Stephen - April 2018 - Airbnb
This was our second year staying at Surfside Gardens. We absolutely love the place and the beautiful surroundings. The stress of daily life just melts away. Highly recommended!
Hung - March 2018 - VRBO
Will remember one of best places we have stayed in Virgin Islands. Love the view over the vast ocean from the deck whether it was sunny, stormy or under moonlight. The waves, the sounds, the breeze, the bird singing, the sails would not be forgotten in our memory. The location of the villa is perfect as it is at a central location. Heather was very responsive to all of our requests and needs. Will stay here again for the next visit when the island fully recover from Irma.
Carie - March 2018 - Airbnb
Surfside Gardens was amazing! The house is beautiful and the views are gorgeous! Mark and Heather were great hosts and were available to help us at any time! We loved cooking at night in the beautiful kitchen while listening to the waves crash, and we had everything we needed to make any meal. I would highly recommend this place!!!
Sarah - March 2018 - VRBO
The view from Surfside Gardens is truly spectacular. The decor is very tastefully arty and the whole place is well-appointed and well equipped. Heather is a wonderful, helpful and generous host, and we would recommend their homes to everyone and anyone. Thanks for all your help and the beautiful accommodations both before and after our charter!
Conrad - February 2018 - VRBO
What a great way to kick-start our vacation! My wife and I stayed at Surfside Gardens for 3 spectacular nights to ease into our 10 day sailing trip... and ease in we did! The place matches the pictures in every way. The incredible privacy that Surfside Gardens provides is exactly what we were looking for... and yet Road Town was only a 10 minute drive if we needed to stock up or go out for dinner. Its a true "open air" layout, which made the privacy that much more special. The place is a gem and has all of the amenities of a premium vacation rental, blended with a feel of being "at home". It was just the 2 of us, however the place can comfortably accommodate another couple (or kids) as it has a 2nd bedroom with its own separate bathroom.Upon booking, the owner Heather graciously helped us with all of our logistics enquiries like ferry schedules from St Thomas, car rental, restaurant choices, and things to see and do on the island. She then met us on arrival - actually helped us with our grocery run - and then guided us to our place. A car rental is a must (but make sure is 4 wheel drive as you will need it to get to the house). It was truly a turnkey way to stay, relaxing from the minute you arrive.. Even with a fabulous 10 day sailing adventure awaiting us, it was tough to leave after our 3 days were over. We highly recommend Surfside Gardens to anyone looking for, or accustomed to, premium accommodations.
Laurie - July 2017 - VRBO
Wow! I could not have envisioned a more awe inspiring setting for some very much needed rest and relaxation along with spurts of adventure. We,along with our 20 year old and 16 year old sons, felt very comfortable and at home. After flying to St. Thomas and spending one night at the Windward Passage Hotel, we took the Roadtown Fast Ferry to Tortola. If you get sea sick, take your motion sickness medicine in advance of your departure. Our hostess, Heather, met us at the grocery store following our provisioning, and graciously led the way to her house upon our arrival. She gave us some key tips to making our stay pleasant. We loved the open air floor plan which permitted us to be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the waves, frogs, and cicadas. We were awoken each morning by singing birds and a glorious sunrise. The absence of A/C added to the experience. We rented a Jeep through Dee Dee's Rentals which allowed us to drive without reservation. Watch out for goats, sheep, and cattle that walk along the winding roads.Greet all the folks you meet along the way with a smile and salutation. The evening breezes and picturesque views brought much serenity as we cooked evening meals in the kitchen or grilled in the garden. We had lunch out on most days. The Fish and Lime, Captain Mulligans, Scrub Island (which include a free ferry trip over), Pusser's Club at Frenchman's Cay, The Tamarind Club, and Sebastian's. We found the best service at Scrub Island and Pusser's. The most delicious food at the Fish and Lime and the Tamarind Club. We snorkeled a few times at Cooten Bay, the beach just below the house. We also enjoyed snorkeling Smugglers Cove and swimming at Lava Flow. Our sons dove on two occasions with Blue Water Divers out of Nanny Cay and had an exceptionally memorable experience. They dove the RMS Rhone and off Norman Island. One of my most memorable days was exploring the "jungle" around the house; climbing the path along the lingering waterfall and enjoying the ruins. Many snails, hermit crabs, lizards, and birds inhabit the forest. We love nature and the outdoors along with the finer things in life. Surfside Gardens at Cooten Bay and the island of Tortola fulfilled our expectations. Get ready for an experience of a lifetime! Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Chapman.
