Our stay at the Maliko Retreat was absolutely amazing. The cottage is perfectly equipped with anything you could possibly need (I dare you to find something it is lacking!), the views are breathtaking, and Sydney is the perfect host. We enjoyed the tour she provided--it's clear that she is passionate about sustainability and taking care of the land, which is admirable. The work that she has done on the property, and the skill with which the cottage has been restored and decorated is incredible. This is not your typical vacation rental!

Not only was this a great place to stay, but my husband and I also had a beautiful wedding on the property. We are so appreciative of Sydney for helping to make our day so special. She was helpful in providing vendor recommendations and even put together a beautiful bouquet for me using flowers from the property. It was the epitome of the stress-free wedding day. My makeup artist said I was the "calmest bride he's ever met", which is thanks in large part to the help Sydney provided and the surroundings. You just can't help but feel at peace at the cottage. As a testament to the beauty of the cottage, everyone from my makeup artist to the photographers couldn't stop admiring (and photographing) all of the little details in the design and decor. In addition to providing a relaxing spot for my day of wedding prep, the grounds were an amazing backdrop for photos.

After a week at the retreat, we had to leave (we had booked a beachfront condo for the second half of our trip). The beach condo was a huge disappointment after staying at Sydney's cottage. After traveling all over Maui during our 2 week stay, I found the upcountry surrounding the cottage to be the most beautiful landscape. Paia's beaches are a short drive away, and Makawao has a charming small-town feel. We are looking forward to staying here again!