Hawaii Island Retreat

We stayed for 2 nights in a yurt at this lovely property that backs up to cliff overlooking the ocean. There was a stiff breeze at night, keeping us comfortably cool. We enjoyed leisurely exploring the grounds, including the large garden that supplies almost all the fruit and veggies for their kitchen. The salt water pool is lovely and they offer expert on site massage that we took advantage of. The grounds are perfectly set up for retreats and workshops, although we were just there on our own for 2 nights. The cute little town of Hawi is about 2 miles away with a small selection of good restaurants and in the other direction the road ends at a great hiking spot into a beautiful valley. We were totally relaxed by the time we left. We had sunshine the whole time, but judging by the lush foliage, I think it would be normal to expect some precipitation fairly often. Note that the road is bumpy and slow and about 1/2 mile off the main road. This means you feel 'off the grid' when you arrive. The whole atmosphere felt more 'old Hawaii' than anything else. Highly recommended.

This beautiful property was the site - and home - of a one-week retreat I attended, as part of a course I'm studying, and my course-mates came in from all over the world. Jeannie and her amazing staff made sure our stay was an idyllic as possible. My personal experience was that the hotel room I shared with a new friend was lovely, and I especially appreciated the huge relaxing bathtub, which I enjoyed every single day! The room was spacious, my bed was perfectly comfortable and the linens were oh-so-soft, and the shower gel was possibly make with lilikoi, I loved it! As a Chef, I was so very grateful to be a guest for 3 graciously-served meals each day. The buffet table was blessed with an abundance of locally-sourced foods, fresh vegetables and greens, and sweet wonderful local fruits including pineapple, papaya, apple-bananas, and rambutan! We were graced with a hula show our last night, that was a special performance by 3 staff members, for our group, and it moved all of us to tears. We felt like honored guests to have this experience that was so beautifully performed with such sincere heart. The office angels - Mike, Amy, JoJo - took such good care of every little need I had, and were some of the kindest people I have ever known. Overall, my week at this Center was soul-nurturing and nourishing, and I would love to return in the future. We had some cloudy cool weather, so next time I hope to enjoy more sunshine ~ the Infinity pool looks divine! I did get some time at the Sacred Rocks, a don't-miss!

My time at Hawaii Island Retreat was nurturing and just delightful all around. I spent many hours floating in BLISS in the salt water infinity pool. Gorgeous, peaceful grounds.... The staff is helpful and super accommodating. This is the perfect place to come unwind and connect with pure nature. The best part of my time at Hawaii Island Retreat was the totally yum healthy food. OMG Many fruits, veggies and herbs grown right there on property. This hidden Oasis is the owned by Jeanne Sunderland and her fantastic and multi talented family. They treat their guests like extended Ohana with warmth and care. Thank you Jeanne. Thank you HIR!

As we drove along the long dirt road to the retreat we were thrilled to leave the pavement behind and settle into nature. We were warmly greeted by Elaine, the resident Stafford Terrier (a spirited 70lbs of love). Entered the huge glass doors to a bright and open foyer where we met Jeannie (owner) whose gracious spirit was felt immediately. We chose a bungalow and so glad we did. It was spacious and clean and we loved the patio ( lanai) facing the ocean. We basically kept the doors and windows open the entire time to enjoy the ocean breeze and the sounds of nature. The staff are priceless, warm, friendly! This place attracts the most positive and warm people! Food is organic and homegrown! Just delicious! Never disappointed! You can explore all 50 acres at your leisure. From the cliffs of the Pacific, through the tall pines and stone circles, the organic gardens, visit the goats and cows and stroll to the infinity pool to cool off and relax... it's your choice. Overall this was the most relaxing experience wrapped up with friendships and healing! We already booked our return in April 2018!

Wasn't sure what to expect the road in was like driving through the jungle. But when we met the people who ran the place we fell in love. Everything you eat here was grown by them and when I say them I mean them lol even the live stock. The property is gigantic hiking and great Hawaii history oh the beach is sick!swimming looks dangerous I wouldn't swim but cool place to hike to. The place has lots of meditation spot it's my wife's thing to do that but I got sucked to it here. They have this ancient stone structure don't want to spoil let them tell you the story's. The rooms are nice and clean no TV but limited WIFI it's truly a retreat from the world by day two I didn't want to leave. As you can see I loved it. my life is crazy busy and I needed this escape.