Marc - July 2017 - Airbnb
Where to start? The photos on Airbnb had us very excited, and we actually felt that they didn't do the home justice. The view, the gardens, the amenities - especially the outdoor shower, everything about the house cause a constant struggle between exploring such a gorgeous set of islands, or just staying on the porch listening to tunes and napping all day. Heather is a super communicator and was very responsive to every question and requested recommendation we had from our first inquiry about their home through to our last day. We had a great trip and a large part had to do with the fact that we had such an enjoyable home to stay in. Thank you, Heather and Mark!
Catherine - February 2017 - VRBO
Here I am, a few days after our island hopping vacation visiting Puerto Rico, Tortola and St. Thomas and I realize that it was probably our best vacation ever with our stay at 'Surfside Gardens' the highlight. To say it was transformative is an understatement. I particularly was awestruck by the views of both ocean and jungle which totally surround you with privacy and tranquility. Being an avid gardener myself, I appreciated the amount of work that went into creating this lush, colorful gorgeous tropical paradise complete with hummingbirds and butterflies. I particularly loved the open air aspect of the villa. We never closed the door or bar window once during our stay, and were never bothered by bugs either. The offshore breezes kept it most pleasant. There are screens on the bedroom doors which is nice. We never slept better on our whole vacation. A short walk down the hillside toward the shore, you can find old ruins complete with cannon. It is a magical place - one needn't be a child to be enthralled by it all. Heather and Mark have done a remarkable job creating a comfortable, rustic, yet sophisticated vacation villa,beautifully decorated with many unique features including a well-equipped kitchen. As a hostess,Heather is gracious, helpful, accessible and interesting, loaded with lots of useful information to make your stay memorable. All in all, Surfside Gardens was an amazing place to stay as is the whole island of Tortola. We will never forget it!
Sarah - January 2017 - VRBO
We were only coming for a couple of days at the end of several days of island hopping, but was blown away by the beauty and peaceful surroundings we found at the Surfside Gardens. Simply spectacular, and the house was the nicest of our entire trip. Quite the special place, for anyone wanting to unplug and relax.
Erin - November 2016 - VRBO
My husband and I had the pleasure of staying at Surfside Gardens Oct 29 - Nov 4 for our anniversary. Let me start by saying the property and the house are gorgeous and well-maintained. The views from the property are picturesque and absolutely breathtaking. The house has a fully equipped kitchen with all of the appliances, pots, pans and utensils you could need. The bathrooms are lovely and complete with plenty of towels. As beautiful as the house and surroundings are, what truly made our stay unforgettable was the hospitality of the owners. Just as other travelers have written, Heather was amazing from the day we first inquired about the property throughout the duration of our stay. She treated us like family! She guided us with helpful information every step of the way - from our ferry travel, to our rental car, our excursions and restaurant choices, and so much more. Her son guided us from the ferry dock to the house and she even had groceries waiting for us at the house on the evening of our arrival! There are plenty of maps and a folder at the house provided by the owners with information on the island and excursions - which we found extremely helpful. This truly is a special place and we would recommend it to any who are considering visiting the area. Thank you Heather for an unforgettable anniversary week!
Brianna - August 2016 - Airbnb
We loved staying at Surfside Gardens at Cooten Bay! Mark's wife, Heather, met us in town and led us to the house- this helped tremendously since many of the roads were winding. It was very close to town and we loved how accessible the beaches were. The house itself is beautiful! My husband and I really enjoy the open concept of the upstairs. Our favorite thing was to sit on the porch in the evening and listen to the birds and wildlife. The porch was also a great place to sit and enjoy watching the rain come in. Our stay was not long enough, and we will definitely be returning! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Caleb - August 2016 - Airbnb
Mark and Heather's place is nothing shy of amazing. I booked this place for my entire family and they treated us like we where family. Heather was very helpful, suggesting things to do and was more than accommodating. This trip could not have been what it was without her help. The house description is perfect and even better in person. Heather even has a list of things typed and listed in a binder inside the living room. This was home away from home in a very quite and beautiful location. We where able to do all the activities we planned and even more because we where given instruction on how to properly plan for everything. I couldn't recommend this place anymore for anyone who is looking for a relaxed time in a very beautiful location. My parents where trilled and are already talking about going back to BVI. A trip is only as amazing as the people that make it what it is. Thank you for the opportunity to let us stay at an indcrible place. You truly have an amazing place for a great price. It was worth every moment.
