Reviews of Property: Casa Tortuga, Romantic Custom Oceanfront Getaway
Description
House, 1400 sq. ft.,
1 Bedroom, Sleeps 2, 1 Bathroom
1 Bedroom, Sleeps 2, 1 Bathroom
Amenities
waterfront,
jacuzzi,
garden,
satellite or cable,
TV
Rates
per property
(USD)
$945/week
Lynn & Don Blanchette
808-982-5600
Speaks: English
7 Reviews of Property 301862 in Hilo, Hawaii
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1
I want to live here
Review Submitted: October 17, 2009
Date of Stay: August 2009
My husband and I spent our 10th Anniversary at Casa Tortuga and fell in love with the house. Lynn was so sweet and very helpful with tidbits and directions to places. Every inch of the house is gorgeous. The view is mesmerizing especially at dawn. The sun rose straight on and seemed to rise just for you. At night the skies were littered with stars. It's surreal to hear the sounds of the ocean hitting the cliff side while you sleep.
The house was spotless and has everything you would need. The Jacuzzi is so relaxing after being out all day. I don't know why there's no "real" picture of the bathroom but it's spacious and looks like something out of a magazine with skylights and two sinks. I love how you can take a shower (if you choose to keep the doors open) and feel like you're outside enjoying the ocean view.
My husband is hot all the time, and forgot that there's no a/c. He had a fit at first, but then realized it wasn't necessary because of the fans & cross-breeze and actually used a blanket at night.
You do need a car because everything is about 15-20 minutes away.
TIPS on places to go: If you go to Hilo, you have to go to Ken's house of pancakes and try their coconut pie DELISH!!! You can't go to the Big Island and not go to Volcanoes National Park, Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, and Green Sand Beach. The Green Sand beach is at the Southern most tip of the Big Island, (the closest continent is Antarctica) and you NEED, a 4x4. It's not really tourist friendly and locals say don't drive your rental or you WILL get stuck (No joking) or your rental will get broken into. Some rental companies say it's against the contract to go there. We didn't get to see the "REAL" Green, green sand beach. and found a small beach with a little green sand and figured it would do, after hours of looking and deciding whether to take our rental through the forbidden zone. But I hear it's worth the trip. I regret not going all the way to the big beach but next time I'll definitely rent a 4x4. Do your research about getting there, you need to.
Choosing to stay at Casa Tortuga won't be a let down by any means. I wish it were my home.
The house was spotless and has everything you would need. The Jacuzzi is so relaxing after being out all day. I don't know why there's no "real" picture of the bathroom but it's spacious and looks like something out of a magazine with skylights and two sinks. I love how you can take a shower (if you choose to keep the doors open) and feel like you're outside enjoying the ocean view.
My husband is hot all the time, and forgot that there's no a/c. He had a fit at first, but then realized it wasn't necessary because of the fans & cross-breeze and actually used a blanket at night.
You do need a car because everything is about 15-20 minutes away.
TIPS on places to go: If you go to Hilo, you have to go to Ken's house of pancakes and try their coconut pie DELISH!!! You can't go to the Big Island and not go to Volcanoes National Park, Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, and Green Sand Beach. The Green Sand beach is at the Southern most tip of the Big Island, (the closest continent is Antarctica) and you NEED, a 4x4. It's not really tourist friendly and locals say don't drive your rental or you WILL get stuck (No joking) or your rental will get broken into. Some rental companies say it's against the contract to go there. We didn't get to see the "REAL" Green, green sand beach. and found a small beach with a little green sand and figured it would do, after hours of looking and deciding whether to take our rental through the forbidden zone. But I hear it's worth the trip. I regret not going all the way to the big beach but next time I'll definitely rent a 4x4. Do your research about getting there, you need to.
Choosing to stay at Casa Tortuga won't be a let down by any means. I wish it were my home.
A beautiful home in a beautiful location!
Review Submitted: June 12, 2009
Date of Stay: May 2009
We recently stayed at Tortuga as part of our honeymoon trip to the Big Island.
As soon as we walked in the front door we knew we had picked an amazing place to stay. The owner's skills in architecture and interior design hit you as you walk in and see a fantastic open plan layout with views of the ocean from virtually everywhere.
As some have said, the location is a little remote, but it really was worth it and as we had already spent a few days on the west coast, this a great place to get away from it all! We loved to sit on the deck with a drink and watch the ocean, seeing the turtles surfing and the waves crashing against the lava rocks - there was never a need to switch on the tv!
The owners are a lovely couple who live nearby and couldn't have been more helpful with the arrangements.
I only have one regret - I wish we were still there now!
As soon as we walked in the front door we knew we had picked an amazing place to stay. The owner's skills in architecture and interior design hit you as you walk in and see a fantastic open plan layout with views of the ocean from virtually everywhere.
As some have said, the location is a little remote, but it really was worth it and as we had already spent a few days on the west coast, this a great place to get away from it all! We loved to sit on the deck with a drink and watch the ocean, seeing the turtles surfing and the waves crashing against the lava rocks - there was never a need to switch on the tv!
The owners are a lovely couple who live nearby and couldn't have been more helpful with the arrangements.
I only have one regret - I wish we were still there now!
