Desginer/Artist
My name? Clue #1 ( Hawaiian for Rightousness) Clue #2 ( Written in many of the reviews)
I've been around the world 2 times, lived in Hawaii the beginning of my surfing life and moved here after spending 2 decades searching for the perfect place to call Sanctuary. I believe I finally succeeded. Do as I have...........
"Travel like a Shaman"
DO NOT RENT THIS PROPERTY!!!! Total let down! The place was dirty, the shower had someone else's hair in it AND used dental floss. It was VERY clear that no one had cleaned it prior to our arrival (at best they maybe swept the floor). The worst part was that the hot tub was empty and would be for our stay, with no mention of it prior to our arrival. Also, the upstairs loft area was no longer available (unmentioned as well) and there was a pile of the owners clothes on the couch, his computer... More »
October 2010Lets see, Kapono's retreat is just that. Its quiet, peaceful and he is a wonderful host who made the visit exceptional. We spent two days and wish I had more time. Do not underestimate the road. A 4 wheel drive is perfect but a front wheel drive will do. The drive is definitely worth the time. Will definitely be going back when I can spend more time!!
I agree with you, Kapono, you've found the perfect sanctuary. I wish we could have stayed longer and relaxed and visited with you, and Torry, and the cats (instead of leaving early and arriving way too late!). But the two nights we were there I had the most comfortable sleep. Thank you, Kapono and Torry.
Thank you creating such a relaxing place to unwind! Kapono created a home with a sacred vibrational energy. It is a retreat in the truest sense of the word - a place to reconnect with oneself.
I almost want to keep this fantastic place all to myself. We stayed at Zen 4 nights and it was amazing. The drive is a challenge, but very much worth it once you get up there. Capono's friends are a lot of fun, at the same time if you need solitude (in my case tons of work) you will find it easily. Just so happened that when i was there, Capono's cat had kittens. It's been a week and i'm still thinking and missing them, can't wait to go back.
My second visit to Zen House Retreat and it was better than the first. It is a place I can go to when I need to clear my head and find peace and quiet. Kapono & Kat are great hosts, the bed is comfortable, the views are amazing, and the overall experience is serene. I highly recommend Zen House Retreat for solo travelers and couples.
We had a great little weekend retreat staying for one night at the Zen House Retreat for a wedding nearby. It was a little adventure getting there, especially the scenery and the drive (but doable on my frontwheel drive Toyota Camry). The room was very cozy and private. The room and linens were very clean because no shoes are allowed inside the room and house, which I liked because it made the place feel more sacred. The room had many many windows and together felt like a paronamic view of... More »
Kapono and his friends are amazing hosts. We had such a spectacular time...only wish we could have stayed longer! Thank you so much and hopefully we'll see you again soon.
It was very nice stay at Zen house for Memorial weekend 2010. We thoroughly enjoyed. Our host was very friendly and hospitable. This house sure offers a perfect wind down time away from city's hustle bustle. Hot tub is a must use thing.. We enjoyed the wood burnign smell around it. My toddler son went crazy for cats in house. He seemed to be totally loving the ambience. If we have another chance, will sure plan to visit again.
We had a good time at the Zen House. The road was pretty rugged but made the adventure much more enjoyable. The hike up to meditation point is great. Kapono was a great guide that showed me the wild plants that grew around his property. Yerba Buena & the Bay Leaf! Only concern was the heating. If you're using heating the propane smell can fill the room where you are sleeping. Open up the window and then you're fine. Also you definitely need to use the hot tub!
PERFECT PERFECT PERFECT. We had a great time staying with Kapono and his friends. We brought our 1 year old daughter, Olivia, and she had a great time as well. The conversations were great, scenery, amazing and the hot tub, perfect. We will definitely be back.
We really enjoyed our stay with Kapono. We liked the unique objects in the home, the nature, his hospitality, and the ambiance. He was so friendly, joking :)) and welcoming. The road was a bit harsh, but we survived. We cooked a great dinner in his kitchen, and enjoyed his company. It worth seeing the Zen house and meeting with Kapono.
