“Nani” is the Hawaiian word for “beautiful,” and at Kaua'i Nani—a five-acre resort residence on Kaua'i's north shore—beauty is everywhere. A private estate, Kaua'i Nani is also a vacation paradise, and as one of a number of accommodations offered to visitors traveling to the Island with Pure Kaua’i, available to anyone in need of the emotional recharge that only the most stunning scenery (and appealing architecture and interior design) can offer.

At Kaua'i Nani, beauty starts with the dramatic setting, on the rim of the Kalihiwai Gorge. If that weren’t enough the property is set in lush gardens that include koi ponds, waterfalls, and an awe-inspiring view of five mystical mountain peaks. Beauty abounds, too, in the understated elegance of the appointments and amenities. Perhaps most beautiful of all is the happy thought that, once you're here, the rest of the world seems to slip away.

“There's a complete sense of privacy,” says William Gaynor. “You can look out over 40 square miles and not see another house.”

As developer for the estate’s renovation, Gaynor was responsible for landscaping, building improvements and interior design. When he first came upon the property, its promise was obvious. It stemmed from the insight and dedication of the original owner, retail entrepreneur Wally Arnold, who often used the estate as a corporate retreat. “Wally had made a tremendous effort to create a special place down to details like hand-glazed tiles and etched glass in the house and garden pathways embossed with fish, shells and leaves from around the Island,” Gaynor says. “We were inspired by his wonderful work.”

The design offered much appeal. “What made it feel special was that, while the house was 200 feet long, the entire thing was only one room deep,” explains Gaynor. “In any given room, you have light and views in two directions, as well as natural ventilation.” In the front hall, for instance, you can look straight through the house to the gorge.

Divided into four principle structures, the estate includes more than 11,500 square feet of enclosed living space, including eleven bedrooms and suites, as well as a state-of-the-art home theater, a fully equipped qym, and a private executive office and conference room. On top of that, there are 4,000 square feet of länais, verandas, porte-cochere, decks and garage space. Completing the picture are the Pond House and the Orchid House, which serves as a greenhouse that supports the cultivation of more than 50 varieties of orchids—many of which are propagated on surrounding trees.

The two-level hale nui, or main house, showcases Gaynor's efforts to bring a sense of Old Hawai`i to the property. It's understated, yet elegant, with a natural color palette that brings a sense of “light, tropical coolness” to the rooms (as opposed to the bright, tropical colors, or whitewash, that's commonly seen in contemporary Hawaiian design, Gaynor says). Most ceilings are rich cedar plank and beam, and have paddle fans to help move the air around. A multitude of multi-paned windows allow the light from the greenery outside to be reflected in while allowing for prime viewing opportunities.

When it came to furnishing the rooms, Gaynor was faced with a situation common to Hawaiian homebuyers. “When you buy a house here, you usually take the furniture too, since people moving to the mainland, for instance, don't want to take it with them,” he says. “It's a tradition that dates back to Colonial times when early white settlers brought wonderful antiques with them from Europe, and then Victorian furniture started popping up among the Hawaiian monarchs.”

As a result, current décor includes a combination of the original furniture pieces, such as four-poster beds and night tables, and new pieces created along with local craftsmen Jerry Johnson and Thor Temme of Hawaiian mango, lacewood and ironwood. Gaynor's collection of Oriental rugs adds contrast. “The intent was to find things that felt like they belong together, even if the look is eclectic,” Gaynor says.

More important than furnishings was Gaynor's desire to integrate the artwork of local artists into the household to enhance it with a contemplative feel and connect it to the culture of Hawaiian life. To that end, he collaborated with Evelyn Debhur, Millicent Cummings, Fanny Bilodau, Michael Somers, and other artists and artisans to procure the many paintings and three-dimensional pieces that grace the rooms.

Outside, the surrounding gardens are another work of art, a sanctuary filled with over two hundred specimens of trees, including palms and ferns, as well as orchids and other flowers and plants. Two koi ponds and a frog pond are linked by embossed flagstone paths. The Circle lawn is a quiet place for yoga or meditation. From the cliff-side pool terrace, the gorge and mountain panorama distract from swimming laps.

Gaynor worked on Kaua'I Nani for two years, coaxing its natural beauty to bloom and encouraging its connection with Hawaiian life. Reflecting on its allure, he comments: “No matter how long you stay, you'll discover something different every day … if you're looking.”

“It's like Fantasy Island, only the benefits are spiritual, mental, physical and emotional, depending on what you're looking for.” So says founder Phil Jones of the complete lifestyle experience offered by Pure Kaua`i, a custom all-inclusive vacation planner on The Garden Island of Kaua`i.

Clients include everyone from honeymooners to families, CEOs to celebrities (Jennifer Garner has booked in a few times).

Customized vacation travel is a growing trend for folks with deep pockets and a penchant for pampering.Upscale consumers seek ultra-personal and diverse pleasures for their money. “Some people come because they're overworked and want to relax and be taken care of, and have a chef cook for them, and get lots of massages and sit on the beach,” explains Jones. “Others want to meet with healers and make changes in their lives, or to get back in shape after years of neglecting their bodies.” Pure Kuai’i provides whatever is desired through its staff of 40-plus massage therapists, surfing instructors, hiking guides, chefs, yogis and other specialists. Typical visits run five to 10 days but may extend to a month or longer, with prices starting at $3,025 per person.

The Pure Kaua`i experience begins before clients ever leave home. Jones and company organize every detail, starting with luxury North Shore accommodations, from Princeville condos for singles or couples to secluded beachfront cottages to extravagant private estates roomy enough to house an entourage (see story on Kaua'i Nani).

Beyond that, itineraries are meticulously planned. Private chefs are on call morning, noon and night to plan and prepare meals around special diets and desires (seared ahi tuna with Keo ginger lime marinade and mango salsa sound good?). Want to ride the waves at beautiful Hanalei Bay? Scuba dive at Tunnels? Hike on rivers that aren't listed in any guidebook? Take a sunset helicopter tour of the spectacular Na Pali coast? Done.

Of course, relaxation and wellness are encouraged too, especially through in-residence massages or body work, private yoga instruction and reflective work with a Life Coach, or healer. Practitioners are experienced and knowledgeable. Like Jones, they have chosen Kaua`i because of both its physical beauty and spiritual nature. Everything from yoga mats to diving gear to music is provided.

Often, Jones' clients experience “mini revelations” during their stay, going home to make significant life changes, like switching careers. Many tout Pure Kuai’i as the best vacation they've ever had. “It's a collaborative effort,” Jones says. “If you can touch people physically or emotionally, the rest will come.”

For more information, visit www.purekauai.com, or call 866-457-7873.