to have you back & with the rest of family. I am sure you must have missed a few beautiful places while here! And we were so disapointed that you had trouble in Kailua-Kona. What a shame to have a great time & for it to be ruined on last day! Again please do not let a few ruin your idea of paradise. Thank you for commenting on our coffee. We try to have the best of all things for guests. And so until we meet again Aloha!

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• Fantastic Vacation Retreat

  Fantastic Vacation Retreat

  • Guest Lisa
  • Date of stay 02/04/13
  • Review Submitted 02/20/13
  Wow! What an outstanding vacation at Maka Nui! We are a group of friends who got together to vacation on the Big Island. One of the couples had taken a cruise of the Hawaii islands and they said that Maka Nui was the best thing about their entire trip. It was such a relaxing environment. We spent most of our time on the lanai. We were able to pick the oranges, lemons, and bananas - they were so fresh and delicious. Candi and Michael were exceptional hosts. We highly recommend Maka Nui.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  Owner response: We are so glad that you were all able to come together here at Maka Nui. For you to enjoy our slice of paradise is a great feeling to pass on to all our guests. Aloha and would love to have you again!

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• What A Perfect Place for A Beautiful Wedding Reception

  What A Perfect Place for A Beautiful Wedding Reception

  • Guest Babykitty
  • Date of stay 08/02/12
  • Review Submitted 08/12/12
  What a wonderful experience and a lifetime of memories will follow us who got to stay there always. Our hostess really helped us to have a fantastic time being available on site for anything that we needed to get to make everything run smoothly. There is oodles of room to find privacy or hang with a group having fun. Isolated balconies provided reading areas and quiet moments at the fish pond or in the hammock or tables and couches. We brought in dancers and entertainment and had room for their performances. Do not leave out the opportunity to pick coffee beans and see how they are processed or pick nuts or fruit. Candi has a wealth of information and knowledge and is just a kick. Thank you for this quality time with family and friends. JT

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

  Owner response: Aloha Dear! I am very glad that it all came together for your renewal vows . To see the joy that your group had was a treat. We hope to have you again , but don't wait 26 years! Mahalo Candi

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

• Wedding party

  Wedding party

  • Guest The Newlyweds
  • Date of stay 05/27/12
  • Review Submitted 06/06/12
  My (new) husband and I have stayed here one other time. The first experience was so amazing we decided stay again. This time it was to celebrate our wedding at the Maka Nui main house. Again, it was perfect. The views of the ocean are breathtaking as is the property surrounding the house. The house itself is luxurious and elegant, but also comfortable. There was more than enough space for my friends and family to stay comfortably. We had so much fun spending afternoons by the pool (which is awesome), and cooking in the most well equipped kitchen I've experienced through VRBO. It is also in a very convenient location. It's quiet and slightly removed, but also very close to shopping, swimming, snorkeling and hiking. It was easy for a big group like us to get around. Candi did everything possible to make sure our stay was special and enjoyable. We had a welcoming basket of fruit, coffee and local sweet bread waiting for us when we arrived, and I know how hard she worked to get the house ready for our wedding party. A big thanks to her for all her effort and hospitality. I highly recommend this vacation rental as it has been the best vacation rental we have experienced in Hawaii thus far.

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

  Owner response: WE are always happy to have return guests . And to be here to share your joy was a treat for us. To have such a joyful & and happy group was the beginning of a wonderful summer. Hope to have you again! Maybe on the first anniveracy? May your lives be blessed & many years to share with each other. Mahalo, Candi & Michael

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• An unforgettable vacation at Maka Nui!

  An unforgettable vacation at Maka Nui!

