Gingerhill Farm Retreat. Commune with Nature In South Kona.

The property is beautiful, it is in the jungle. There are lots of animals, we saw tons of birds, geckos, frogs (they chirped all night), chickens, cats, and heard at least one cow every day. The room was spacious and had a fridge, a burner to cook on and a good bathroom. I made the mistake of using the washer, as it was outside and thought it was OK and had to pay 20. Otherwise it was a nice stay and the host helped us to start the rental car which was dead on our last day. I did not do the yoga class, but if I was in better shape I would have.

The sunset room has a great view and comfy bed and filtered water and Kona coffee beans and fans and a great shower! Would stay there again !

PROS: We loved the charming room and its private location that's far enough away from the busy resorts/hotels/tourist traps. Great local eats nearby. The kitchen had most of what we need and the volunteer staff was responsive and very friendly. Not a lot of room but just enough for two people who left each morning and returned each night after driving all over the big island. The frogs greeted us each night and on clear nights the stars are visible from the little porch. Snorkeling gear and body boards we made available to us. and when we asked they let us borrow a cooler to take to the beach.CONS: We had hoped to have more interactions with the volunteers and owners/cofounders but they kept mostly to themselves. For those who are extremely squeamish about bugs in the room, this may not be a good stay for you. We had several visitors in our room and in the walls/ceilings: roach (one very pregnant), termite (frass on the ceiling), grasshopper (harmless-we captured & released), unknown animals (scrambling around at night in the walls next to the toilet and right above the ceiling). The management is unphased by these reports (except perhaps for the termite frass) and reminded us that we are on a farm. ;-) So, again, it's a charming stay but if you are sensitive to the farm activities above, this may not be a good fit for you. I do hope the management takes care of the animals and termites because those two can do serious damage to their building structurally & electrically

You get a large bedroom with a double bed and a single bed with a very nice bathroom. The room is attached to the house and some house noises come through. Looks right out onto the ocean from 1500 feet or so up. Chairs are available if you ask.This is an active and beautiful 4 acre organic farm and for us much of the appeal came from chances to talk to the proprietors, interns and guests and to see some of the artwork of Mayumi Oda who founded the farm 15 years ago.For an extra $40 per day you can participate in the program, which includes meditation, breakfast, work on the farm, yoga, and lunch. We didnt choose to do this, and it really is just another option for your stay.Everyone was very friendly and the setting is wonderful. It is close to all of the sights along the southern Kona coast, e.g. the Painted Church, Peace Garden and Place of Sanctuary.