Jennifer - April 2016 - Airbnb
This location by far exceeded our expectations! The pictures just do not capture how amazing this spot is. Between an amazing surf break entirely to ourselves, the open air shower overlooking the forest and gardens, and falling asleep to the sound of waves... nothing could compare with the ambiance of Surfside Gardens at Cooten Bay. The home is a bit off the beaten track, which provided us a ton of privacy, while still allowing us to access a number of other well traveled restaurants/beaches etc. within a 15-20 minute drive. The Chapman's were also fantastic hosts! They worked with us to make the switch over as easy as possible (despite travel delays on our end), and gave fantastic advice on meet-up spots, grocery stores, restaurants, tour companies, you name it. They provided an informational booklet with everything you could want to know about the property and surrounding area including information about the ruins on the premises (so cool!), where to access beach and snorkel gear, and much more. They were prompt, responsive, and always available to assist or answer questions. We as adventure seekers were 100% satisfied, our more laid back and less travel savvy parents were 100% satisfied, and we will certainly look to book this property again in the future.
Lisa - April 2016 - VRBO
This house and location are PERFECT. Being familiar with the island, I wanted a place that was secluded yet close to town and Brewers Bay, Lava Flows, and Josiah's Bay (my favorite beaches - less tourists... Or NO tourists and beautiful.). Surfside gardens is this exact location! The panoramic view shows nothing, NOTHING except green jungle and blue oceans with islands in the background. There in amazing ruin a very short walk away that is super fun to check out. The drive to town is no more than 10 minutes, which is amazing for this island! So, you are secluded and yet can get where you want quickly. Heather is amazing - so kind and gracious with this home. The house has EVERYTHING you could possibly need and more. Fully stocked kitchen, beautiful appliances, beach chairs, a cooler, ice packs in the fridge, boogie (sp?) boards, guides to the island, everything!. My family and I loved it and will definitely stay again on our next visit back!
Jeannine - April 2016 - VRBO
We just returned from a fabulous week in Tortola. First of all, Surfside Gardens is magnificent. Heather is helpful from the day you book to the day you depart. She offered so much information to help us plan a trip of a lifetime. All details were taken care of to make our arrival easy and relaxing. Heather had our kitchen stocked and met us at the ferry upon our arrival. The house is UNBELIEVABLE! From the open air floor plan and beautiful décor, the attention to detail is evident everywhere. The views from the balcony are spectacular and the landscaping is simpy beautiful. The quiet one acre private lot is surrounded by a tropical forrest that will leave you breathless. Other recommendations are to use Kevin (taxi in St. Thomas), rent private catamaran tours to The Baths and Jost Van Dyke (Aristocat Charters). See the beaches of Lava Flow, Long Bay on Beef Island, Smuggler's Cove...Lava Flow is close to the house and was our favorite! Eat at Tamarind Club, Fish n Lime (favorite) Sharky's and The Loose Mongoose.
Lindsay - March 2016 - Airbnb
Surfside Gardens was breathtaking! We had the most wonderful time using the fully- equipped kitchen and enjoying the most beautiful view on the island. It was absolutely heaven on earth! Heather was the most incredible host. She was always available if we needed her. She gave us so many suggestions on where to eat and what to do on the island. Our trip was more enjoyable because of her hospitality and amazing home. My favorite part of staying there was waking up and walking around the gardens, viewing the tropical plants all while sipping coffee and having the blue water as the background. the pictures don't do this place justice! There is absolutely no better place to rent on the island than Surfside Gardens! - Russ and Lindsay
Ed - Feb 2016 - VRBO
Just can't thank Heather and Mark enough for their heartwarming welcome! At every turn, their attention to detail is evident. When you aren't struck by the sheer beauty of the views, you are fully impressed with Heather's green thumb. As a family that likes to cook- we found the kitchen well equipped. A car is a must for the short drives to really pretty beaches. You can' t help but feel that this place is carved right out of a rainforest - and yet so tastefully done. Thank you again, Ed
Stephan - Feb 2016 - Airbnb
We spent 10 days in Surfside Gardens and enjoyed every single minute. Travelling with our 2 grown-up daughters we didn´t miss anything and the 2 bedrooms were perfect. You feel the loving hand of the owners behind each piece of furniture or the way of decorating. We also loved the beautiful bathrooms with the artfully handcrafted sinks and the rainforrest-view shower. The kitchen is so well equipped that it was a pleasure to cook and we had hard times deciding wether to eat at the big table on the spacious terrace, at the bar between kitchen and terrace or at the picnic-table in the garden. As the property is situated right above the ocean the only thing you hear are the waves and the sounds of the rainforrest and you can hardly see any of the very few houses that are also located on the hillside. Getting to the house and around on the island we do absolutly recommend a 4-wheel-drive with which you can for example drive right down to the closest sandy beach "Lava Flow"/ "Rogues Bay". The Chapmans were the perfect hosts. The service of picking us up at the airport and taking us to the rental car the next day was highly appreciated. We´d love to come back and fully recommend this amazing house for a perfect vaccation. Thank you very much for having us!