  • Guest Lone Star Travelers
  • Date of stay 03/15/12
  • Review Submitted 04/25/12
  What an amazing vacation at Maka Nui! Words cannot describe how beautiful and serene of a home this is. After a long day of travel we immediately felt relaxed once we walked through the front door. We were welcomed with delicious fruits, coffee, candy and Hawaiian bread which Candi had left for us. The vacation only got better from there. From morning coffee on the lanai to afternoon swims in the pool the days seemed endless. We really loved our sunset cocktails on the lanai and gathering the family at the kitchen island while we cooked delicious meals on the grill each night. Though we were sad to see the days end, the comfortable beds and cool Hawaiian breezes made for the most relaxing night of rest. The location of the house is perfect. Set in the side of a mountain you have gorgeous views of the valley below and the ocean. It is a short ride to many wonderful shops and restaurants plus the South Kona Fruit Stand which has the most delicious cookies! It also makes for a manageable trip to the Volcano and to Waipio Valley both of which we made on this trip. Candi and Michael really made this vacation an enjoyable one for us. From the time we expressed interest in renting Maka Nui to the evening we left, Candi made sure that everything was taken care of. Her and Michael really go out of their way to make their guests feel like family and we certainly felt like we were at home the entire trip. Thank you both for making our family trip a special one. We will not forget our time at Maka Nui and are already looking forward to a return visit. Erinn and Michael

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

  Owner response: From the day you came to check it out ahead a time until the day you arrived I just knew you folks would have a grand time & we so enjoyed meeting both sets of parents! Looking forward to seeing you again Candi

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• EXCEPTIONAL, ELEGANT, RELAXING RETREAT ESTATE

  EXCEPTIONAL, ELEGANT, RELAXING RETREAT ESTATE

  • Guest hawaii
  • Date of stay 02/28/12
  • Review Submitted 03/15/12
  This lovely retreat home is just gorgeous! We held a small retreat here at this estate and everyone loved it beyond words! We had people from Denmark, Canada, France, and the US. EVERYONE said this home is the best! Elegant furnishings, gorgeous 180 degree views of the ocean, exotic flowers and fruits on the property made it feel like a real Hawaiian Paradise. I highly recommend this home as a vacation dream! Candi is wonderful, so helpful and always greets the guests with Aloha. We love it so much here at Maka Nui that we come back every year. Enjoy its way beyond gorgeous!

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

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

• Maka Nui - BIG EYE Christmas Holiday

  Maka Nui - BIG EYE Christmas Holiday

  • Guest Big Daddy
  • Date of stay 12/23/11
  • Review Submitted 01/10/12
  The estate name is so fitting since the property truly gives a big eye view of the Kealakekua Bay. We arrived a little early to find a host of personnel getting our Holiday home ready. The pics on website are so true and so much more. The location is great with privacy, views and relaxation. The fresh coffee and fruit is so amazing each morning. Our planned dinners were great leaving us to visit the grocery store only twice. Kitchen was so easy to make yourself at home. Bedrooms were great. Lanai sleeping was wonderful. The Hawaiian breezes are so exilerating! Candi, the caretaker was also a wonderful host answering so many questions!!! Everyone in our party would love to come back to Big Island Hawaii... only to stay at the Maka Nui if there were no beaches, volcanoes, mountains and lava fields. We reccommed this estate for a couple to 9 adults and one child. Amamzing!!! Plan to get back soon!

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

  Owner response: It was wonderful to see a family of many generation's come & explore & enjoy the Big Island. This family had so much fun ,for me it was good to see the home filled with laughing & close family. I hope to see them all or a few here again. Aloha Candi

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• Wonderful Retreat

  Wonderful Retreat

  • Guest DJ
  • Date of stay 12/14/11
  • Review Submitted 01/04/12
  Maka Nui is a wonderful place to unwind from the craziness of the mainland. The view is amazing and continually engrossing. I spent many hours on the lanai on the bamboo daybed just looking out over the coffee fields and the blue of Kealakekua Bay. There were at least five different comfortable places to sit and relax...in the lanai alone! The beds were amazingly comfortable and the house spacious with all the amenities. Candi and Michael were wonderful hosts and very helpful. Maka Nui is out of the way but close to the best snorkeling and sight seeing on the island. This is the real Hawaii ; outside of time and filled with gracious, warm people. Walking around the grounds was a daily joy! I recommend Maka Nui for its peace, comfort and terrific value.

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

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• Our Dream Vacation House Come True!!

  Our Dream Vacation House Come True!!

