The Secret Garden Goa
Estrelas e Sinos, Saligao, Bardez 403511 India
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About
#1 of 41 Specialty lodging in Saligao
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The Secret Garden Goa is a lovingly run heritage homestay. Set in the heart of Saligao, this is the perfect location to be 'away from it all' and yet have Goa's famed beaches, restaurants and culture just a short ride away.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Free breakfast
Beach
Bicycle rental
Highchairs available
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Private pool
Yoga classes
Bar / lounge
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Casino and Gambling
Diving
Hiking
Windsurfing
Bicycle tours
Patio
Walking tours
Board games / puzzles
Airport transportation
Taxi service
Chapel / shrine
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun umbrellas
First aid kit
Umbrella
24-hour check-in
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
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Room features
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Desk
Housekeeping
Refrigerator
Radio
Extra long beds
Walk-in shower
Safe
Seating area
Separate dining area
Clothes rack
Iron
Private bathrooms
Tile / marble floor
iPod docking station
Sofa bed
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Pool view
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Languages Spoken
English, Hindi
Location
54Somewhat walkable
Grade: 54 out of 100
10Restaurantswithin 1 km
2Attractionswithin 1 km
82Reviews3Q+A13Room tips
Reviews
Traveller rating
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Each room in the Secret Garden is uniquely styled , with cozy nooks that you can curl up in with a book. The house is a lovely Goan villa and you pretty much have the whole place to yourselves as our hosts are not only as charming as their place but they allow you to really feel at home , by leaving the place to you . The highlight of the place is of course the scrumptious home made breakfast spread. My friends and I had a lovely stay .
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Date of stay: August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from TheSecretGardenGoa, Owner at The Secret Garden Goa
Responded 8 Jan 2019
Hello there! Thank you so much for taking the time to write about your experience with us - we loved having you guys to stay. So pleased you enjoyed our home and of course the breakfast, which I love making! Hope to be welcoming you all back in 2019, warmest regards and thanks, Helene and Team TSGG
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
We loved our stay at Secret Garden. Helene and Derek are the most thoughtful hosts ever. The property is just beautiful and so tastefully designed and maintained. Loved the breakfast. And the pool is in the courtyard within the most spectacular Tropical setting. Mid Night swims are the most fun and the best way to end the day. Would go back there in a heart beat. One of our best stays in Goa.
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Date of stay: April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from TheSecretGardenGoa, Owner at The Secret Garden Goa
Responded 17 Apr 2018
Awh! Thank you so much!!! Really very sweet of you. So happy that you enjoyed yourselves. Was lovely having your family to stay at TSGG, I'm delighted that you love the place as much as I do!! You are more than welcome 'home' any day! Looking forward to your next trip - take care and thanks again! Best, Helene
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Having travelled to India on numerous occasions we were looking for something different to a hotel. TSGG was perfect in so many ways. A wonderful property, secluded peaceful surrounded by tropical plant life. Helene provides the perfect balance from being host, guide,organiser and friend. The room was always spotless with plenty of fresh towels. It was the way everything was thought of, subtle, considerate, just right. Late night swimming in the pool is a must. A wonderful way to finish an evening. The dogs were a great addition, they are so friendly and gentle. We loved them. We were so fortunate that the other guests (G & S) were such great company. Some real good times. Now for the important bits for travellers If you want to get around then you will need some…
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Date of stay: March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from TheSecretGardenGoa, Owner at The Secret Garden Goa
Responded 16 Apr 2018
:) What a lovely balanced review to read - thank you for taking the time to write it - I know how busy you are and really appreciate the thought that has gone into it. It was so lovely to have you both to stay, really enjoyed your company and our chats. Really glad you took the homestay plunge and enjoyed everything that was on offer. It is lovely looking after guests and opening up our home... even better when they appreciate the little touches and effort put in and more importantly - leave as friends. Looking forward to see you both again. Thank you so much, Helene
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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…
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Date of stay: March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
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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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed there during 5 nights and we can only highly recommend this wonderful place. The house and the garden with the pool is charming & stunning. You will wake up everyday day with a fantastic view and an incredibly delicious breakfast made by Helen. We were perfectly welcomed by the hosts and they gave us so many great recommendations to visit the area and to find good restaurants. Helen also organised 3 yoga sessions for us in the morning which were absolutely amazing. Especially if it’s your first stay in Goa, The Secret Garden is just the perfect place for you - it is relaxing and quiet but still so close to all the great places in the area! We will come back for sure!
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Date of stay: March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from TheSecretGardenGoa, Owner at The Secret Garden Goa
Responded 11 Mar 2018
Bonjour Patrick! Thank you for your kind words regarding your recent stay at The Secret Garden Goa. It really was a treat to have you and Junis to stay with us. I am so glad that you enjoyed yourselves as much as you did. Now that you are a yogi I expect to see you back in India often!!! You will always be welcome to our home... Take very good care, and see you in the summer in your neck of the woods!!! Warmest wishes, Helene
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Helene and Derek have created a magical retreat from the crazy hubub of Goa. The fabulous tropical garden and pool surround their beautiful stylish home, which has been thoughtfully renovated and extended. There’s lots of quirky thoughtful touches which instantly make you feel at home, such as books, games and magazines. Helene’s famous breakfasts are utterly delicious, don’t miss the delicious omelette! Best of all is the warm welcome. Helene and Derek really go the extra mile to welcome you into their family and lifestyle. This was our first home stay in India and we loved it.