Magnus - Jan 2016 - Airbnb
We kind of want to write down our experience and keep this gem to ourselves but don't want to do that to our lovely hosts! Fantastic house with a breathtaking view. Features all the commodities you need and the best kitchen and cooking experience around. We have travelled around the world and this is one of the best experiences ever. Note that a 4x4 is good to have
Elizabeth - Dec 2015 - VRBO
We had a fantastic week at Surfside Gardens! The Chapmans are gracious hosts, and have stocked the house with everything we needed for cooking/baking and entertaining ourselves for our stay. Heather very helpfully forwarded links and information for nearby activities and services in advance of our stay. The location of the house is gorgeous, and is quite private. There are beautiful views from the decks, and the terraced garden. A four-wheel drive car is essential (as for most every place on Tortola). The photos are very true to this lovely property. We were close to many stunning beaches, none of which are crowded. In all, we had an ideal vacation in this comfortable, well-equipped and beautiful house!
Cheryl - Dec 2015 - VRBO
That me start by saying Heather and Mark go above and beyond to make your stay fantastic. Their communication is excellent. My questions were answered very quickly and sent us lots of useful information. Heather even did some food shopping for us. What a great service that was. Heather recommended Kevin to pick us up at ST Thomas airport and take us to the ferry. This proved invaluable. Our flight was delayed and Heather and Kevin stayed in contact with each other trying to get us on a ferry to Tortola. There happened to be a 6 o'clock ferry, which we made. Heather was at the ferry waiting for us and took us to the house. We were so glad she took us to the house because it was dark. The house is more beautiful in person, even in the dark. Heather gave us a tour. Being able to open up the sliders and listen to the waves was very relaxing. In the morning we really explored the house. The kitchen was very well equipped. There even was dishwasher detergent. There is a wine rack with wine for your enjoyment. The deck had one of the most gorgeous views. We enjoyed eating breakfast there and relaxing at night after a day of exploring. The master bedroom was very comfortable. There was a screen door you can keep open. The bathroom is a very good size. It was stocked with soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash and toilet paper. The second bedroom had 2 beds. There is an outdoor shower and tub. This is where I took my showers, a highlight of my trip. I miss the views while showering. The grounds are beautiful. You can see the care they took with the outside area. Heather arranged a rental car for us after I was having problems getting through. She picked us up at the house and took us there. So grateful to her for helping us out. We walked to the old fort ruins and pebble beach. Such a fascinating area. It is hard to walk on the beach at high tide with all the rocks. There is a small sandy area you can swim. I did go in the water, but it was very rough and didn't stay in long. A short drive from the house is Lava Flow beach. What a beautiful beach. We spent several days there bodysurfing. Another highlight of our trip. We spent a day at Virgin Gorda. If you go there don't miss Hog's Heaven restaurant, the view and food is incredible. We like traveling and trying different locations. After staying here we can't wait to go back. Next time for a much longer stay. We would recommend renting at least an AWD vehicle, the roads can be tricky.
Kim - Nov 2015 - Airbnb
My second Airbnb experience and this one has me hooked. Not only was the villa even more picturesque than the website described, the host was extremely helpful and accommodating throughout the planned travel, delayed flights, assisting us to get to the appropriate ferry station by a recommended taxi driver, ensuring we had a rental car waiting for us at the appropriate ferry dock, escorting us during a rain storm and purchasing us items at the supermarket at no additional cost to ensure we had the best opportunity to make the most of our time while on the island. The view from the bedroom window each morning was something I will never forget. We took the suggestion to explore the extremely private sandy beach near the villa one morning and enjoyed a very quiet walk and swim in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable. Thanks to Heather for making our stay memorable and we hope to be able to visit again in the future!
Kristine - Oct 2015 - Airbnb
My boyfriend and I loved the home and especially the view!! Definitely a good idea to rent a car. We also recommend going to lava rock beach nearby. When we went, we were the only people there and it was perfect. Heather was exceptional and more helpful than I could have hoped for. She bent over backwards to accommodate us and make sure we had the best possible experience! I have nothing but great things to say about the place, the view and the host. We encountered a few Mosquitos so packing bug spray on the trip is a good idea. We hope to go back again in the future!