  • Guest the_traveler
  • Date of stay 10/13/11
  • Review Submitted 10/18/11
  This house was more beautiful than I could have imagined! The 360deg deck/balcony view on the top and bottom floors of the house overlook the lush valley on one side and the ocean on the other, with a clear view of sunset every evening. We woke up every morning to fresh brewed coffee from our own backyard! The coffee farm tour on the property is a must! We're not big coffee drinkers, but something about their coffee made us wanting more! We also enjoyed picking tropical fruits from the orchard every day- they have pineapples, mangos, papayas, tangerines, avocados, bananas, and mac nuts! They have a fully stocked kitchen (would recommend calling the caretakers to ask what they have already before heading over to the grocery store). (There is a great grocery store less than a mile away that has very fresh sashimi and seafood if you're hoping to cook at home!) The house was clean and in pristine order and the owners of the house have offered high quality house-hold items for guests to use. The caretakers were wonderful hosts and were always a phone call away when we needed quick recommendations and guidance. Thank you for making our stay so enjoyable! We will most definitely come back. Can't wait!!!!

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

  Owner response: As the caretakers here at Maka Nui we are very happy when guests enjoy the stay here! Even tho we are rural Hawaii we have all the things very close . Having repeat guests is like having old friends come for a visit. And have met a lot of wonderful folks makes our lives so much more enriched. Hope to see you again & get to have time to "Talk story " with you. Mahalo Candi & Michael

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• Maka Nui was everything that we had hoped for!

  Maka Nui was everything that we had hoped for!

  • Guest Gina
  • Date of stay 08/27/11
  • Review Submitted 09/07/11
  Setting up the reservation with Candi was a snap! She was extremely professional and promptly answered our questions about the property. When we arrived, it was night time, thankfully her directions were perfect! Upon arriving, we were greeted by a warmly lit house with the ocean breezes blowing through. I had asked about airconditioning, but there isn't any and it wasn't needed. We visited in Sept, their hottest month, and needed the comforters most nights. The house is breathtaking with polished wood floors, high beamed ceilings and massive rooms! We could have had a party in the bathroom! We loved feeding the fish in the mornings. There is a little pond with a waterfall outside the master bedroom that was perfect when falling asleep. The wrap around lanai feels like part of the inside of the house, not like a porch or a patio. It is just as nicely furnished outside as it is inside. I spent a few afternoons looking at the ocean, reading a book. All the furnishings were top notch and the bed itself was heavenly! Candi and Michael were the perfect hosts answering any questions we had. For the most part, we really didn't see them. The house is really private, including the pool area. Candi had gone to the store before our arrival and had purchased orange juice and milk, as well as leaving us a basket of coffee, nuts and fruit, all from the property. That made our first morning really enjoyable. It is a working farm and I'm sorry I didn't take Candi up on her offer to pick coffee beans! Overall, I don't think our stay could have been any more perfect! Thank you so much for a wonderful vacation! Warmly, Gina and Alan

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

  Owner response: Aloha Gina & Alan, So happy that you enjoyed Maka Nui! We really try to make as close to perfect as possible for all the guests we have .I always worry about my direction's but the seem to work. the ono you left was a tasty treat for us , thank you so much. The care you took upon leaving was greatly appreciated & would love to see you here again. Mahalo Candi & Michael

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• August Wedding

  August Wedding

  • Guest Gene & Sandy
  • Date of stay 08/10/11
  • Review Submitted 08/22/11
  We came to Hawaii to celebrate our daughters wedding, with our other four adult children, one son-in-law, and our three grand-kids under 4 years old. Everyone loved the place and the grand-kids especially loved the pool. We appreciated the ability to invite the new in-laws, and the wedding party over for a barbecue. They were all wanting to hang-out at our place! Candi and Michael were very accommodating and great with their suggestions. It was nice to have the extra supplies in the kitchen and for the beach, not to mention the onsite laundry. We would definitely come again.

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

  Owner response: Aloha ! I am glad you had such a great time. I am sure your daughter the bride was very beautiful at the wedding. And all the extra ink you went home with was too cool! Hope to see 1 or all back here in Captain Cook, Mahalo Candi

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• A Vacation Paradise!

