About Us
My daughter, Mermaid Azaria, depicted on the right, serves as the inspiration behind the creation of the Rainforest Retreat Oasis. Recently embarking on her journey as a Business Major at the University of Hilo, Hawaii, her father and I aimed to ensure she always has a sanctuary to retreat to during tumultuous times or whenever she desires all the luxuries to prepare for special moments.
As for myself, La Fantasia, affectionately known as "Momma," I currently oversee operations until Azaria decides to take the helm. Discovering the significance of self-care later in life, my passion for sharing such wisdom with the community at large stems from a deep appreciation for people in general, as well as, the Wellness and Healing Arts.
Azaria's father, Sir Luke, transformed a mundane office space into the exquisite oasis it is today. Through meticulous refinishing of hardwood floors, once concealed beneath worn carpeting, and a professional paint job, the ambiance exudes warmth and invitation.
The Honorable Norbert, depicted in the middle stands as the Rainforest Retreat's esteemed seed money investor. Bert is also a passionate advocate for Holistic Health and Wellness. Additionally, he is an avid admirer of Mermaid Azaria. Were it not for Bert’s generous support, the Oasis would presently be minimally equipped. On the far left pictured is the Oasis's dedicated on-call Security Guard, Sir Rayshon. One of Azaria’s many loyal and dear friends. Ensuring the safety of the Rainforest is our foremost concern, and Rayshon possesses all the requisite skills to maintain peace within the confines of the studio space. This pic was taken immediately after Bert and Rayshon successfully piped water from the main house of this property to the guest house. A volunteer effort executed through the “Love for Hilo” Community Outreach project.
Baron, pictured right, aka “The Bonsai Guy,” is the Oasis Plant Care Provider, hailing from Hilo. Prior to embracing his role as a full-time Foster Grandpa in retirement, he served as the Horticulturist for the Hakalau National Forest. There, he orchestrated a remarkable revival, rescuing the forest from the brink of extinction by spearheading efforts to propagate native plants. This endeavor not only safeguarded the forest but also averted the extinction of Native Hawaiian birds. Nestled within Baron’s miniature Bonsai Garden at the Rainforest Oasis lies an experience of profound tranquility, its healing energies palpable and worth the trip alone.
We must spotlight our dear friends Roger and Kelly, more big fans of Mermaid Azaria, who bestowed upon us the Aloha spirit by generously hosting myself, Luke, Chris and Norbert during the remodel and build out of the Rainforest Oasis. Such ventures would not be possible without Aloha or friends.
Finally, our Housekeeper Marie (regrettably not pictured due to her shy nature), journeys 75 miles round trip weekly, to maintain the Oasis’s pristine allure. At the Oasis, we take immense pride in the cleanliness of our surroundings, recognizing its pivotal role in preserving our collective well-being. Thus, Marie, having 25+ years of professional cleaning experience emerges as the indispensable MVP of the Rainforest O’hana.
The Rainforest Retreat Oasis stands as the epitome of a labor infused with the spirit of Aloha, and we earnestly hope that your family cherishes it as dearly as ours does.
To view an exhaustive list of all the people that contributed their time and energy to this vision click here.
Thank you for supporting our family venture! Mahalo.
“If you choose to master only one skill in life, let it be Self-Care; because everything falls into alignment with Love from there.”
— Momma