Meredi - Sep 2015 - VRBO
I want to be back there right now!!! This place is amazing. My husband booked the place for our honeymoon- he kept it a surprise until we actually walked in the door. I was blown away. The house was beautifully decorated, perfect clean, and consistently had the wonderful ocean breeze whisping thru the kitchen. We loved the trail to the beach, the outdoor shower, the open air construction, and the easy access to other beautiful beaches and islands. Heather provided a kayak and snorkeling gear when we realized we had none and answered every question of ours that we had so quickly. Our favorite outings were Virgin Gorda and Peter Island. I loved sipping my coffee in morning, watching sailboats go by and enjoying the fresh breeze blow by. You absolutely need a vehicle if you're headed here- but it is absolutely worth the extra cash. Driving is interesting here- but you mostly get used to it! I need another honeymoon!!! Thank you, Heather, for a wonderful stay!
Denny - Sep 2015 - Airbnb
The service and the attention to detail from Heather, Mark and Tom was impeccable. They made us feel very welcome. They provided lots of very helpful information about the house, the area and what to do. The house is beautiful. Very private. This is the first time the pictures of a rental property accurately portrayed the property. A beautiful beach was a 5 minute drive and it mostly just us on the beach. You may see a few people on occasion. The beach (Lava Flow) was like a small Megan's Bay on St. Thomas without the commercialization. Soft sand, no rocks, crystal blue water.
Pking -Aug 2015 - VRBO
We stayed in Surfside Gardens in August and couldn't recommend it highly enough. The house is beautiful with spectacular views of the ocean. A true caribbean experience! The upstairs is all open plan living and kitchen area which opens into a balcony looking onto the sea. The kitchen is very well equipped and makes cooking at home a pleasure! Both bedrooms open onto a terrace and are lovely and breezy. The bathrooms are spa worthy with an open air shower and bath. The property is ideally located, only a 10 min drive to road town, the centre of tortola, where there are many excellent restaurants, bars and shops. Communications with Heather and Tom were seamless and they were more than accommodating and helpful. Couldn't recommend this property more for a laid-back, blissful caribbean getaway! Thanks Again for making our trip so memorable!
Mark - Aug 2015 - Airbnb
The Surfside Gardens home is a place that I'd like to remain a secret because I don't want it to be booked when I return. Unfortunately, I have a strong feeling that it will be. The home is new, beautiful, private, and most importantly, peaceful. My family and I were fortunate enough to spend 1 week at Surfside and enjoyed it thoroughly. We highly recommend this home to anyone seeking tranquility and cleanliness. Beautiful homes are not hard to find on AirBnB nor is this location more extravagant than other tourist destinations. The difference with Surfside Gardens that makes this place rise above other properties, however, are the owners. They were, by a landslide, the most accommodating and nicest hosts I have ever encountered when booking through AirBnB. They went out of their way many times to ensure our stay was comfortable and enjoyable, which made my family and I feel very welcome. I highly recommend this property to other travelers while in the BVI. If you do reserve this home, be sure to seek out the historical ruins that are just below the house. Just one more perk to this already fabulous place.
Jill W - July 2015 - VRBO
This is a beautiful house, with a fantastic view. It exceeded our expectations, and while the photos here are great, everything is better in person. How wonderful to wake up to the sound of the sea and the views of the islands around. The house is so private, yet so open. We loved it. We were often slow to leave and go out because it was so easy to lounge around on the breezy balcony and read, drink coffee, and admire the flowers. Our hosts were terrific. Heather and I corresponded a few times before our arrival, and she sent along detailed suggestions for things to do on the island, and there was a helpful list in the house as well. Tom warmly met us at the ferry dock even after our ferry was late. He offered to do some shopping for us and provided us with the best bread from Family Bakery -- we ended up buying more--it was so good. He showed us around the house, including the magical treehouse, and enthusiastically encouraged us to go check out the cool cannons down at the ruins at the beach below the house. He was very responsive during the few times I had questions, and our whole experience with him and the house was great. We did some cooking, and grilled some chicken on the brick barbecue. The house is beautifully designed, clean and well-stocked with everything we needed, even toiletries. The bedrooms are comfortable and open to the breezes, and the bathrooms have gorgeous stone showers. There is plenty of room, plenty of closet space. As I had read from another guest, there is a sweet neighbor dog who came to visit a couple of days. We visited Lava Flow beach down the steep road and we were the only ones there. It was perhaps the most gorgeous beach we've ever seen. For sure, do not miss the amazing ruins! There's a lot more there than you might think! We visited other beaches on the island, took a day sail with the Kuralu, and took the ferry to Virgin Gorda. Thank you for sharing your gorgeous home with us. We look forward to returning.
