This center offers many different packages: a luxurious stay in the main building, a private night in the villas, or a more rustic, simple vacation in their yurts. I spent a week in the main building with my partner. I was overwhelmed by how beautiful and well-kept the grounds were, despite the fact that there was a consistent peacefulness. Staff was friendly and consistently kind. No matter what special requests we came up with, they had an answer that made our lives easier. We were so impressed by staff, that we made a point to get to know everyone in the center. This is the perfect place for a couple, or a family - probably not the place for someone looking for a raucous party. That said, it's affordable enough that you can invite a bunch of friends and bring the party with you! You will get whatever you need out of your stay here. This place is magical.

This place has no equal. It is the only accommodation in the area on the ocean. The view is like out of a movie. The service is impeccable. This place was hand built by Doc Watkins and his wife Jeannie. The infinity pool overlooking the mountains and ocean is unparalleled. Every room in the lodge is different and beautiful. The semi-outdoor dining room brings the fresh air in as you eat. As you follow the trip down to the ocean you'd a first think you were in a lush forest. The staff is all local and friendly, most of them having worked there for many many years. If you want to experience the real Hawaii, go there and stay there.

If, like me, you are searching for a spiritual/healing retreat in alignment with the natural resources and beauty of the Big Island, (and with really good fresh food) Hawaii island retreat is the place for you. The land is lush and varied, centered around a small sacred valley. The central valley is the home of large sacred lava stones and medicine trees, surrounded by a working farm with beautiful fruit, vegetables, cacao and farm animals. The land meets the ocean at dramatic sea cliff/ cove with quiet places for cliffside sitting over the gorgeous ocean (where I saw whales). It is just a few miles from the famous Pololu valley lookout and the land here echos those amazing cliffs and that heavenly feeling of being held in a magical cove. I stayed in a yurt by the pool, though the main building is also very lovely and has nice breezy rooms. The food was all from the farm, and it was delicious and ample and prepared with love. Though the place has larger formal retreats, I took a personal retreat here at the advice of a friend and am I glad I did! I spent my days lazily exploring the ceremonial and farm grounds, with a few terrific hikes at nearby Pololu. I also participated in yoga classes each morning. I took a wonderful, informative and challenging hula lesson from a lovely staff member. The staff was kind and friendly. Most important, however, were my encounters with the great Lady of the place, Jeanne, who created this center around the sacred land, encouraged by her Hawaiian wisdom teachers and directed by the stones themselves. Her tour of the grounds is essential to making sense of the palpable, powerful mystery of this place, and she has the energy of a great earthy wisdom teacher as well. I also did a Reiki session and Lomi Lomi massage with her that were extremely helpful and moving for me at a time of transition in my life. Do not miss the opportunity of working with Jeanne. Hawaii Island Retreat is the opposite of a vacation resort- the wind is the air conditioning, the amenities are lovely and homey, and at the same time, are not for those seeking a high luxury resort experience. This was pitch perfect for me. I felt a great opportunity for quiet reflection, powerful connection, and change as I opened my heart to the place. Hawaii Island Retreat is unique and I recommend it whole heartedly.