Staying in the Mushroom Dome was an exquisite experience.

There is so much good here to recommend: the bed upstairs is meltingly comfortable; the kitchen area is well-stocked with oils, spices, and even some food (all healthy, all thoughtfully chosen); the shower's water pressure is great; the decor is lovely and tasteful; the grounds are peaceful; the hosts kind and accommodating. They've thought of pretty much everything. Kitty showed me the hummingbird feeders (sit for a few minutes and so many come whirring in!) and gave me some goat milk from their own goats (who are very cute), while we had fascinating, inspiring conversation.

But the most striking moment of my stay was waking up in the cabin: whether you're sleeping on the futon downstairs or the bed upstairs, when you wake up, the first thing you see, through the transparent portion of the dome, is the redwood forest right outside. You really are in the forest, and it's great. You'll drive up a hill to get there, and though you'll feel far away from the traffic you've escaped, you're really only a short (10 minute) and easy drive from Aptos Beach, a supermarket, a nice little health food store (thanks for the tip, Kitty!), and all the local amenities you could want.

This is really a special Air BNB experience. My dogs agreed; I think they wish we never left.