Kevin - June 2015 - Airbnb
We booked the Surfside Gardens at Cooten Bay for our honeymoon. Like all honeymooners we wanted a beautiful view and total privacy, which is exactly what we found! The whole house opens up to the ocean breezes and the sound of the waves. There's inside and outside showers, a beautiful kitchen (we cooked in a lot) and visiting dog we named Sophie. She's a cute, wiggly and super friendly pup who'd show up around dinner...she has a liking for cheese. You'll also find beach chairs, snorkeling gear and beach towels! Our host's, Mark and Heather, were fabulous! They were quick to reply to any questions we had about ferry services, beaches, 4x4 rentals, restaurants, and charting a boat to visit the nearby islands. Heather greeted us at the docks when we arrived and gave us the tour of the house...the way family would when you visit! Thank you again Mark and Heather and we hope to see you again...maybe in a few months when the winter swells come in!
Dana C - June 2015 - VRBO
My husband and I visited this new, beautiful, clean, stone villa which is in a very peaceful setting tucked away on the hillside overlooking the gorgeous water and mountains. The home was well equipped with sheets, puffy big pillows, bath towels, beach towels, beach chairs, blow dryer, iron and ironing board, and all the usual items in the kitchen-even ice blocks and a cooler for the beach. Heather was friendly and provided detailed information about car rentals, ferries, day sails, directions, etc. She made sure to let us know she would be on call if needed, but we didn't need her. You definitely need a 4-wheel drive vehicle to get up the steep roads-especially the unpaved ones! We loved exploring the island for beaches, beach-side action, sights, and food. The old ruins and pebble beach down from the villa was a favorite spot, and so was the secret, private beach (Lava Flow/Rogue's Beach) which was a few minutes drive from the villa. We also enjoyed Cane Bay with its fun beach bars. Our favorite restaurant was in the West End with 2- levels of European ambiance and flair. Many happy memories made! Thank you!
Jessie P - May 2015 - VRBO
Our group of 6 friends couldn't have been happier with our stay. From the moment I was interested in booking the property, Heather and Mark went above and beyond to help with everything from travel arrangements to restaurant recommendations. As we were celebrating two birthdays in our group, Heather even arranged for a birthday cake to be waiting at the home upon our arrival. This kind of service is beyond what we have received even in some of the nicest hotels. The home itself is remote - it's a solid 10 minute drive to the main road. Aside from a crew working on the road, we never saw another person anywhere near the property. The views from every room are absolutely incredible and a constant breeze keeps the home cool. Just make sure not to leave the windows open with the lights on for an extended period of time. We made that mistake and had a slight bug issue, but that was our fault and totally avoidable. Our group was comprised of 6 adults, but we all fit comfortably with 2 in each bedroom, one on the couch bed, and one on the rollaway cot. We spent most of our time in the home sitting on the balcony off the kitchen/living room, enjoying the views and planning our days. As much as we would've been perfectly happy just hanging out at the house, we also enjoyed spending our days at the nearby Josiah's Bay beach and the swim-up bar at the Tamarind Club (go for brunch). By the end of our time there, the house felt like home. We are all still raving about our trip 2 months later and can't wait to return.
Christine M - April 2015 - VRBO
New, quaint, lovely home with magnificent views! Owners were incredibly helpful--they offered valuable information, suggested appropriate tours for our family (with four young children), and assisted us from the ferry dock. We ventured daily with ease from this home to areas around Tortola and to other islands in the BVI. The breezes at Cooten Bay are delightful. Thank you for sharing your home with us!
Cheri - April 2015 - VRBO
Surfside Gardens is amazingly beautiful. As previous reviews have said, the house is brand new, and it has been beautifully constructed and decorated. We traveled with our 2 teenagers and this villa's location in the middle of the island was perfect for an assortment of activities including surf lessons, swimming with dolphins ,and sailing off to Norman Island for a snorkeling trip. The nearby "lava flow beach" is spectacular. The owners were incredibly helpful in identifying restaurants and activities. They even lent my husband clothes when his bag did not arrive on our plane!