My daughter and I recently spent a couple of days here. It is very relaxing and Jeannie and the staff are lovely and helpful. This is a rural gemstone with lots of walking trails and a lovely, quiet infinity pool to relax in and read quietly in nature. We met a lovely family and joined them for breakfast both mornings. Our room was the crimson room facing the ocean and the view is magnificent. This is a rural treasure. If you would like to have dinner there, be sure to give them notice in advance.

I spent a few days in Hawaii Island Retreat to relax and do yoga at the beginning of my trip and it was really nice. The place is very lovely and peaceful, the food is great and the staff is very helpful and kind. If you are travelling by yourself you may want to stay in the rooms and not the yurts as it can be a bit scary at night as you can hear every noise.

ILean and Jeannie warmly received us when we arrived on a rainy night — especially ILean, who trotted out to the car to greet us as we approached the porte-cochere. After the long flight, the first sight of the holiday-lit, plantation-style villa was a relief all its own. Even in the near dark (this off-the-grid villa operates solely on windmill and solar power), we could tell this place was the stuff of novels. Everything about the location is peaceful and quiet. Far off the main road, the only sounds you’ll hear are the ocean surf and tropical birds. There are only about a dozen very nicely—appointed rooms with private lanai’s, and several yurts and a few cottages if you’re looking for something a bit more cozy. Complimentary breakfast is included each morning, along with tea and fruit selections throughout the day. Services are ala carte (e.g., yoga classes, massage, facials, guided meditations, and the like) and are arranged on a personal basis. Lunch and dinner can be provided with minimal advance notice. The evening we dined at the hotel we were the only ones in the dining room and enjoyed personal service from the on-site chef who created a delicious fresh-caught fish dish and an interesting sesame-cookie-style dessert. The Pros: The wrap-around, ocean-facing lanai in the Golden Penthouse suite, the soaking tub, and the outdoor massage on a deck overlooking the meditation meadow. The Cons: Limited dining choices in nearby Hawi, though Sushi Rock (which served both sushi and Thai fare) was exceptionally good and we went there several times. In short, if you’re looking for solitude away from the hustle and bustle, this is your go-to place. Would definitely visit again

I would definitely come back here again. My stay was so quiet, peaceful, and relaxing. The staff are so welcoming and kind that it felt like I was staying with family. The food was very delicious and made with their own vegetables and fruits that they grow on the land. I loved waking up every morning and being able to hear the ocean waves and the birds chirping. They have beautiful views of the ocean and some nice trails on the land that you can feel the spirit of Hawaii while connecting with nature. The pool and hot tub were the nicest and cleanest I've ever been in. The yoga room is very good and a great place for early morning meditation. While you do yoga/meditate you can get a fresh breeze from the outside and hear all the sounds of nature. This is an amazing place to come to refresh your mind, body, and soul.

We spent four days in Waikoloa at a fun but touristy Hilton and then spent four days at the Retreat (with our 3 boys for a friends wedding). The retreat sits on 50 acres and they have made trails all over for hiking and views. The property is stunning -- gardens everywhere and the pool is lovely. Although we did not practice yoga while we were there, the rooms look lovely and inviting. Jean and Robert were beyond gracious and we will definitely go back. It felt as close as we could get to living on the island

I just stayed for almost a week, in the Penthouse suite, with a small group of writers. Owners and healers Jeanne and Robert have created a practical paradise on the Big Island that is worthy of countless stars and accolades. From the endearing dog Eyelean- who leans because of an injury, the Moroccan chef Mo and magical chef Rebecca, the blessed front desk staff, saline infinity pool, the nourishing walks on sugar cane roads, the chocolate trees, the winds that blow from volcanic mountains, the sea through the pine trees, the council of stones, and the benevolent energies that surround this place and people. Thank you forever for creating this wonderland and sharing with other divine souls and spirits. I am highly recommending and will return.

