Staying at Maliko Retreat was probably the best decision I've ever made. Sydney was wonderful from the very start. She gave me step by step directions on how to get to the beautiful cottage and once I arrived, I was greeted with soothing music and a gracious host. The cottage is perfect - I was traveling alone but it would be an excellent getaway for friends, couples, family or in my case - a perfect spot to relax with the company of a book. The cottage is very spacious and encourages you to cook in the full kitchen because you have the view of the reserve and the ocean. My two favorite spots were the bearclaw bathtub (with bubble bath included) and the upstairs deck where I read during most of my stay. The cottage is clean and has everything you need to cook, along with a library of books lined on the shelves just in case you want to be enticed by a new story. It is just a 5 minute drive to restaurants, grocery store, gas station and little shops.

Sydney also gave me a tour of the coffee plantation grounds where we explored the beauty of nature, wildlife and fresh fruits which we ate off the trees (delicious!). I also heard the inspiring story of her quest to renew the area and start a coffee farm. She shared a lot of Hawaiian history and it was the best tour I had during my stay on Maui. Afterwards, I joined Sydney for a basket weaving class where we made baskets out of palms - so fun and a great way to relax under the canopy of trees - and also a perfect momento to bring back (I just got a lily to put in my vase today and proudly displayed my work :) ).

I can't give more of a raving review for this little miracle in Makawao - if you don't stay here I promise you'll be missing a very special piece of Maui. I loved every moment of it's serenity, beauty, and relaxation and can't wait to return.