Hi, I'm Karen

I give my guests space but am available when needed.

I have lived on the island since 1993 (16 years owning this property)--with the past 7 years trapsing back and forth from my work based in the Middle East, to my landing pad and "sanctuary" here at MiKo's Guest House. Ask me anything and consider me your personal concierge about "all things Vashon-Maury Island related", for I bring 28 years experience living on our little slice of paradise in the middle of the Salish Sea; and as a former member of our Vashon-Maury Island Chamber of Commerce, I love supporting our local small businesses and farmers.

Thank you for shopping at our local restaurants, grocery stories, various farm-stands dotting the island, and the various unique boutique shops!

I ran MiKo’s Guest House before the days of Airbnb, when it was #1 (across Vashon Island) on TripAdvisor over a 6-month period., and I know how to honour guests' privacy and boundaries.

I can have as much or as little interaction as you want or need. We are also available by phone, text, or email to answer any of your questions 24/7.

- your host, Karen

ABOUT
Since 2006, I've own my property with 2 small houses on a 1/3 of an acre on this artsy & touristy island (pop. ~11k), called Vashon Island, a short ferry ride to West Seattle (Fauntleroy Terminal), Port Orchard (Southworth Terminal) or Tacoma (Point Defiance Terminal). I currently live in the "main house" 40 feet away from the cottage, separated by bamboo fencing to ensure privacy for both of us. Before the days of Airbnb, I ran the cottage as "MiKo's Guest House" (named after my beloved, departed Standard Poodles, Mimi & Koko) for 6 years to great reviews and referrals, including being "#1 on TripAdvisor specific to Vashon Island over a 6-month period; so I delight in providing excellent customer service!

PRE-AIRBNB DAYS
From April 2014 until Sept 2020 (first working & living in Calgary, before transferring to the Middle East), I would stay in the cabin myself during my annual monthly August visits back to island life.

MY OWN LOVE OF TRAVEL
Since these past decades I have travelled extensively (both domestically & internationally, leisure and business) --staying at high-end hotels, chalets on beaches, or quaint Airbnbs in cities and remote areas, I know it's the "little touches" that make guests feel taken care of and welcomed. I pride myself in providing timely, accurate communication to my guests, leveraging my knowledge that comes with 28+ years of living on this quirky island in the middle of Puget Sound, as well as being a business member of our Vashon Chamber of Commerce. Supporting local, small businesses is key to a thriving rural island community.

WHY MIKO'S?
The cabin and grounds nourishes my body and soul. I can get my hands dirty in the garden, and continue to create an artful, cozy, comfortable place surrounded by nature. I delight in creating colourful outdoor living spaces in the warmer seasons. And I value places that are efficient, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. I'll treat your home like I treat mine, with respect and love, and ask that you do the same at mine.

WEARING MY COACHING HAT
When I'm not greeting or attending to the needs of my guests, I run InnerCor Global, LLC, a human capital boutique coaching and consulting firm--with offices in the Middle East as well as here in the USA, coaching executives & leaders virtually and locally, across 3 continents and multiple time zones.

I now offer my coaching services to my Airbnb guests for those seeking a deeper dive into themselves and their relationships, with personalized "solo retreats" or "couple retreats" for those seeking a more profound journey, in addition to the lovely "get-away-from-it-all experience" MiKo's naturally provides.

OUR COMMITMENT
Ultimately, I know both what guests need, and what makes a good host.

I look forward to welcoming you to my colourful getaway here on Vashon Island, bringing you my intercultural hospitality.

Welcome! Salam Alekyum! Bienvenue! Welkom! Bienvenidas! Benvenuta! Bine ati venit! Willkommen!