GLORIOUS SCENIC RETREAT
Over the years, my wife and I have been privileged to enjoy some amazing vacation rentals. Some offered glorious views. Others were posh and perfect. But, until now, none were both.
This Bay of Islands hillside retreat is astounding both inside and out. As appealing as the Airbnb pictures and description are, the reality is steps beyond.
Everything in the house is high-end and custom, from layout, woodwork, and carpet, to furniture, fixtures, and appliances. And, many of the features, from wall-to-wall Hawaiian-style open-air doors and windows, to heated stone bathroom floors and towel racks, to silent hidden dishwashers, to the largest, clearest HDTV we've ever encountered in a vacation rental, are scarcely mentioned in the listing.
Every room in the house, including bedrooms and bathrooms, offers spirit-lifting views. Most provide a full sweep of the Bay of Islands, from Russell to Paihia and the distant islands beyond. The rest highlight the property's luscious gardens and greenery. And, the deck is far bigger and more glorious than even the listing photos suggest.
We're normally active people. And, we did indulge in everything from Kauri Cliffs golf to mangrove walks, parasailing to ocean tours, hillside hikes to indulgent dining. And, yet, our favorite activity was to simply chill with the view.
Casually opulent and comfortable within, blessed with bay and private forest and beach without, we can imagine no finer or more peaceful retreat.
Our only caveats:
Although Russell is a quick five-minute drive, it is not as easily walkable as we had imagined (about 5 km). And, to reach Paihia and the rest of civilization, requires a car ferry ... albeit one that is cute, cheap and easy.
As for the house itself, the only out of character element is the beds. Neither mattresses nor pillows are of the comfort and quality which we might have hoped.
All in all, though, this is the closest to vacation rental perfection that we have ever encountered. And, our search has lasted over a decade and carried us to the corners of the earth.
A special shout out to Kelly and Travis. They helped us to juggle travel days, including rescuing us last-minute from my stupid calendar mistake (sneaky Date Line)! And, once we arrived, they were amazingly welcoming and helpful.
Six stars, if we could!