I’m writing this on the last day of our rental of Cyrus’ Sugar Shack. I’m on the smaller of the two screened lanais overlooking the front courtyard surrounded by coconut trees, an autograph tree, tall bamboo and many other green and red plants that I can’t identify. Three red-headed finches are searching for food. I am at peace; I do not want to leave.
This unique house is in a very tranquil setting a short walk from a black sand beach, a café with outdoor seating and, a little further along the road, tidepools. The local park is a 3 min walk – a large open area overlooking the sea with trees that locals often use for picnics and on Sunday afternoon an informal community family get together with a drum circle, food and other vendors. There are no bars or restaurants within walking distance although one resident does sell tacos, sometimes. This is not a place to come if you want to be in the center of the tourist crowd!
The house itself is very comfortable. The kitchen is much better equipped than most Airbnbs I have been to. Multiple types of coffee makers, a coffee bean grinder, a kettle for tea, lots of pots and pans, a full-sized fridge and even a cocktail mixing kit with recipes. The living area has a sofa and comfortable armchairs. This area could do with extra lights for reading. There are large dining tables both inside and on the larger verandah.
The bedrooms are comfy and both have their own bathrooms. The master bedroom is quite spectacular with an open-air design and its own lanai. The night is black here, there is no streetlighting (a community ordinance) so on clear nights star gazing is a must but you really need to walk to the park because of the trees on the property. We all felt safe walking at night in the neighborhood. There is a selection of snorkeling equipment, beach towels and a large cooler.
My favorite local walk was to the double sea arch on the way to the black sand beach (turn left opposite Oliana drive). If you stand on the first arch, large waves make the ground shake!