My girlfriend and I were searching for a getaway spot to celebrate my birthday. Just by chance, we discovered Linda and Kevin’s place in Aptos, on the Central Coast. We got lucky, because the place is always booked. I almost don’t want to write this review, because we’d like to come back, but the hosts were so nice, I feel compelled to let others know about this little gem.
The amenities are great -- The online pictures don’t really do the place justice. It’s a cozy, comfy set up with a smallish yet well-appointed bedroom with automatic coffee maker and flatscreen TV, as well as an indoor shower. There’s an outdoor kitchen, BBQ grill, outdoor shower, fire pit, sauna and hot tub, as well as several common areas for lounging and relaxing. All done up in a Hawaiian-influenced surf theme with Northern California charm. The place itself overlooks a canyon, so there’s a sense of being surrounded by nature.
We really enjoyed meeting and chatting with our hosts Linda and Kevin. They’re both great people and super-friendly. Linda explained how Kevin built the place himself, and it strikes a balance between rustic and luxurious. Kevin, who’s originally from Hawaii, shared stories about Santa Cruz surf culture. The cultural exchange was awesome. They also helped us stoke the fire and offered us some beers, even though we brought our own beverages. We were also able to enjoy our privacy and make full use of the hot tub and other amenities. We really felt welcome and enjoyed our stay immensely. We wish we could have stayed another day or two, but we’ll just have to come back sometime.
Highly recommended.
Eric (and Anya)