Nothing could have prepared us...
Review Submitted: May 29, 2009
Date of Stay: December 2008
When looking for an up-country rental for our family, we found the Aromatherapy Foundation of Maui "Grand Villa" online. We looked at the pictures and were favorably impressed. But nothing could have prepared us for the reality. No photograph could capture oiled, Koa wood floors. We couldn’t have imagined the hand-carved Grand Staircase that was suitable for a reception by a dignitary. The massive, custom-built kitchen with its commercial appliances and Caphalon cookware caused us to choose “eating in” for most of our meals. And nobody would have expected theincredible sculptures or works of original art.
Then there were the views that simply took our breath away. By day, you look across the valley to the West Mountains, Iao Valley, plus the North and South Shores. The sunsets were “event quality”. At night, the stars are so dense and clear that one would think one was in the heights of Colorado!
As frequent visitors to botanical gardens all over the country, we have high expectations for landscaping. The green spaces at the Aromatherapy Foundation are a delight to the senses from every angle. Colors, textures and fragrances abound, framing the panoramic view of the island.
Makawao and Kula are just minutes away, for shopping, great restaurants and gallery browsing, and the beaches not far beyond. But, instead of constant adventuring, my wife and I found ourselves surrendering the car to our boys while we lingered on the decks or in the hot tub, enjoying our solitude and the lingering silence that was as refreshing as the floral scents that surrounded us.
The property easily absorbed the four of us—in fact, we could have lost each other for hours without leaving the house. I would expect to pay over $800/night for The Master Suite alone if we were on a beachfront property. Instead, we had a mansion to prattle around in—probably the finest property in the loveliest location we will ever occupy in our lives—at an incredible value. Tom and Doreena were very helpful, and accessible but never obtrusive.
We didn’t tour the Honeymoon Cottage or Octagon, because they were occupied during our 11-night visit. But next time, when it’s just the two of us, we will definitely select one of these two charming units.
Let me qualify myself. I am a writer by profession, but NOT a paid endorser. We paid the going rate—and loved the place that much. And, with a new grandbaby on the Island, we’re looking forward to our next visit.
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