Cynthia - April 2015 - VRBO
If you are looking for peace and quiet, then you have to rent Surfside Gardens overlooking Cooten Bay. This island retreat provides privacy, plenty of space for four, a chef’s kitchen, complimentary bottles of wine, and a stunning view from the Atlantic side of Tortola. The house is new and well-made. The furnishings, floorplan, colors and linens are quintessential Caribbean. There is plenty of room on the main floor for entertaining indoors or outdoors, with a huge kitchen equipped with everything you would need. The interior and exterior blend seamlessly, so one should not expect (nor will you need) air conditioning other than the sea breeze. We stayed for four nights and we never saw or heard another person or car while we were there. We did, however, meet the sweetest island dog from up the road. You must not be shy about driving on the left or putting the vehicle in 4WD, although it isn’t absolutely necessary to do so. If you’re looking for a nearby sandy beach, go no further than Rogue’s Bay (aka Lavaflow), which is the next bay over and a short 5 minute drive. We went there twice and had it to ourselves both times. We look forward to staying at Surfside Gardens on our next trip to the BVI.
Lauren - March 2015 - Flipkey
Spectacular house with amazing hosts! Our vacation exceeded all expectations. As others have noted, owners Heather and Mark go above and beyond to ensure a great stay: Heather met us at the Road Town ferry dock and guided us to the house (with a stop to pick up our rental car - a 4 wheel drive is a must). She pointed out areas of interest and gave a history of the island along the way while calling the West End ferry dock to help locate two missing bags. Bags were located and Mark went to fetch them for us. I mean, really, where else can you get that kind of service. From the moment you begin communication, it's like you're dealing with the best of friends or family. The House! The pictures are beautiful, but reality is breathtaking. The attention to detail (wrought iron door handles, indigenous stone, folding wood/glass doors and windows, a pot filler over the stove, pantry staples, wine in the wine rack and beer in the fridge!) makes it hard to believe this house was built as a rental property. Magnificent views abound! We stayed comfortably with 3 kids, ages 15, 12 and 8. Fall asleep with the sound of the surf and wake up to beautiful sunrises. Take a shower or bath in the OUTDOOR shower. Gorgeous gardens surround the home. There is a tree house on the property. So fun! Had a great time exploring the pebble beach and the ruins. While we did lots of exploring on the island, we would have been just as content hanging at the house. Absolute bliss! Our only complaint is we had to leave!
Eddie - Feb 2015 - VRBO
This place is amazing! Heather and Mark were the perfect hosts and far more attentive than I was expecting/have experienced before. I can't wait to go back. Thanks again.
Jesserb - Feb 2015 - VRBO
This place is incredible! The pictures don't do it justice. The owners Mark and Heather are awesome. She took the time to pick us up at the airport and have dinner and breakfast ready for our late arrival. I can't wait to go back!
Micheal B - Feb 2015 - VRBO
Our entire stay here was perfect and couldn't have asked for better communication with heather and mark. The house speaks for itself but the hospitality was phenomenal.
Luke - Jan 2015 - Airbnb
We absolutely loved this cozy and homey cottage! It is a very special place and the secluded setting inside the forest and garden with the ocean view and waves nearby is fantastic. The living room and kitchen open up to the deck and it feels like you are living in nature. It's possible that the power may go out occassionally, which is part of island living. The road to get there is quite steep and windy, but offers some fantastic views and lends to the privacy...not many people will be coming down that road.
Mark and Heather were very quick to respond to our inquiries and were very helpful in providing local guidance.
We would highly recommend this cottage for a relaxing island getaway and we hope to visit again someday.
Mark and Heather were very quick to respond to our inquiries and were very helpful in providing local guidance.
We would highly recommend this cottage for a relaxing island getaway and we hope to visit again someday.
The Hendrick Family - Jan 2015 - VRBO
We had been planning our week long sailing trip in the BVI for months, so I am not sure why we waited so long to arrange the accommodations for our two nights in Tortola before boarding our boat. We were so lucky that this beautiful villa was completed ahead of schedule allowing us to secure dates when most other places were already booked. From the beginning, communications with the owners were excellent. Responses to our inquiries were almost immediate. Heather and Mark really bent over backwards to help us. They offered lots of great travel advice and met us upon arrival to escort us to the villa. Heather even picked up a vegetable order that I had ordered in advance and had it waiting in the refrigerator upon our arrival. When it was time to go, my husband asked if she could direct him to the rental car agency, and she offered to return the car herself!! They really were amazing hosts, and we enjoyed meeting them. Now, about the villa!! We were all almost giddy with excitement when we first approached the property. Our teenagers raced around the place, and instantly fell in love with the tree house! We were thrilled that the property looked even BETTER than in the photos (and we thought it looked pretty fabulous on line!). Everything about it was wonderful. The colors are great, the decor is tasteful, and it was clean and fresh. We loved the open air concept, but were happy we could button up when the rain came. The bathrooms were a treat, and the closet space was awesome. The kitchen was well equipped. It was such a nice touch to have some basic pantry items. The kids took advantage of the games and puzzles. We also appreciated the washer and dryer. The view of the bay was absolutely stunning. We enjoyed the short hike to the rocky beach and the ruins just below the property. Even better was the amazing Lava Flow beach that was a short drive away. Over the course of our sailing trip we stopped at many incredible beaches, but this remained one of our favorites. We swam and body surfed for hours and enjoyed watching the surfers. Overall, this house was perfect for us. Our only regret was that we did not have more time to enjoy this amazing property. The gardens surrounding the villa were an unexpected bonus. It was clear that a lot of care had been put into the beautiful landscaping. I would love to see it in 2, 5, 10 years time to watch all of the flowers and fruit trees mature. I guess we will have to return!! Thank you again for everything!!
