In order for the great effort it takes to get away from the routines of life, the travel has to reward us by meeting deep needs and desires. Thinking of elements of successful travel, I came up with my list. Yours will be different, just like the Alaskan oil field man’s list was that I sat next to on the flight to Hawaii. He wants zip line adventures and exploring black sand beaches while he’s here with his wife. Because I came rather worn thin and tired, I want reconnection and restoration from this island escape. I don’t want to ‘go’, I want to ‘be’.  No matter our different reasons to get away, there are some foundational needs we all share in common.

Up at 3 a.m., a two hour drive to PDX, we arrived 6 hours later having endured coach and the humiliating “pat down” in (non) security because we refuse to expose our educated selves to radiation in dangerous and barbaric total body scanners. I had only an hour’s sleep before the ‘adventure’ began. Starting a vacation when we’re already tired, not to mention the fatigue and demands that led up to the trip set us up for some strong foundational needs once we finally got off the plane, the shuttle to the rental car and to our destination.

I see this in so many that have arrived on Adytum’s doorstep fresh off the freeway from Portland, Seattle or Olympia, travel weary on top of having just ended a long, hard work-week. The transformation in your faces is remarkable when you hug good-bye on Sunday. Adytum is not only made for reconnecting with all that really matters in life. It is made to restore the deep places in our heart, in our spirit and give rest to our mind. The birdsong, the water-music and the loving energy from nature and all the animals of Adytum, the eclectic décor with a lot of visual stimulation and beauty all combine to work their enchantment; the change in visible!

We are staying in a timeshare exchange- a Hilton Grand Vacation Suite here on the big island that rents from $450-$600 a night. With the incredible luxury here and attention to detail, with their expensive marketing geniuses at the helm and their way of answering the phone, “I can help you…” it’s simply beyond my ability to comprehend where the disconnect between the reality of today’s traveler’s needs and what Hilton will do to create a sense of immediate welcome and comfort occurred. This is perhaps the biggest difference between a Retreat like Adytum and a sterile vacation home or hotel room, no matter how luxurious.

Finally upon arriving, rather dehydrated after over a day’s worth of travel, where is the water besides the polluted tap water? Is it really going to hurt the bottom line to provide a bottle or two, gratis Hilton? But really, where is the wine, sparking cider or champagne to set the mood for a relaxing celebration that we’ve finally made it and we’re on ‘vacation’? Like many of you, I want some instant gratification- I’m hungry…No fruit-bowl or dish of nuts…nothing. Certainly no flowers on the table that you enjoy at Adytum from our own gardens or walking in to music softly embracing you as you enter this sacred space… Instead we are greeted by an empty beautiful shell perfectly decorated by expensive design firms. We just got here and now we have to turn around and go right back out to get our needs met…Hmmmm…..It’s not working for me….not at all.

The little gestures that show the needs of the traveler begin the moment they cross the threshold become points of contention when not accounted for in the least. It is the height of ‘unwelcome’ in my experience. It is not true hospitality but a marketing plan. If there was a complimentary breakfast- and there isn’t- it wouldn’t make up for these gross oversights.

Kat Enjoys Black & White Beach

Later, starving, when I finally did get to breakfast the next morning the $31 that I paid for a two egg vegetarian omelet, a tiny cup of fruit and a pot of coffee and minuscule glass of juice was washed down with a healthy dose of resentment. I headed for the welcoming embrace of a salty swim in chilly Hawaiian waters to recover from my sticker shock and stopped off for the rest of the weeks’ groceries on the way back to the villa.

The little oversights continued to emerge for me and my 50+ eyes when I was hoping for a magnifying mirror to apply my eye make-up. Even some brighter lighting would have been appreciated…

Where are the robes when I emerge from the shower and I’m cold? Later…no Kleenex by the bed. Everything seems designed to be slightly irritating when we have accustomed ourselves to having all these concerns carefully managed in advance. I could go on….

Successful travel must offer reconnection with yourself and if you’re traveling with a significant other- it must reconnect you with your lover. That might mean experiencing the island, or whatever locality you’re in. It may be as simple as watching a movie or sunset together. We let the guests shape Adytum so that it belongs to all of us for our pleasure. Many of you have created the very changes you enjoy when you return! Thank you so much!!

Some of you read of the recent transformation in Star of the North into an even more romantic lover’s nest/writer’s retreat. Jennifer needed more and we listened by adding a chandelier and antique trunk that serves as a coffee table. We created yet another writing nook to unleash her creativity in. Robert wanted to watch movies from the internet streaming TV in Star of the North so a Roku player (www.roku.com) that plays our collection of Mp4 videos was added to that suite. Every single suggestion is taken to heart and every guest coming in their wake benefits with a richer, more soulful experience.

We inquire what might have made the experience at Adytum better…was anything missing? I have learned to think from the perspective that everything needed should be at hand. Everything in the suite should be functional as well as beautiful. What we hear most is, “I was needing/thinking of X, Y or Z, and ha! There it was like you already thought of it….” Yes, we have. It is our gift to you because we care deeply for each of you that are drawn to Adytum. Not everyone likes puffy pillows. So there are neck pillows to choose from too. If we haven’t thought of it yet, we will! Or you tell us please!!

We have big plans for the future. A few cottages. Two lodges.  An infinity pool and another salt water hot tub. Adding on to the back to create another private entrance, patio, shower and kitchen in Star of the North. A wine tasting room and wine cellar to process Adytum’s own pinot noir label. A miniature gothic wedding chapel on the pointe. Seats to enjoy the rushing stream by or overlook the Lake and valley below. A labyrinth modeled perfected after the one at Chartres…bikes lined up outside the Suites for your use. We have the greatest desire to spoil you rotten…Adytum will continue to develop as a resort over the 16 acres of tree plantation. These dreams came from co-creating with God. They came from thin air with minimal funds. Ultimately they come from your desires. Nothing is impossible if we all want it. Let’s all create this together….

The success of Adytum springs from deep respect and a true caring love of others. Every need of the traveler, the lover, the adventurer is taken into consideration. If it’s within our power to provide all that creates immediate comfort, beauty and true functionality we have done it or it’s added to the growing list of improvements. Adytum is now the only 5-star luxury retreat in our locality.

After experiencing this lovely 5 star Grand Vacation Hilton on the big island of Hawaii, I am really convinced Adytum is a 6 star on her way to a 10.