  A Vacation Paradise!

  • Guest Joan & Doug
  • Date of stay 02/02/11
  • Review Submitted 03/03/11
  We just returned from 3 weeks at Maka Nui and had the most relaxing vacation in what felt like our piece of paradise. Although we expected a very nice home and garden from the pictures on the website, it was even better in real life! The home is decorated and equipped with high quality furnishings and appliances and the garden is beautifully landscaped with every tropical tree and plant you can imagine. The kitchen is stocked with the essentials and more (spices, oil, etc.) so it's a pleasure to prepare meals. We really appreciated how well the resident managers, Candi & Michael, took care of us. We arrived to a warm greeting, a tour of the facilities and a huge, overflowing basket of fruit and other goodies. A warm and generous welcome indeed! Throughout our stay, Candi anticipated and met our every need and want. We often arrived home to find fresh papaya or bananas that had been grown on the property, awaiting us. Candi and Michael maintain the home and gardens extremely well and, without being intrusive, make it easy for their guests to feel at home. They gave us great restaurant and activity suggestions too. The owners are fortunate to have them as property managers. The home itself is spacious with wonderful indoor and outdoor sitting areas. The screened-in, wrap-around lanai provides many choices for dining or relaxing. We enjoyed many leisurely hours there enjoying the views and the gentle breezes blowing through. Maka Nuei is superb vacation home we'd highly recommend.

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

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• Gorgeous home, wonderful hospitality

  Gorgeous home, wonderful hospitality

  • Guest William
  • Date of stay 01/24/11
  • Review Submitted 02/12/11
  First, a disclaimer: due to a scheduling problem, we were not able to stay at this property. However, we befriended Candi during the negotiating process, and visited her (and the property) during our stay on the Big Island. The home is indeed as gorgeous as depicted here. My wife and I were overwhelmed by the woodwork and the spacious master bathroom (with beautiful stained glass windows overlooking the waterfall and koi pond), but my children most enjoyed the massive, screened-in porch with hammocks and foosball table, overlooking other plantations. Candi kindly let us help pick Kona coffee beans, and gave us a bag of roasted beans, plus papaya and starfruit, to enjoy during our stay on the island. We hope we will be able to return someday and stay here, with the confidence that Candi will make sure our stay is wonderful.

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

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• Our beautiful Christmas holiday home

  Our beautiful Christmas holiday home

  • Guest Happy Cannuck family
  • Date of stay 12/18/10
  • Review Submitted 01/20/11
  Maki Nui was our beautiful Christmas home away from home and we loved it! The views both of the property itself, and the long views of the ocean and mountains were stunning. As we drove in, I expected to spend long enchanted hours sitting in the garden chairs reading and enjoying gentle breezes, or maybe stretched out on the pool side lounge chairs, but instead we spent our time happily exploring the island (seeing the volcano was the top vote of our children), kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, swimming and shopping (wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t Christmas!). We so enjoyed finding interesting and authentic Hawaiian restaurants with thanks to Candi for her suggestions, and for the other meals that we ate at “home” we enjoyed cooking in the well-equipped kitchen, using the fresh-from-the tree produce (bananas, papayas, lemons, and coffee) and eating outside on the moonlit lanai. The house was just as described online: the bedrooms were spacious, the beds were comfortable, inviting sitting areas abounded, and everything we needed was provided (including wireless internet!) Thanks to Candi and Michael for their help in countless ways!!!

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  Owner response: Aloha to the Happy Cannuck family! What a joy to have folks here to enjoy & respect the property.I am happy that they were able to enjoy the kitchen & all the other great things that Maka Nui has to offer.We do hope to see them ,one or all back here. Candi & Michael

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• Our beautiful Christmas holiday home

