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!
Hello Australia!
Thank you so much for your kind words and taking the time to write a review for us... So happy that you had a holiday to remember and made the most of your time in Goa. Glad you enjoyed breakfast - the most important meal of the day!
Looking forward to your next visit to our little state and welcoming you both back through our gates.
Until then take care, warmly Helene
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.
Dear T&M
Thank you so much for taking the time to write your wonderful review of your recent stay with us- what lovely kind words. :) You two were an absolute delight to host - you really did make the most of your stay at TSGG which was so gratifying to see - so happy that you were really able to unwind and totally relax. You guys are most welcome back through our gates anytime at all. Hope it is not chilly back in Blighty - take care and stay warm till we meet again. Love Helene
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 time to chat and make you feel welcome and indeed pass on vital information for your trip in Goa and even ongoing information. She has encyclopaedic knowledge. She even worked for Richard Branson in her long life. They are a wonderful team. I also happen to be a dog lover and fell very much head over heels for hers. By the way, she makes fresh bread every day. Recommend it. I think I have made two great mates for life. I really really wish them well. And I hope you have as good a time as me. 11 outta 10 kids
G'Day Mate!
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 11/10 - wow that's humbling!! A special thank you to Anita to introducing you to us - it is always lovely to have guests through a personal recommendation. So happy that your return to India after so many decades turned out to be everything you wanted and more. We really enjoyed having you to stay - the hounds are missing you! Glad that you enjoyed the breakfast spread - I love to cook and it is such a pleasure when it is enjoyed with such relish. Fabulous that we could help with the onward part of your journey down memory lane - it was fascinating listening to your tales of the good old days in Bbay at clubs we go to now! Not much has changed as you could see from your visit but they must have been such fun in those days. Thank you for your kind words - stay safe and stay in touch - welcome back as soon as you like! Helene, Diver, Merlot and Luna and all the rest of the team say hello!
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.
Hey Arti
Thank you for your kind words! So happy to have you at TSGG for your mini staycation! Looking forward to many return visits!
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 eaten on the never ending communal dining table. The freshly baked bread and the sour dough pancakes need a special mention. And the swimming pool set in middle of the garden. The luxury of going for a swim at any time of day or night and the pleasure of watching butterflies and dragonflies hovering around.
Helene and Derrick are terrific hosts. They were very helpful with answering our questions and guiding us around Saligao and other places, from local transport to food to museums. The three dogs are friendly and good to have around. We really enjoyed our stay and couldn’t recommend this place enough.
Wow! What a really wonderful review to read this morning. Thank you so much. You really summed up the kind of guests we dont want at TSGG in your opening line! And of course, you guys are exactly our kind of people and the perfect sort of guests - those that feel at home enough to be super comfortable but spoilt enough to know that you are on vacay and can relax and indulge! It was my absolute pleasure to feed you all - great appetites and clean plates are a cooks best friend! Looking forward to seeing you all again - the gates of The Secret Garden will always be open for you... much love Hx
