Finding The Secret Garden was fun. It really is tucked away and mastering the labyrinth of path ways leading to house seemed daunting at first but worth it and not especially difficult once you get there. We were met at the gate by the resident dogs that are very friendly and sweet and like to follow you to the house. The homestay is truly amazing to look at like much of the architecture of Goa, combining a Portuguese and Indian heritage. The mix of colours is striking and reminds one of lovely ice-cream flavours! We were shown to our room and I was pleasantly surprised with all the little touches – lovely flowers in the bathroom, exquisite tiling, gorgeous bedding, etc.. You can really see the personality of the owners in this house and it is an experience worth having! The rooms are fabulous and each one is different to the others so each time you visit it might not be quite the same thing! The garden is crammed full of mature trees – coconut and magnolia as well as other exotic plants. The pool is a fairly new addition to the house and has an outdoor shower as well. Everything is clean and tidy but in a relaxed and informal way. Breakfast is European and delicious.
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Date of stay: November 2014Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Every room is different and has been lovingly decorated to provide a really nice room that...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Response from TheSecretGardenGoa, Owner at The Secret Garden Goa
Responded 9 Jan 2016
Dear Kerry Thank you for your review and your kind words. It was wonderful to have you and your husband to stay with us. We are so glad you enjoyed your visit and made the most of your time in Goa. You'll be pleased to know the kingfisher who likes to take a dip in the pool was sighted again, I think he will be back for his daily bath again very soon. There are lots of sunbirds at the moment as well as a lot of butterflies. I hope you get to identify many more on your next visit.
Kind regards, Helene
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This place is just awesome! I am in love with every corner of this place! I love the way the bedrooms are done up so very beautifully and even the bathrooms are facinating, forever spic a span clean. The pool is my favourite I think. And the dinning set up is classy. The food is homemade and mouthwatering. The entire experince is so personalised as Helene (the host) ensures to make your stay is the most cherished and memorable. This is truely a home away from home, and trust me its a 7 star for me!!!
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Date of stay: February 2019Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Response from TheSecretGardenGoa, Owner at The Secret Garden Goa
Responded 7 Feb 2019
Hello there!
Silvia, it was an absolute joy to have you here for your staycation! I am so happy that you love TSGG as much as I do! Your kind words reaffirm what I am trying to do here - delighted to have you to stay and looking forward to welcoming you back 'home' again very soon! Thanks again, Helene and Team TSGG
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We have just had a wonderful week in the stunning Malabar room. It was lovely to wake up and hear the birds in the morning, open the French windows and step out into the garden. Helene is such a perfectionist and goes to a lot of time and trouble to ensure that your stay is perfect. The breakfasts are delicious with fresh fruit, fresh juice, homemade bread and jam, cereal and eggs of your choice. We were there on Good Friday and she had made hot cross buns and lemon curd. It is so lovely to have breakfast in such a lovely dining area, overlooking the garden which is a tropical and peaceful oasis, very tastefully designed with a beautiful pool and comfy loungers. The house has been beautifully renovated and its original charm and character have been kept. It was an absolute pleasure to stay there. Helene was very helpful and recommended (and arranged) restaurants and places to visit. It was our first trip to Goa and the first time we have stayed in a homestay. Helene and Derek really welcomed us into their home. Thank you for such a wonderful week.
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Date of stay: March 2018Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:All three room are beautiful but different.
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Response from TheSecretGardenGoa, Owner at The Secret Garden Goa
Responded 9 Apr 2018
Hello from the heat! Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review for us - and such a lovely one too! It was an honour to welcome you to The Secret Garden for your very first trip to Goa and your first homestay experience. India can take some adjustments to get used to and you guys really made the most of your time in this amazing little state I'm lucky enough to call home. I'm so pleased that you both enjoyed your time at TSGG - we hope to welcome you back through our gates for years to come! Have a wonderful spring and summer. Warmest regards to you both, Helene
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I was in Goa for two weeks and the biggest regret of the trip was that I did not stay here for the entire trip. The stay at The Secret Garden was one of a kind. The amount of attention to detail that has been given to make your stay as pleasant as possible is just incomparable. We had a lovely time, enjoying the beautiful Malabar Room and the company of our lovely hosts Helene and Derrick. Thank you for the hearty breakfast, jazzy music, peaceful vibes, artsy decor, windsurfing lessons and all the fun conversations. Hope to return soon.
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Date of stay: February 2021
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Response from TheSecretGarden Goa, Owner at The Secret Garden Goa
Responded 29 Jul 2021
Hello there! Thank you so much for your wonderfully kind words, it really was great having you stay! Sooooo, happy that you loved the windsurfing - Derrick is one of the only RYA trained coaches in the country, so if you are going to learn, you may as well learn from the best! Very fortunate that you liked our taste in music too! They were the perfect background to our lovely conversations... hope to welcome you back very soon to TSGG. Be well, Helene and Team TSGG
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I have been to Goa 10-12 times, but this was hands on my most memorable trip. I was visiting Goa with my boyfriend who had never visited India, and we were looking for something local and private, yet comfortable.
Helen: She was an absolutely wonderful host and went above and beyond to make us comfortable - from the minute we arrived, to the minute we left. She has lived in Goa for 20 years, and gave us the local's take. Her list of recommended restaurants and spots to hang out never failed us. If you'd like to come to Goa with zero plans, you can trust Helene to recommend an itinerary that will satisfy your needs. She even organized 'couples yoga' with a fantastic teacher on our last evening. Her kindness and patience put us to ease even during stressful situations. My boyfriend fell sick with a stomach flu on the last day, and her patience and help during this time is something we will remember for many years to come..
The 'Secret Garden' home itself: Location is in Saligao, which is a 10 minute bike ride from Calangute beach. Very beautiful village. Property is close to a church - which is lovely since you can hear the church bells and choir in the morning. Has a lovely swimming pool with comfy chairs and hammocks. The entire house was beautiful, and so tastefully done up - it's a 100+ year old house, and while she's maintained the Goan - Portuguese charm of the house, she's left a lovely European touch in the decor. Helen's home strikes a beautiful balance of comfort and charm: We never felt we had to leave to get anything. The honesty bar was adorable, and well stocked up with anything you you needed; she also had a range of snacks, beers and teas available.
The incredible breakfast: Hands down the highlight of the stay. Every day, Helen fixes us a delicious, organic homemade breakfast - organic coconut water from her garden, homemade multigrain bread, homemade yogurt (dahi) - which was the best dahi I've had in my life - Souffle Masala Omelets, homemade masala chai and ice team, fresh fruit, a range of jams, cereals....yummy yummy. We'd always need a nap after breakfast because we'd stuff our face with it's deliciousness.
Room: Ask for the Malabar Suite! It has a triple bed which is super comfy and a semi-private enclave by the pool. Lots of space - we could have easily fit a double mattress if needed to accomodate other guests.m
Come here if --- You want to experience Goa from the eyes of a local --- You want to be close to the north goa beache
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Date of stay: November 2016Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Malabar Suite hands down :) Comfort of a Maharaja!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Response from TheSecretGardenGoa, Owner at The Secret Garden Goa
Responded 29 Dec 2016
Dear K&P
Thank you for your lovely review. It really was such fun to have the house full of young people - took 10 years off me! Despite a lot of sleeping you also managed to pack a ton of stuff into your trip and what a way for P to experience India for the first time - your enthusiasm for your home country was wonderful.... but fear not - there are still places to go and people to see here in Goa. Looking forward to welcoming you both back in the near future.
Love and hugs! Hx PS Remember NO closed mussels EVER....anywhere!
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