  Our beautiful Christmas holiday home

  • Guest Happy Cannuck family
  • Date of stay 12/18/10
  • Review Submitted 01/20/11
  Maki Nui was our beautiful Christmas home away from home and we loved it! The views both of the property itself, and the long views of the ocean and mountains were stunning. As we drove in, I expected to spend long enchanted hours sitting in the garden chairs reading and enjoying gentle breezes, or maybe stretched out on the pool side lounge chairs, but instead we spent our time happily exploring the island (seeing the volcano was the top vote of our children), kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, swimming and shopping (wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t Christmas!). We so enjoyed finding interesting and authentic Hawaiian restaurants with thanks to Candi for her suggestions, and for the other meals that we ate at “home” we enjoyed cooking in the well-equipped kitchen, using the fresh-from-the tree produce (bananas, papayas, lemons, and coffee) and eating outside on the moonlit lanai. The house was just as described online: the bedrooms were spacious, the beds were comfortable, inviting sitting areas abounded, and everything we needed was provided (including wireless internet!) Thanks to Candi and Michael for their help in countless ways!!!

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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• Our magical week at Maka Nui

  Our magical week at Maka Nui

  • Guest A happy family!
  • Date of stay 08/19/10
  • Review Submitted 09/14/10
  This home is beautiful, exquisitely maintained, with awesome amenities and breathtaking views. The property has wonderful lush landscaping surrounding an inviting pool. The listing photos and descriptions are perfectly accurate! Our family of 5 enjoyed an amazing week at Maka Nui. Candi was a gracious host, giving us lots of TLC, great tourist information, directions to snorkeling and dining in Kona. She greeted us with an incredible "welcome basket" of home grown coffee, white pineapple and yummy macadamia nuts. We all barbequed/cooked/enjoyed watching sports/movies etc almost every evening. The beds were very comfortable, and I loved having a washer/dryer and all the creature comforts of home. We enjoyed the geckos, the birds right outside the kitchen window, and feeding the fish in the koi pond off of the master suite(which was insane)! We recommend this property without hesitation!

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

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• Beautiful property, safe, secure, and just a fabulous vacation spot

  Beautiful property, safe, secure, and just a fabulous vacation spot

  • Guest Buck
  • Date of stay 08/02/10
  • Review Submitted 09/01/10
  The location for my family could not have been better. About 30 minutes from Kona, located on acreage, on a hillside overlooking the ocean a few miles away, the spot and view are breath taking. When we arrived, a few essential items were in the fridge. The care taker helped us get situated the first day and work out a plan for the week; very helpful. We went shopping the next morning in town since it was like being at home, but obviously better; range, oven, BBQ, laundry service. We were set with steak, lobster, wine, beer, etc. From there, we set out on our adventure. With the help of our care takers, Candy and Michael, we had a busy schedule. On the first day, we went snorkling at Two Step, just few minutes from the house. The next day we were at Mona Kea looking at the stars. The next day we swung a kayak deal with Michael's help and went to the Captain Cook monument for snorkling. Just a few minutes from the house, this is the best snorkling in the Big Island as witnessed by the big party boats showing up by afternoon. The sweet thing is that this was virtually in our backyard. The following day we flew to Oahu and then the next to the Mona Loa volcano. For the house, the wrap around, screened in porch made for some cozy moments for my wife and I and the scenery was just stunning. Included in the house is Koi pond, walk in shower, and jacuzzi tub. If your looking for the ideal spot to relax whether romatic, friends, or family, this is an absolutly super spot to clear your head and relax: get away from it all.

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

  Owner response: We are so glad that this family enjoyed the time here! 1 week is not long enough but you can pack alot in Having thier boys help pick coffee 1 day was fun for me & them.We hope to have them back in the future. Thanks for the comment folks!

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• loved it

  loved it

  • Guest P
  • Date of stay 07/21/10
  • Review Submitted 08/17/10
  What a treat. Being one of the first guests to enjoy this property.we are thrilled to be able to tell others about it. As we entered the gates of this beautiful property we saw the name Maka Nui really does say it all. The views are awesome We stayed for one week and really enjoyed all the amenities that were offered, from the fresh fruit to swimming under the stars, having the furry mascots Bamboo, Happy and Cosmo the cat . Even though the caretakers Michael and Candie work on the property most days they are unobtrusive and manage to keep the grounds beautiful. The coffee we drank, grown on site was excellent. The clues where to site see and dine were right on the money. Anyone thats interested in their own private estate to vacation this is it.

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

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