I cannot say enough good things about our stay at Sandra's beautiful Hawai'i home. This was our first return to the islands since our honeymoon thirty years ago, and this property made it a perfect anniversary gift to ourselves. I'll admit to a good bit of nervousness about booking a private residence online, especially one with so much glass (privacy?), but it said that the entire lower level was ours only, so we went for it. When we arrived, we were reassured that indeed, it was all just for us- The pool, spa, surrounding deck, back yard, all of it! I could make my morning coffee in my ratty tee shirt and shorts just like at home without worrying about dressing for the neighbors. We could have wandered around in our altogether, if we were that sort. It was that private.
The home and grounds were exactly as photographed. The interiors were spotless, the yard and gardens were impeccably maintained. The outdoor kitchen had everything we needed to prepare breakfasts and dinners, while being shaded from the sun and dry when it rained. There was a blender for making smoothies from all the fruit we picked in the gardens, and a coffee grinder for the coffee nerd in me that has to have fresh ground beans every morning. (Everyone on the island has their favorite Kona roaster- ask around. They aren't shy about it)
We would go out in the mornings to explore, swim, shop, walk across lava fields, eat, try local brews, whatever. When we had gotten toasted enough by the sun, we would return to our mountainside retreat where it was cooler and quiet, and relax in the warm spa or take a swim in the pool. Then it was time to choose- go out for dinner at a waterside restaurant and watch the sunset, or make dinner and see the sunset from our kitchen? Tough decisions, right?
The location of this home is perfect. Far enough out of town to be quiet and relaxing. Close enough to town for when we wanted to mingle like the tourists we are. In the heat of the day, the elevation makes the home cooler. At night we kept the sliding doors open to the breezes and didn't miss air conditioning at all. We woke to the sounds of birds we've never heard at home.
I must mention Mango, a young cat who liked to join us most mornings at breakfast, and make figure eights around my ankles while I did the morning dishes. Charming. Impossible not to like her. Say "Hi" for me when you see her.
We would recommend this property to anyone, and we plan to return there on our next trip.