“Romantic, comfortable, tropical hideaway. Book it!”
This wonderful tropical hideaway is best described in contrasts. It is unabashedly romantic and undeniably practical. The high speed internet access and wifi as well as well as the fully equipped modern kitchen somehow seem to complement the lush rain forest vegetation that surrounds the house. The screened lanai and the many windows throughout the house emphasize openness and light. You get all the beauty of the outside indoors (without the bugs).
We've traveled the world -- four continents in the last two years -- and nowhere have we seen any place to compare to the Hamoa Bay House. Soaring high ceilings in the Great Room and master bedroom add a sense of space and freedom. Tasteful decorative touches from the ornate Balinese carved hearth to the sculptures in the garden and whimsical carvings in surprising places in the house and grounds contribute to the ambiance. The furnishings are comfortable and elegant. Waking up in the morning in the master bedroom with a view of the sea is glorious.
The kitchen, bathrooms and entertainment center have been better equipped than in any other vacation rental property we've seen in the US and abroad. From the quality of the cookware and dinnerware to the linens and towels, we have been impressed. There are little decorative touches everywhere that have added to our enjoyment - large anthurium leaves in a vase by the bedside and a miniature anthurium blossom on the kitchen workspace. There is a separate laundry house, itself charming and cleverly designed, stocked with detergents. Near that is an outdoor hot water shower with a lava rock privacy wall. We thoroughly enjoyed using it. That alone is worth the trip down the Hana highway.
The herb garden is a surprise amidst arrays of tropical shrubs and flowers: plumeria, trumpet flowers, bougainvillea and countless bromeliads . Stroll the grounds and discover a mammoth banyan tree and towering fruit bearing trees: mangoes, papayas, bananas and oranges. This morning, we had a luscious salad with fruit we gathered here - as delicious as it gets!
It's a short walk (or an even shorter drive) from the secluded house and bungalow to Hamoa Bay Beach, which James Michener considered to be the most perfect South Pacific beach.
Working with Robin, who manages the property, has been easy and efficient. She's been quick to respond by email and telephone. Her directions to the house were perfect.
Both the house and the bungalow are appealing. While we are staying in the house, we had an opportunity to look at the nearby bungalow. It has its own special romantic charm -- perfect for a tropical honeymoon. That said, we prefer the house and would recommend it over the bungalow if it's available. The difference in price is not that great and well worth it.
As much as we try, we realize that words - and even photographs -- can't really describe how wonderful this house is. We are planning to return and to stay longer on our next visit.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC