I'll be honest, reading the reviews,I thought this place was too good to be true. But the venue, and Karen, our host, completely lived up to it.
Even weeks before traveling, Karen was able to give us advice on activities to do on Big Island. We arrived after dark about two hours later than we said we would. Karen must have been watching the road like a hawk because she was outside with torches to guide us into to the easily missed driveway. Walking up the path to this beautiful cottage lit by candles, fairly lights, tiki torches; it felt like something out of a fairy tale. It was wonderful.
Manini beach, just steps away, was great. Not much sand, but lots of picnic benches. A proper community beach, and we felt like we had been invited into a private party. The guide book doesn't rate that beach at all, but we felt it was our favourite, with some of the best snorkelling on the island. We even saw a turtle!
I would highly recommend Karen and her Bali cottage to any couple traveling. And can see ourselves going back again as soon as we can afford the air fare from Scotland.
Karen was full of useful tips and suggestions for day trips. Not just what's worth the drive, but what's not. The kind of service you just couldn't get in a hotel. This is clearly a passion first, and a business second.
I loved this place, but then bugs don't bother me. If you don't like spiders, geckos (I challenge anyone to not find them cute), or friendly black cats, then don't come. This is not a sterile hotel room, but could not under any circumstances be refereed to as "roughing it." If like us, you find it part of the charm of staying in a romantic cottage in a mini rain-Forrest by the beach, then book now. Even Liam (who doesn't do outdoors, spiders or insects of any kind) found it fine.

I'd also recommend the Kona Boys (just a few miles along the main road) for most water based activities. Kona-Honu divers for manta ray night snorkelling. The Coffee Shack for breakfast and Jackie Rays for dinner.
But the hidden gem of the island has to be this cottage, and the wonderful hosting of Karen. (Ron was away, but I'm sure he's nice too)

Thanks again for such a lovely honeymoon destination.

Gordon and Liam.