4 times, and counting
Review Submitted: November 14, 2008
Date of Stay: August 2008
We first stayed at Casa de las Tortugas in 2006. The following week we went to Kona and wished we had stayed a second week at the Casa instead. We visited twice in 2007 (spring & fall), then were there for over two weeks last August/September. We'll never settle for less than two weeks again. Needless to say, we love it. Lynn and Don have created a perfect place for those who seek a wonderful, private, romantic, ocean-front place to stay on the quiet side of the big island. It is a great "home base" for exploring all the area has to offer. From hiking in and out of the Waipio Valley, to swimming at South Point, Captain Cook, the green and black sand beaches, to watching the sunset from Mauna Kea's summit or the lava from Kalapana's look-out, each vist has been unique. We don't mind that it is a bit of a drive to some of these places, as there is so much to see going to and from. The people are friendly and easy going, as would be expected in the pleasant tropical surroundings, and we've enjoyed many great meals at the Casa and in various restaurants in Kalapana, Pahoa, Volcano, Hilo, etc. We look forward to our next visit. It has become a familiar home away from home for us.
Stayed there three times and love it!
Review Submitted: November 8, 2008
Date of Stay: October 2008
We stayed here in 2004 for our honeymoon, again in 2006, and again in 2008. We love Casa de las Tortugas and we love the owners. The views are unbelievable, and the neighborhood feels safe. The home is gorgeous - distinctive architecture, and lots of style. The kitchen has everything you need, including a clothes washer/dryer, and the bathroom most likely has everything that you forgot. The comment left by the previous guest is filled with errors. It is only 30 minutes from the Volcano, and 10 minutes from several stores in nearby Keaau. Hilo is only 20 minutes away. The Big Island is called that for a reason - it's big, and so there is a bit of drive to get to anywhere, but it's so beautiful you don't mind. Be sure to stay at this wonderful vacation rental - you'll want to return again and again.
Amazing!
Review Submitted: September 21, 2008
Date of Stay: August 2008
We absolutely loved our stay at Casa Tortuga. It was so beautiful that we just stayed at the house all day for one day of our week. As soon as we walked in the door we saw the breathtaking view and we knew we had made a good choice. Casa Tortuga is not right by a town but it is worth the 20 minute drive from Hilo. We really enjoyed being on the side of the island that is not as congested, although we did make two day trips to Kona. Lynn was friendly and welcoming and left the house very cleaned and organized for us. We would definitely recommend this house!
A hidden, romantic gem
Review Submitted: June 2, 2008
Date of Stay: May 2008
We absolutely loved our stay at Casa Tortuga. The house sits perched on top of a lava rock a few feet away from the ocean. The amazing sized living room has three large sliding doors, when they are all opened the living room becomes a giant porch with a private view to the ocean. The house has custom made furniture and a very tasteful interior design with original art everywhere. Oh, and about 100 turtles everywhere, including a turtle cutting board. The bathroom ceiling has an oversized skylight and the shower door opens to the ocean - it is awesome! The kitchen and bathroom are nicely equipped, with new towels and plenty of supplies. The house is squeaky clean and the owners do expect you to walk around with your shoes off, but why wouldn't you? The floor is warm and clean!
The location of the house is remote, and if you are not familiar with the Big Island, perhaps a bit confusing. It takes about 20 minutes to drive to downtown Hilo, so we chose stock up at Safeway and grilled twice during our 4-day stay there. While Hilo is said to be rainy, it did not rain during our stay!
The location of the house is perfect if you are an adventure seeker, an easy drive to waterfalls, the botanical garden and the volcano park.
We were told that previous guests have gotten married there, what a wonderful place for a small, intimate wedding ceremony!
If you visit, be sure to make yourself a fruity drink and sit on the porch before dinner! We hope to return to Casa Tortuga in the future!
The location of the house is remote, and if you are not familiar with the Big Island, perhaps a bit confusing. It takes about 20 minutes to drive to downtown Hilo, so we chose stock up at Safeway and grilled twice during our 4-day stay there. While Hilo is said to be rainy, it did not rain during our stay!
The location of the house is perfect if you are an adventure seeker, an easy drive to waterfalls, the botanical garden and the volcano park.
We were told that previous guests have gotten married there, what a wonderful place for a small, intimate wedding ceremony!
If you visit, be sure to make yourself a fruity drink and sit on the porch before dinner! We hope to return to Casa Tortuga in the future!
Too much of a "getaway"
Review Submitted: April 15, 2008
Date of Stay: March 2008
This home is awesome, beautifully designed and decorated. It overlooks the ocean and has an outdoor deck that gets the morning sun. There is no beach or access to the water though.The location is away from it all. There is a grocery/hardware store and a gas station about 10 minutes away, and the town of Pahoa which has a few shops and restaurants is 20 minutes away. It was just more isolated than we expected. It is 30 minutes from Hilo, an hour from the Volcano Visitor Center, 2 hours from the Kohala Coast, and even longer to the Kona area. We felt we spent too much time driving. We like to snorkel and hike and explore new areas and all of those outings took up hours of our time to get to. There is only so much to do in Hilo. But if you're looking for a peaceful place to getaway and watch the waves, it is wonderful.
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