Oh my goodness, this is idyllic!!! A perfect place for a rest and recuperation. There's nothing I could fault here! Derrick was an amazing host and their two helpers were so lovely and polite. Helen wasn't there , but despite going through a family tragedy, she was still in touch on WhatsApp, sending regular messages. They all went out of their way to assist and the facilities were all amazing. I would thoroughly recommend this place for families, couples or singles.
We spent 2 nights at the Secret Garden in early January, our last nights after a five week trip in India. What a special place. Helene and Derek were great hosts, making us laugh with Helene's wonderfully quirky sense of humor. They gave us excellent advice on places to go and how to get there. Oh did I mention the most amazing breakfasts! I don’t remember ever having such a spectacular breakfast before. Homemade loaves of bread and majestic masala omelettes. They truly set us up for the day. The house is an old beautiful Goan beauty, decorated with charm and quirkiness, a wonderful relaxed environment. All in all we had the most wonderful end to an unbelievably amazing adventure in India. Thank you Helene and Derek, may we meet again one day .
The Secret Garden is a wonderful homestay in a heritage house in central Goa. The room are spacious and artistically decorated with old world charm. Breakfast is an attraction in itself and a real treat. Our hosts went out of their way to make us feel at home and provided invaluable advice and help in selecting local restaurants and attractions. We has a truly memorable holiday!
After three weeks of touring, The Secret Garden provided the perfect antidote. This beautiful house and garden became our home and dream hideaway for 6 perfect nights. The garden was a haven for butterflies and wildlife and we whiled away the hours in the pool or just relaxing in one of the many shaded areas. Our room was just perfect with a large cosy bed, comfy lounging areas and air conditioning. Helene was an amazing hostess and her breakfasts were superb with home cooked specialities, freshly baked bread and homemade jams. We will definitely return again, hopefully soon.
I revisited India after 50 years to make contact with some old friends. Goa was the place to meet and The Secret garden was recommended. I was there for 5-6 days. it all went too quickly. It was like a home away from home without the housework! The place was amazing. Like a big stuffed cushion. You could relax anywhere- in your airconditioned room, in the large lounge area overlooking the daily attended pool or the large well-groomed gardens with abundant with plants and birdlife. More importantly, was the informality of it all. We Australians are a pretty informal lot and Helen and Derrick are just so welcoming. Her breakfasts are to die for. Souffle omelettes from heaven. Helen is a pommy (can't play cricket mind you) and has had the most interesting life. She always has…
The Secret Garden Goa is a sprawling Portuguese styled villa homestay. Located in the village of Saligao, it offers a unique experience with a perfect blend of the old world charm of a bygone era and modern amenities and a swimming pool. It provides seclusion and yet is close enough to Calangute & Baga beaches and it's night life. Run and managed by the lovely Helene Menezes, it is the perfect getaway for the discerning traveller.
If you’re the kind of traveller who likes sterile, homogeneous hotel rooms with 24hours room service in a hotel chain with 100 other guests and multi-cuisine restaurants, The Secret Garden is NOT for you. The Secret Garden is tucked away from the main road and the narrow approach does not prepare you for the surprise that this beautiful old house is. The three rooms that the property offers are an extension of the home of the owners- Helene and Derrick. The entire place is a labour of love and each room distinct in its decor and vibe. The common areas are comfortable and invite you to feel at home. We were lucky to have booked all three rooms so we had the place to ourselves. The highlights for us adults and kids were definitely the delicious breakfast cooked by Helene and…
We had an absolute amazing holiday with friends at the secret garden. Starting off with a breakfast which can only be explained as a big hearty healthy breakfast. A pool which spent alot of time in and the most gracious hosts in H and D, who made it even more special.
Helene and Derek are amazing hosts who made us feel right at home. A beautiful house tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Goa. Helene's breakfast were to die for with fresh, hot bread served every time. Its a place that you would keep going back to...there's something for everyone.....a cupboard full of thoughtfully picked toys for all ages, a beautiful, clean pool and the lovely rooms.
Secret Garden. - The description of the name pretty puch sums it up. A beautiful curated home stay with each room tastefully decorated. The rooms and the living/ dining room open into the Secret Garden. With its tropical green plants, surrounding the perfect pool. This was our second stay here, and the best thing.. Nothing changed from the first time. The hosts Helene and Derrik are fabulous. Helene's breakfast is legendary, with home made bread, fruit preserves, cereals to choose from, eggs, omletts, fresh fruits,coffee, tea, juices .. And not to mention our daughters favourite the pancakes with chocolate sauce. She also offered us other options of traditional Indian breakfast.. The secret garden is located perfectly in North Goa, tucked away from the tourist madness that…
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