The zen house retreat was exactly what we needed to escape from city life for a night! We were welcomed by a warm fire in the fireplace, and glass of wine and good conversation with the hosts. The bed is extremely comfortable and they have a great kitchen to cook in. When you drive down the private road to approach their house, you feel like you are on your way to go camping which is pretty cool too!
Just had a wonderful and peaceful getaway with a friend at Kapono's wonderful house. The meditation point is a great place to while away your afternoon watching the scenery and flora/fauna, and the redwood hot tub filled with rain water was so relaxing and a perfect vantage point to watch the sunset. And the bed is really comfy and cozy too! Everything you need to get away from everyday life and renew and restore yourself. Kapono is a gracious host, we will definitely come back here.
I've already left a review for another stay at Zen House Retreat, but want to reiterate that this place is absolutely amazing! Go there now!
The Zen House Retreat was the perfect haven for us. We were attending a couples weekend and being able to slide into the peace and nurturing of Kapono's home gave us renewed energy to return to continue our work each morning. He provided the ideal balance of gentle hosting and privacy. The hot tub was heated for us, big towels made convenient, there were wonderful linens on the sweet bed, and delicious fragrant coffee was ready in the morning. When we finally had some down time he guided us... More »
Well this it!...two musicians who needed peace and relaxation before an intense recording session found Kapono and the zen house retreat...Kapono made the stay delightful and peaceful...cared for us...made sure our needs were taken care of...before we left for Santa Cruz...we had the wonderful cup of coffee with pastries...Kapono and Kat made us family and knew exactly what we needed...the place is magical and the soft rain falling as we were snug in our bed was the best music to refresh our... More »
We had a peaceful and comfortable stay at the zen retreat house. The house is located in a very remote part of the Santa Cruz Mountains. We arrived near the house with the help of a GPS, and our host Kapono met us to show us the rest of the way as it was dark and the road hidden. We arrived to their beautiful off-grid home delighted by the silence and unspoiled surroundings. Our room was on the bottom floor and surrounded by views to the forest and a deck with a wood heated hot tub. I... More »
Had a wonderful experience at the Zen House last winter! Arrived at sunset, watched the view off the deck, unwound in the amazing wood-fired, wine barrel hot tub and shared dinner with Kat and Kapono. Great place and great folks!
This mountain retreat is true to the description. Had a wonderful holiday "must" getaway weekend with my boy friend. Quiet and surrounded by the beautiful canyon. Soaked in the hundred year old redwood hot tub and watching the rain pouring down around us...paradise! We used the gourmet kitchen to share our meals with our hosts Kapono and Kat over fine wines. I will highly recommend this secret wonder to my friends.
This was a terrific house in the Santa Cruz mountains. A wonderful and fun/funny, kind, welcoming host. My 16 yr old niece and I arrived after dark, he met us at the winery gates up on the main road and then took us on a windy mountain road to a beautiful home. In the morning, he made French press coffee and delicious omelets, took us on a walk while the hot tub was heating up. What a wonderful setting with great views, lots of bird life, and really hospitable people! LOVED it.
Zen retreat house is the perfect name for this amazing oasis. The location and the home as well as the owner are very spiritual and had a calming influence on my frayed nerves. We had a very private room but were also eagerly welcomed by the host to enjoy the rest of the home, including the lovely gourmet kitchen. There are plenty of places to hike around the property or just sit back and relax and enjoy the view and the quiet. The redwood 100+ year old wine vat hot tub which was freshly... More »
My boyfriend and I loved staying at this beautiful and serene location. Our host was so welcoming and excited to share his lovely home with us. We loved the wine-vat hot tub and the meditation point! He also gave us excellent advice for touring Santa Cruz by bike. All around a perfect getaway for us city folks. We'll be back!
Zen Retreat is one of the most beautiful locations i have ever been in the states. Your room which can accommodate 3 people(2 sharing the same bed) is facing a valley of trees and fresh air. The whole house is tastefully decorated, low seats and large windows.It reflects the owners life style, calm and intriguing. If you choose to they are delightful to talk to but they are also very respectful of your own privacy and your choice of solitude. My hosts were kind and were very helpful. Zen... More »