We enjoyed the property at Maliko Retreat on Maui. Sydney was a great host and she gave us a personal tour of her property. We enjoyed it very much and it brought back memories for my husband, as a child. We enjoyed the property's privacy, it was so quiet and the views of the ocean and the mountain, were spectacular. We will return and we reccommand this property, as a must stay property. Mahalo Nui Loa, Sydney!!
Mrs. Rosa, Sr, Las Vegas, NV
Oh my gosh, what a dream! Amazing cottage in the middle of paradise!Sophia Johler, Switzerland
Staying at Maliko Retreat was probably the best decision I've ever made. Sydney was wonderful from the very start. She gave me step by step directions on how to get to the beautiful cottage and once I arrived, I was greeted with soothing music and a gracious host. The cottage is perfect - I was traveling alone but it would be an excellent getaway for friends, couples, family or in my case - a perfect spot to relax with the company of a book. The cottage is very spacious and encourages you to cook in the full kitchen because you have the view of the reserve and the ocean. My two favorite spots were the bearclaw bathtub (with bubble bath included) and the upstairs deck where I read during most of my stay. The cottage is clean and has everything you need to cook, along with a library of books lined on the shelves just in case you want to be enticed by a new story. It is just a 5 minute drive to restaurants, grocery store, gas station and little shops. Sydney also gave me a tour of the coffee plantation grounds where we explored the beauty of nature, wildlife and fresh fruits which we ate off the trees (delicious!). I also heard the inspiring story of her quest to renew the area and start a coffee farm. She shared a lot of Hawaiian history and it was the best tour I had during my stay on Maui. Afterwards, I joined Sydney for a basket weaving class where we made baskets out of palms - so fun and a great way to relax under the canopy of trees - and also a perfect momento to bring back (I just got a lily to put in my vase today and proudly displayed my work :) ). I can't give more of a raving review for this little miracle in Makawao - if you don't stay here I promise you'll be missing a very special piece of Maui. I loved every moment of it's serenity, beauty, and relaxation and can't wait to return.Ashley Lawson, Washington D.C.
After spending a week in a condo on the touristy west side, it was time for some peace and quiet in the mountains. I had expectations of a hopefully remote area with some trees and streams to take in the wonders of the rainforest. When we pulled up to the house we were blown away. I thought I was stepping into Shangri-la. This place stands atop a mountain overlooking a lush tropical rainforest valley that offers a view of the ocean that should have a sign out front, ‘Scenic View,’ for tourists to stop and take pictures. The house is really cool from the outside, decked out like an ideal getaway, but when you step inside it really takes your breath away. It is a multi-level house designed for maximum viewing, naturally lit and ventilated, totally belonging to the surrounding environment. We had Makawao, Paia and Haiku to tour, but never wanted to venture away from the house, so beautiful and relaxing was the scene. When we did, however, the locals were clearly cut from a different cloth and we got to know the real Maui. The morning greets you with a flock of exotic finches dining from the feeder on the back porch. You step out the front door to a couple of native quails, deer up the driveway moving along their morning graze and the diversity of the natural flora and fauna just goes from there. I’ve always been an avid naturalist and as soon as Sydney found out I like critters she hooked me up with an impromptu venture to identify amphibious species of the jungle nightlife. The next day she took me on a tour of the coffee plantation, just showing me around their property. It was more impressive than the high dollar tours you buy from the keosks in Lahaina. I really don’t know why haven’t seen these scenes on National Geographic, but let’s just keep this a sleeper as long as we can. Both Sydney and Maurice were so friendly and accommodating that we invited them over from their busy schedule for a barbeque the last night of our stay. I’d rather do that again than venture out to the expensive restaurants on the coast any day. With fresh cut Hawaiian mesquite to fire the grill or the living room wood stove, who needs another fish burger? This was our first trip to Maui, but certainly not the last. Our new mission is to save our pennies for the next 300 days so that we can go back there to spend just one more week. Oh, and for the record, the coffee is sublimeCarl Peterson, Kansas City, Missouri
We couldn't have asked for a more delightful stay. Sydney's Oceanview Retreat was exactly that, a retreat from the outside world with incredible views of the ocean, and Heaven if you looked closely enough. I could have easily abandoned my life back home and escaped to this serene place forever. Sydney was a very gracious host, who offered her calming energy, as well as, a wealth of knowledge of her land and of the state of Hawaii free of charge. The Jungle tour opened our eyes, and helped us wrap our brains around the rich history and fauna of this lush tropical paradise. Inside, everything was in its right place, with an artists attention to detail around ever corner.This home's design allows you to feel like you are one with nature whether you are inside or out. Vented Glass walls allowed for beams of tropical sunlight and fresh fruit scented air to slip in from every direction of any room. The entire property is awe inspiring. Everyone should have the opportunity to experience this Gem at least once in a life time. Our only regrets were that we couldn't stay longer, and that we didn't have more time to visit with Sydney and her husband. We will be back. P.S. Their coffee is absolutely fabulous!Lyndsy Manceaux, Abbeville, Louisiana
