Hello! Has anyone stayed at these cottages? We are planning our honeymoon for June 2005 and think they look incredible! If anyone has stayed there, which cottage would you prefer re. views, privacy, etc? They all look great, but I would just like to be sure. Also, we are planning 5 nights in Kauai at SBH, then on to Maui for 6-7 nights for a more "resort" experience. Does this itinerary sound OK?
Thanks!

asubren,
I have not stayed there. A co-worker stayed at Nanea on his honeymoon and thought it was very comfortable. The grounds are lush and private. All comments and acedotes that I've read have been very positive. A word of warning: They book up very quickly ( a year out), so I would go for it soon if you want to get your dates locked in. I remember at least a few threads here where people were disappointed because they could not get the dates they wanted because they book up so quickly. Your intinerary sounds great to me, however I think that you should do Maui first and then do Kauai, saving the best for last!
-Bill

Asuebran: We are stay there for our Sept 2004 honeymoon (and getting married there on the grounds at SBH). I have talked with Amy (she runs the reservations etc) and she said the most romantic cottege is Hale Lani. I will definitely write a trip report upon our return - but you might want to book something before then - October. We booked about 15 mths in advance.

I have read a lot about this place - most recently on Conde Nast Traveler in their "Your own Private Hawaii" article:

Secret Beach Hideaway, Kilauea
Number of accommodations: 3
Secret Beach is no secret?but it sure feels like one. A mile-long strand on the lush north shore of Kauai, it is reachable in either of two ways: by driving along a dirt road, parking in a small lot, and scrambling down a steep, often slippery footpath next to a barbed-wire fence?or by emerging from your very own hilltop mini-mansion, strolling across your private patio, and zigzagging through an obsessively tended tropical garden that slopes down to the sand. The Secret Beach Hideaway consists of three one-bedroom cottages set well apart from each other on 11 acres and surrounded by another 60 acres of state-protected ironwood trees, ravines, and waterfalls. The setting alone is worth a king's ransom?the superluxe cottages seem almost beside the point. Owner and decorator Michele Hughes made each unique and stocked them all with high-end goodies: sheets with 400-plus thread counts, Sub-Zero refrigerators, All-Clad cookware. You're on your own for housekeeping and meals, although catering (and a massage therapist) can be arranged. Alternatively, Kilauea, with its smattering of restaurants and clutch of charming country churches, is five minutes away by car. Many more choices await at Hanalei, a scant 20-minute drive (provided you don't become preoccupied with the terraced taro fields and waterfalls en route). There, you'll find loads of restaurants and shops, as well as catamaran operators who will take you along the spectacular Na Pali coast.

Nancy,
What other places were mentioned in this article and what edition of the magazine is it?

Ashley, I know you asked Nancy for this, but I had read it too.
That article is in the February 2004 Conde Nast. Here is a link to it.
http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/...eb/hawaii.xml/

-Bill

Thanks, Bill!!!
I was thinking that I had to go looking for the magazine! You're great!

5 nights on Kauai and then 6-7 nights on Maui sounds good. Kauai is gorgeous, and we really enjoyed staying on the north shore.

I have been to Hale Lani (House of Heaven.) It is small but exquisite, real romantic getaway. These cottages are located in a rural, affluent residential neighborhood, no shopping or dining within walking distance.

Hi! I will be staying with my new wife at SBH. We are staying at Hale Lani next week. I'll post here upon my return. We only booked 6 months in advance and were still able to get a full week. Now to get back to my packing.

Mark

I amalways interested in commnents on Hawaii as I love to go but do not know what SBH stands for...what is it?

Duh - I figured out it must be Secret Beach Hideaway !

I think going to Kauai first as a first timer is best. While the island is my favorite you will be tired and have jet lag and the easy pace of Kauai will help with that. Once you are on Hawaii timezone and zip over to Maui for some nightlife you will be rested and ready. When you go back and you will, you may change your mind but I think that itinerary will work well for you. Kauai is quiet by 8-9 pm and has alot of day things to do so you will be able to enjoy it while your coming down from the wedding excitement.