"Love is in the Air: HomeAway Features 10 Top Romantic Getaways from Around the World 2008" - Forbes.com - O LUINA is #8

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For lovebirds, love-seekers and the lovelorn, HomeAway.com, the world's largest vacation rentals website, has combed its more than 95,000 properties to compile a list of 10 of the most romantic homes available to rent for your next vacation. All vacation rental homes, whether outfitted for a destination wedding or an intimate getaway, provide space, amenities and location options unmatched by hotels.

1. City for Lovers - Paris, France HomeAway.com property 143057 With a balcony overlooking the Eiffel Tower and the Champ de Mars, it's no surprise the Fine Living Network featured this home as one of the most romantic apartments in the world. It's a five minute stroll from the apartment to the famous Bateaux Mouches tours along the Seine, as well as the countless museums, cafes, shops and open markets that make this the quintessential city for lovers.
2. Elope in Vegas - Las Vegas, Nevada HomeAway.com property 170887 For those getting hitched by an Elvis impersonator on the Strip, this "suite" Vegas pad provides a reasonably-priced home away from home and a threshold for a groom to carry his bride over. And this time, hopefully what happens in Vegas, stays...together.

3. Oceanfront Nuptials - Grand Cayman Island HomeAway.com property 119091 This 5,000-square-foot estate is a destination wedding dream-come- true. Picture this: the bride takes her first steps toward wedded bliss down a 250-foot-aisle of white sandy beach, while the groom waits expectantly framed by the deep blue Caribbean. The Cayman Castle and its guesthouse accommodate 18 guests and have two private pools -- one of which appears to extend to infinity.

4. Cheers to Love - Napa Valley, California HomeAway.com property 117291 "...wine and love have ever been allies." If you agree with Ovid, then chances for romance blossom in the heart of Napa Valley at a quaint cottage on the St.Helena Winery. The caretakers offer a hands-on tour of the property and samples of their award-winning cabernet sauvignon. Although the cottage features a second bedroom and a pool, the vacation home is outfitted for grownups only.

5. Destination Wedding - Arezzo, Italy HomeAway.com property 69844 Fairytale weddings become reality when saying, "I do" at a candlelit garden ceremony under the Tuscan stars. Built in the 1500s, the restored Fattoria di Villa La Striscia now includes five inviting Italian apartments perfect for the happy couple and those invited to their exclusive event. Guests can enjoy a swim in the pool located in the surrounding vineyards or relaxing on the baldacchino beds in the Italian Art Nouveau garden.

6. Girlfriend Getaway - Sedona, Arizona HomeAway.com property 163574 If a cold-hearted snake left you lonely, gather friends for moral support and a warm-hearted girlfriend getaway. Designed for relaxation and reflection, this Sedona vacation rental has a six- bedroom main house with a gourmet kitchen, a private one-bedroom space and an art studio. Outside, the serenity of the pool, gardens and ponds might have you thinking there is "more out there."

7. Villa 4 Romance - Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica HomeAway.com property 178336 Popping the question? Plan a trip to this secluded hilltop villa where the infinity pool, wraparound veranda and its breathtaking views will surely help inspire a "Yes." Celebrate the engagement with bubbly compliments of the owners of this couples-only vacation rental.

8. Hawaiian Hideaway - Kauai, Hawaii HomeAway.com property 32185 High above the Pacific on 11 acres of the South Shore's lush valleys and rolling hills, you'll find the Ka Hale O Luina vacation rental that earned the title of the "Best Romantic Hideaway Kauai." The outdoor shower and luxurious amenities make this guesthouse perfect for couples fueling the fire of a new relationship, or putting the spark back in an old one.

9. Family Bonds - Manchester, Vermont HomeAway.com property 107487 For busy families with no time for two vacations, this Vermont farm doubles as both a romantic and family getaway. Spend quality time ice skating, sledding, or mingling with the farm's dog, goats, and Lola the cow. When the kids go to bed, mom and dad can settle in front of a roaring fire or unwind in the hot tub.

10. City for Singles - Denver, Colorado HomeAway.com property 171001 Those looking for Mrs. Right or just Ms. Right Now should consider jetting to the Mile High City, which consistently rates tops for singles. Staying in this downtown loft puts you and your wingmen in walking distance to the Pepsi Center, Coors Field and Lodo, and if you're lucky, in range of cupid's arrow.

About HomeAway, Inc. The HomeAway, Inc. websites connect homeowners and property managers with travelers who seek the space, value and amenities of vacation rental homes as an alternative to hotels. With more than 255,000 global listings across the sites, travelers may easily search for budget to luxury-priced vacation rentals on HomeAway.com, VRBO.com, VacationRentals.com, CyberRentals.com, A1Vacations.com, GreatRentals.com, TripHomes.com, Holiday-Rentals.co.uk, OwnersDirect.co.uk, FeWo-direkt.de and Abritel.fr.

DECEMBER TO MAY: ocean filled with whale song...

One of the reasons we live on Kauai

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The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary lies within the shallow warm waters surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands and constitutes one of the world's most important humpback whale habitats.

The number of humpback whales in the North Pacific Ocean has increased since international and federal protections were enacted in the 1960s and 70s, according to a new report funded primarily by NOAA and conducted by more than 400 whale researchers throughout the Pacific region.

