Fodor's Expert Review Gingerbread Hill

This secluded mountainside retreat offers remarkable value, individually decorated accommodations, splendid views, utter tranquility, and exquisite grounds—not to mention fascinating, self-sufficient owners who believe in respecting nature and supporting local culture. David and Clover Lea, who laughingly call themselves "well-done, but grown up hippies," built the villas themselves using recycled or indigenous materials wherever possible (even the soaps are homemade). Each one offers creative touches such as trompe l'oeil window frames, hand-painted tiles, and wraparound verandahs that afford extraordinary views. Mango Mini Cottage is nearest the 17-foot oval pool; the cozy Sweet & Simple efficiency has a microwave, CD player, TV, and fridge. Reasonably priced catering is available, using fixings from the permaculture garden and fresh eggs from the family's chickens. You can pluck your own breakfast from the extravagant fruit trees.