We have been lucky enough to stay in some great places across the world, but this will go down as one of our absolute favorites. This is one of those rare stays that, while costly, is totally worth every penny.
The home is a duplex villa located within a resort. While the company was great about communication, we still found check in a bit confusing due to the resort requirements. We were asked in the weeks prior to our arrival if we wanted to opt in for resort activities. We knew we had a full itinerary and wouldn't have use for the golf course, pool, etc., so we declined. We were told to stop at the main office on our way in, but when we did that they were confused as to why were where there if we weren't opting in. Emails made it sound as if we were obligated to take a tour of the resort amenities upon arrival, but thankfully that didn't end up being the case. Eventually we made it though the security gate and to our villa. The rest of the stay was easy, uncomplicated and perfect.
This home is a showstopper. It's beautifully designed, yet comfortable and livable. The huge couch in the sunken living room was a nice place to hang out as a family of five at the end of some of our days there. Finding a living room that comfortably four adults and a teen isn't always easy at any price point. We like to buy local ingredients and cook when we travel. The grill was perfect for our needs and the kitchen was perfectly appointed. I say "perfectly" because not only was it well equipped, but the cabinets were discretely/tastefully labeled on the outside, meaning I didn't have to open 10 cabinets before I found the box grater! I wish every rental home, especially with large kitchens, had this feature.
One of the other great features of this home was how much seating it has. We had the option of dining inside at the dining table, eating at the dining table on the lanai, or sitting at either of the two tables by the pool. Considering the weather in the area, and the SPECTACULAR sunset views of this home, that was a great perk and we enjoyed most of our meals outside.
The bathrooms were spacious and well appointed. The bedrooms were lovely, with comfortable beds and quality linens. This home was impeccably clean (exceptionally clean, even at this price point where expectations are high.) The outdoor shower was a nice touch, allowing us to rinse off after days at the beach before coming inside. The private pool felt more private than I expected it to given the fact that this is technically a duplex. In fact, the way the villas are terraced and landscaped, this home felt surprisingly private all around.
The resort itself is nice and the grounds are beautiful. There is a walking path to the beach area. We typically prefer more privacy than a resort offers, but we really enjoyed a) how surprisingly private this property felt, and b) being able to walk to the Luau and beach.
We enjoyed the location of this home as it was very drivable to both Kona and Waimea (about 20 min if I remember correctly). The roads were easy, and we enjoyed being away from the main tourist areas.
Overall, this property has made it to our family's "very special" list (and joins the ranks of a balcony home on a Venetian canal, a flat with a perfect view of the Eiffel Tower and a pool home with a lavender farm in Provence- not an easy feat.) We are very grateful to have been able to spend a week here as a family.