EXISTING AT ONCE IN THE BEAUTIFUL PAST AND THE LUXURIOUS PRESENT www.oluina.com

An extraordinary property in every sense, the two homes- main house and guest house- of Ka Hale O Luina (Home of the Mariner) are located on Kauai's south shore, nestled in the beautiful Kalaheo hills, a thousand feet above the ocean, or "mauka" ("on the mountain side" in the Hawaiian language).LOCATIONSecluded among serene pastures, lush vegetation, and mountain creeks, the compound offers complete privacy and splendid isolation yet Kikala is only 15 minutes from historic Koloa Town, with charming restaurants, entertainment, and shopping, and its historic sugar mill.Also a quarter hour distant are Port Allen offering gateways to Napali Coast adventures, boats, whale watching, helicopter tours, horseback riding, kayaking, diving. The Hanapepe Town Art District has local art, rare gifts, collectibles, and "Sunshine Market," the exceptional farmers market opens every Thursday afternoon. Within half an hour are charming Waimea Town and beaches and extraordinarily restored historic Waimea Theater.In ochre-colored Waimea Canyon you can hike, fish, and camp, and Koke'e State Park has the Koke'e Natural History Museum with exhibits on Kauai. Within 20 minutes are Poipu Beach Resort- spectacular beaches, golf, hotels, and fine dining, plus numerous beach eateries- and the National Tropical Botanical Garden. The airport is 25 minutes away.

LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS



Ka Hale O Luina was built with the greatest care to ensure that its structures and gardens blend with the surrounding natural landscape and the beauty of the area. The result agrees with its natural setting as if it has been snuggled there forever, and the sound of wood rubbing against wood gives this home a voice.

It is a place of tranquility and extraordinary natural elegance possessed of spectacular mountain and ocean views. 11.4 hilly acres accommodate these two homes, with abundant flora and fauna, from rare native plants, birds, and butterflies, rainbows magnificent, and mornings laced with birdsong while only the notes of cricket fill the starry nights.Exotic hardwoods resistant to the elements of nature have been used for virtually every element of the structures, from exteriors to interiors and structural walls, the roofing, and custom, hand-built furniture.

The lifetime boating experience of the owners meant there has been a selection of the marine-style materials and thoughtful uses of space, giving both homes the quality and ambiance of a yacht.

The interior decoration represents world tastes as a result of years of dedicated collecting of art, artifacts, and unique furnishings from voyages around the planet. Exotic hand-made objets d'art and natural fabrics from leather to camel hair, silk, cotton, and cashmere balance the simple lines of the wood structures: Pacific, Asian, exotic, modern. An ethnic eclecticism is combined with rigorous discipline in object selection to create a style throughout of coherent calm.

Spaces echo each other as elements are repeated in both houses and throughout the rooms, inviting old teak lazy chairs everywhere, comfortable sofas, oversized day beds, custom, hand-woven hammocks, collectors rugs, and artful accessories.

BEDROOMS


Both houses have one all-wood bedroom with a four poster bed and a view of the endless green hills rolling into the blue shades of the Pacific. Hand made fine rattan paneling adds texture and uniqueness to the built-in merbau wood cabinetry. Wide long hardwood planks give floors an old world feeling and barefoot luxury. There is an excellent sound system, a few carefully selected antique furnishings, and original drawings and oils.

The Barn bedroom has hardwood walls that have been given a very slight whitewash, creating almost a driftwood effect, and are hung with art works by Hao and other Vietnamese artists. An extraordinary aboriginal work dating from before the era of the aboriginal art movement possess rare, raw ingeniousness. There is also a den / second bedroom in the Barn with an old Chinese armoire and a comfortable cashmere sleeper sofa. The den walls, floors, and ceiling are lined in exotic hardwood of large, long, wide planks in deep, rich merbau. Aged copper accents conceal piping and wiring on the open beam ceiling. There is an antique Chinese table with games for playing. A collection of old bronze cow bells interwoven with camel hair ties is paired with Micronesian folk art. Aboriginal painting echoes green hillside views, exquisite basketry by Panama Indians ties contemporary designs with ancient techniques.A large sliding door opens this room to the views, and the polished cement and wood deck in front of the door doubles as a sunning nook or a spectacular dining plateau and is furnished with antique benches paired with a primitive teak table, a perfect setting for breakfast or dinner under the moonlight (nights here are pure, and star gazing is extraordinary).


BATHROOMS


Inspired by clean, classic Japanese style, both master bathrooms are outfitted with grand sinks and luxurious enormous stone soaking tubs and showers open to the stars, creating of each moment an extraordinary experience.Suspended high above the Kalaheo valley, the Longhouse's outdoor bath is as unique as it is beautiful. Light tropical breezes whisper gently through the tiny wooden slats to cool you on warm days, marvelous views surround you, and the Pueo (the native owl) quietly glides by.

The world is so far away, and you are here in complete privacy. The secluded rock garden, it’s dark and ancient boulders sprinkled with moss and ferns, sits below the hardwood deck with its Jacuzzi tub, and old, worn benches and guava railings frame the blue shades of the ocean. State-of-the-art lighting is used consistently with understated outdoor lighting, which allows the home to be bathed in moonlight.


The main house is two stories and known as the Barn, with an antique Chinese teak entry door with its original wooden hinges and decorated with Chinese characters; they read "sea is luck" and "mountains are happiness."


The guest house was originally named Kialoa, which means in Hawaiian "beautiful long canoe," named after a canoe the owners brought to Kauai from travels to Papua New Guinea's mystical Sepik River. Today, better known as THE LONGHOUSE, as it truly is a miniature version of a Borneo Iban longhouse, an unusual headhunters' home the owners found while traveling through Sarawak.Both homes exist at once in a beautiful past and a luxurious present with TV home theaters, entertainment centers, and DSL Internet connections.