Ka Hale O Luina which means "home of the mariner" is a chic hideaway on the south shore of Kaua`i. Although the villas are close to Poipu Beach and the Hanapepe Art District, they provide a retreat into nature.

When owners Carter Corey and Bruna Stude built Ka Hale O Luina in Kalaheo hills 1,000 feet above the ocean, they drew inspiration from what they knew the best: travel and art. Ikat covered pillows, teak chairs and Vietnamese paintings furnish the interiors: in the Longhouse, a canoe from Papua New Guinea hangs from the beams and an old Balinese rice chest holds books.

Drink passion fruit margaritas on your lanai, dine on Hawai`ian cuisine prepared for you and fall asleep on pillows scented with lavender.

Longhouse starts at $700 per night.

Ph. 877 867 5150, www.oluina.com