We had dreams of a getaway in a laid-back island paradise - but this particular place exceeded our expectations by a mile. The cottage was put together with a lot of care and thoughtful details, and the property as a whole is vividly lush and inviting. Peter and Barbara put their hearts into this corner of the earth, and that feeling pervades. Fresh limes, pomelos, lilikoi and various other tropical fruits ripe for the picking right outside your door; a view unparalleled from every window in your cottage, overlooking the Kona Coast mountainside and down towards a hundred miles of unobstructed ocean views. (You've never experienced a sunset until you've experienced one from here.)

But the best part is the host with the most - Peter was as thoroughly accessible as you could want, and opened up the Big Island to us in the most amazing way. He batted a thousand with each of his recommendations: from the best pizza on the island (Patz!), to the best hidden beaches, best snorkeling, best breakfast places, best coffee, and on and on. We felt very taken care of, and as a result, had a very fulfilling vacation. We plan to be back, and hopefully soon.