Breakfast at the retreat is an embarrassment of riches - fresh tropical fruits, goats milk yogurt, house made granola and an assortment of savory items using ingredients gathered from the garden on property, including the fresh eggs that are produced daily by the retreat's happy Ancona chickens (who will rush out to greet you if you take the retreat's suggested walk past their coop to the property's historic sites). And, if you're very lucky, Rebecca may even whip together some of her signature vegan chèvre, house made almond milk or garden tomato jam to go with the corn meal biscuits she's baked that morning. Or she may even let you taste the chocolate syrup that she made from the cacao beans that are also grown on property. True land-to-table cuisine in a tranquil setting with an expert chef.

We attended a wedding at this facility and the service and the entire place was REALLY REALLY nice. I would highly recommend this facility. the location was absolutely beautiful. The food was exceptional for the "Meet and Greet" (night before the wedding) and also the buffet after the wedding was great.

For three days, my son, his fiancé and many friends took over the Retreat to celebrate their wedding. The groom's parents hosted a meet and greet for the 90 people the night before the wedding. Jeanne arranged for John Keawe, an award winning slack-key Hawaiian guitarist and his wife Hope, to perform. She also arranged a fire dance...a magical night. Then the wedding night...very magical with beaming bride and groom. Many thanks Jeanne...you allowed all of us to create memories that will last a life time. Mahalo...Scott.

If you are looking for a truly peaceful, spiritual get back to nature experience this is the place. I have been to Hawaii several times and never left feeling so grounded. No matter if you need to just chill by the ocean or be active with Yoga, hiking and adventures this retreat feels like home. If you are looking for typical tourist services this might not be for you but I will definitely return.

This is a serene, magical place nestled on the cliffs of the Northern tip of the Big Island. The rooms are gorgeous, the amenities top of the line and the service was wonderful. Highly recommend this location for couples, retreat, peacefulness.. Absolutely fabulous!

I enjoyed my time of solitude and relaxation. The views of the Pacific Ocean from the property were breath taking. The Eco boutique offered me a variety of choices for wellness classes and not only was the entire staff helpful but friendly too. The food grown on site was prepared beautifully and the entire experience of my week's stay heightened all of my senses. This is a paradise and I intend to return to enjoy the experience of becoming renewed and refreshed. Linda Robertson South Carolina

We just spent 4 days at Hawaii Island Retreat and it is the perfect antidote to the overcrowded sterile super-resorts on the island. You can feel the consciousness in everything that happens here from the placement of the buildings, the lush organic gardens, the huge home made breakfasts to the idyllic salt water pool. We felt authentically welcomed and made to feel at home here. None of the pasted on smiles or mass chaos and consumption that you find at resorts down the street. Just an honoring and awareness of the importance of human connection with a reverence for the history of the land and the people.

We decided that a couple of nights at this retreat would be a nice change from our Waikoloa Village home, and it was very enjoyable. The long windy road down through the forest is probably best done in daylight because if you go after dark it feels like you are really leaving the rest of the island behind. Then you arrive at the beautifully finished lodge and are greeted like family by Jeanne - the lovely innkeeper and a long time resident of the area. We stayed one night in a yurt; it was super comfortable and yet still felt a bit like camping out, with private toilet but shared showers. Nice view of the "sacred valley" and steps from the saltwater swimming pool, the exercise pavilion, and what I figure was the meditation pavilion. All very nicely done. The second night we stayed in one of the beautifully finished and nicely appointed rooms in the lodge. Deep soaker tub in a generous bathroom, bamboo bathrobes and another very comfortable bed. Relaxing walks in the gulch among massive ancient lava stones arranged with a purpose lost to time, but certainly a good place to contemplate. Or head down to the shore and enjoy the surf crashing against the cliffs and boulders -- but not a place for swimming. The pool is a much better choice for that. We did not sample the local kitchen but it is just a short drive to Hawi and a few great little restaurants; next time we look forward to trying some of the meals at the lodge. We also might try one of the new cottages that were just opened next to the lodge, with views to the ocean through ironwood trees. We also want to go back to to sample some of the spa treatments that we didn't have time for on this short visit. If you're looking for high quality accommodations without that "packaged" feel of a luxury chain resort, then this could be the right place.

If you're looking to be reinvigorated or to find serenity and focus, or to simply reconnect with yourself or others, this is the perfect place. It's quiet and beautifully kept, hidden away from the noise and distractions of city life. The yerts were lovely to stay in and I can't say enough about the serenity pool. The staff were kind and efficient, and very mindful about everything they did. I'll be returning one day, that's for sure.