If you were going to design your perfect hideaway home, it might end up looking something like the Horizon Guest House. Beautiful expansive views of the southern Kona coastline, and on a clear day you can see the 8000-ft peak of Hualalai. The website photos do not do the verdant property justice. Adjacent to the property's own gardens is an Ohia forest, wonderful native trees with red (and sometimes yellow) flowers. The infinity pool makes you feel like you are floating above the ocean and the attached hot-tub/jacuzzi section makes nighttime soaking and star gazing a must do. There are 4 rooms all with a private lanai, they are immaculate and spacious. The owner Clem has taken the time to label all the switches in the rooms so you always know where to turn something off or on. The bathroom has a large walk in shower, there is a refrigerator in the room, king or queen bed, terry robes, included WiFi, and a french Press for coffee in case you awake before Clem does at 600 AM. The main part of the house includes large comfortable rooms that are open to the amazing view and have sliding screens for night. There is a sound proofed media room with over 800 movies for you to choose from (although I could never be bothered to give up the jacuzzi and stars). Central to the main room is the top-chef kitchen area where Clem creates his scrumptious breakfasts. Each day we had fresh fruit plates (mango, papaya, figs, pineapple), hot cereal (whole grains and dried fruits), and some special creation (mango-cinnamon pancakes, mushroom frittata). The most wonderful thing was that Clem catered to our schedule. Unlike so many B&B's where you have to plan your day around what time breakfast is served, or miss it, Clem will find out what time you want breakfast and make sure it is ready for you. One morning we needed a 630 breakfast, no problem, another day 600 AM coffee, we left for an early snorkel and came back for an 830 post snorkel meal.
An additional feature is the great grilling area by the pool. Clem has it stocked with spices, plates, and cutting boards. There is a great health food store about 15 miles away, you can find easy items to grill, fresh local produce for salads, and decent bottles of wine or local beer. Allowing you to eat outside listening to the coquis (frogs) and simply put your dishes in the basin under the sink and in the morning they will be cleaned and replaced. This is great since there are a few good dining options in the area but after about three nights you will have exhausted them and probably be happy for the availability of the grill.
Many would simply be content to stay here for the views, relaxing setting, and attentive pampering of Clem, but you just happen to be in one of the best locations for snorkeling on the whole island. Two miles from Ho'okena, a bay that is frequented by spinner dolphins, four miles from "Two-Step" and about 12 miles from Capt. Cook Monument, two of the best snorkel spots that the island offers. In about 40 minutes you can be at South Point the islands green sand beach, and in about the same amount of time in the other direction you are in Kailua-Kona in case you need a Costco or many more dining options.
Between the great snorkeling, beautiful flower gardens and fruit trees, the nearby native forest, the two wonderful "house puppies" along with Clem's hospitality you will find that you really do not want to leave. This place is a gem and should not be missed.