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Date of stay: February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from TheSecretGardenGoa, Owner at The Secret Garden Goa
Responded 5 Mar 2018
Dear G&P Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience of your debut in a homestay Goa style! It was really touching to read your beautiful review, it means a lot when fellow hosts endorse what is attempted here! :) I really enjoyed our chats (& giggles) it was great getting to know you both and hearing about your life in Europe. So glad that you loved your time here as much as I loved having you - the time just went so quickly. Do take care, wrap up in that frightfully cold weather. Looking forward to seeing you both on your next trip to Goa! Thanks again, Hx
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
What can I say my partner and I had an amazing, relaxing lovely stay at the secret garden. We loved having hot fresh out of the oven home baked bread every morning, with fresh fruit, coconut and homemade jams! We had private yoga sessions in the garden that Helene kindly arranged for us. Derek then also helped us sign up to the local gym as we wanted a healthier holiday this time. We had the most comfy bed ever, which did not allow us to roll together (this happens a lot in most places we stay!). We spent time relaxing by the beautiful pool in gazing at the gorgeous garden most days before walking (took us about 25mins) or getting a tuk tuk into calangute. Helene goes the extra mile on special occasions and my partner even had a little surprise for his birthday and she baked a…
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Date of stay: February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from TheSecretGardenGoa, Owner at The Secret Garden Goa
Responded 1 Mar 2018
You are most welcome! It is such a pleasure being a homestay host, you get to meet some lovely guests and you guys were such fabulous guests... the time just flew! Where did two weeks go? Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a lovely review, so pleased you enjoyed yourselves and got the healthier holiday you wanted. You certainly both looked radiant and fit on departure. We look forward to welcoming you back through our gates soon. Stay warm in that weather - looks frightful!!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Helene and Derrick are the perfect hosts, taking care of every detail and offering great advice on things to do, places to visit and restaurants. Wind surfing in Dona Paula, Kantare restaurant, cycling, bird watching, Calangute beach, ... The rooms are large, comfortable and well-decorated - with plenty of books to read. And there's a nice swimming pool, in case you get tired of the beaches :) The breakfasts - with Helene's special omelettes and freshly baked bread - are delicious and sumptuous. You don't need lunch!
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Date of stay: December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from TheSecretGardenGoa, Owner at The Secret Garden Goa
Responded 6 Jan 2018
Hello there, Thank you for your kind words... we are so pleased you started the New Year with us. It was lovely having you to stay with your wonderful boys - hope they get a chance to keep up the windsurfing, they did so well, learnt so quickly and had fun. Glad you enjoyed the breakfast, always a pleasure to cook for healthy appetites! Take very good care, we look forward to welcoming you home again soon, Warmest regards, Helene
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Secret garden is a really special place and I am glad we discovered it. We celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary here and Helene made it even more special. We couldn't have planned a better holiday. Helene and Derek are a great couple and we felt a personal connection to them. It was like living with friends which almost made me not write this review. Helene is an amazing cook and serves the best breakfast. Together Derek and Helene give you a really Goan experience in their beautifully restored Portuguese villa. They know all the best local places to eat, hangout and shop. The swimming pool is great and the small details make this the perfect place to stay in Goa away from all the maddening crowd. I could actually go on but I think this place is best experienced. Thank you…
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Date of stay: December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from TheSecretGardenGoa, Owner at The Secret Garden Goa
Responded 4 Jan 2018
Thank you so much for your lovely review, I am so glad that you guys chose TSGG to celebrate your special day! I love making the most of special occasions for special people, was wonderful to share this milestone with you. You are always welcome at The Secret Garden but shhh don't give all the secrets away! :) See you soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
another wonderful stay at The Secret Garden, words cant say how lovely this place is, Helene and Derek make your stay truly special, love that there is air conditioning in the bedrooms but not in the house area which is bright and airy, and the famous signature omelettes are to die for, wish I knew the recipe but its the Secret Garden!!!
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Date of stay: November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from TheSecretGardenGoa, Owner at The Secret Garden Goa
Responded 12 Dec 2017
Always especially lovely to welcome returning guests especially when they are as easy to look after as you both are. Glad the breakfast is still up to standard and you enjoyed the house and gardens as much as ever. As you noticed there have been some changes and now The Lennox Room has its own little door to the garden which is a lovely edition. Stay warm in the cold country and looking forward to welcoming you both back again sooner rather than later! Thank you for taking the time to review us again - much appreciated! Warmest wishes, Helene
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LOCATION
IndiaGoaNorth Goa DistrictBardezSaligao
NUMBER OF ROOMS
3
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