Maria - Jan 2015 - VRBO
As a frequenter of Tortola I decided to stay at Surfside Gardens because of its proximate location to Road Town and some of my favorite beaches including Trunk Bay and Josiahas Bay. But the location was not the defining feature of this villa. When I walked in I immediately felt at home and comfortable, the space was so well constructed and everything had a purpose that the place was the epitome of efficiency. The black appliances contrasted perfectly with the dark teal kitchen, all of which had a modern appeal, and cooking became a fun past time because it was such a nice space to move around in and had everything a kitchen possibly needs! We spent a lot of time on the balcony, overlooking islands to the north enjoying the sound of the waves and the breeze in the hot air. The view was absolutely picturesque, one of the nicest I have seen in Tortola and having it right outside made the experience surreal. That was another major plus of the home, the French doors in every room and wide windows brought the outdoors inside. The set of doors in the bedrooms really creating a relaxing experience, and the grand closet space decreased any clutter so we could really enjoy the space. The bathrooms connected to each bedroom are remarkable in their own ways. There is an outdoor spa bathroom which is amazing in the evening as the solar lights in the garden sprinkle the ground with lights while the sky is glittered with stars. The bathroom connected to the master bedroom is well designed and adds to the appeal of the villa. The gardens surround the house and add to the colorful ambiance and natural appeal of the home. One night we used the barbeque which was outfitted with all the necessities and had a great meal under the stars. Overall I was surprised by the perfection of the design of this villa. Nothing is missing and if you do find yourself in need the family that owns the villa are just a phone call away. The Chapmans were incredibly kind and accommodating the entire time so I never felt stranded. Overall it was a great experience staying there, and I would highly recommend it to everyone, whether it is just a couple or a family with children. It made my trip to Tortola incredibly memorable.
Fern and Joe - Dec 2014 - VRBO
I do not know where to start, we had such an amazing time here... We were already in Tortola but the owner came to pick us up from where we were originally staying and took us to the property. Heather and Mark (the owners) communicated well with us leading up to our stay and even left us some cool provisions to welcome us. Such as, coffee, tea, sugar and some yummy little jams. They were very contactable throughout our stay and so helpful. We were dying to have a shower after lots of hours of travelling, so it was the first thing we did and WOW, they are amazing! It looks even better in real life than it did in the pictures. We absolutely loved the fact that there was a wine rack full of wines, which meant we could chill out on the balcony on our very first night with a nice glass of wine at no extra charge. We work from home, so found it fantastic that we were still able to work while here due to getting a WiFi connection, which by BVI standards was actually very speedy... In fact, it was quicker than our own internet at home in England. There was a beach two minutes away on foot, which I assume is a fantastic spot for surfers... But being sandy beach sunseekers, we found it much more satisfying walking a little bit further (about 10 minutes) to an absolutely beautiful unspoilt beach (Lava Flow) which we have since found out is the favourite secret beach of many that live here. We went there a few times and were the only couple there, except for one, who was there having a jog. We are very passionate cooks, very rarely do we feel satisfied cooking in other kitchens but we immediately felt excited to cook, especially as there was a great herb rack and a massive oven to use. There is nothing better than eating a meal on the balcony as the sun goes down with a nice glass of FREE wine. Just looking out the window is jaw-dropping.. The main view is an unobstructed view across the sea towards another island which I believe is Guana. It is so beautiful, especially sitting on the balcony watching the surfers and seeing all the boats go by. Just several minutes away by car, is the main town where we found lots of activities such as boat trips to various islands, shops, cafe's and supermarkets. This was our first trip to the Caribbean, staying here at Surfside Gardens, made it absolutely perfect and we will most definitely be returning. Thanks for having us :-) x