Vacation Rentals by Owner

The Perfect South Coast Villa

Guest: Dave (Denver, CO)
Date of Stay: 03/19/12 Review Submitted: 05/19/12

My wife and I and our 13 year old son spent 13 nights at Mark and Susyn’s South Coast villa in March and we could not have asked for a more comfortable or better-located place to stay. As others have previously pointed-out, public transit to anywhere on the island is just outside the front door. A number of restaurants, banks, groceries and other shops are within walking distance, both down the beach or along the road. There is good snorkeling around the jetty, just off the beach out the back gate and two very nice beaches in either direction as you step onto the boardwalk. The views from the villa must be experienced to be appreciated and you’d have to camp on the beach to be any closer to the ocean. All in all, a most memorable Barbados vacation, thanks in large part to Mark and Susyn’s unforgettable villa by the sea!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Jan 28- Feb7, 2012

Guest: Mom (Toronto)
Date of Stay: 01/28/12 Review Submitted: 02/07/12

I couldn't make it due to a last minute medical situation, but the couple we usually travel with went and loved it. Location is everything. And the apartment was great. We've already booked it for February of 2013. The luxury of booking for however many nights you want is definitely a plus.

Recommended for:Age 55+

Family Christmas Vacation

Guest: NovaScotiaCanada (Nova Scotia Canada)
Date of Stay: 12/19/11 Review Submitted: 02/27/12

This villa was perfect! It was our first trip to Barbados, but not our last. We loved being so close to the beach, especially enjoyed the sunsets from the balcony. The villa was spacious, two bedrooms each with a separate bathroom gave us lots of room for my husband and I and our 2 teenage children. Villa was exactly as described. Loved everything about the villa, the privacy, the washer/dryer, the security, beach access, etc. We even made a turkey Christmas day, dinner cooked, while we swam in the waves just outside the back door. The boardwalk deserves special mention - it was so convenient for walking to stores and restaurants, and I went for a run every morning before the kids were up. I would completely recommend this villa, and we can't wait to go back! Thanks for everything!!

Owner response:Kim and Brian, thank you for being our guests and for such kind comments. We look forward to having you as our guests again in the future.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Little piece of paradise

Guest: Polly (north of England)
Date of Stay: 04/18/11 Review Submitted: 05/09/11

my wife and family stayed at the Villa over Easter and had a wonderful time, we were here for our daughters Wedding, which was at The Accra, we found the location to be perfect for both the wedding and for getting around the Island sightseeing. The Villa itself was everything and more than described in the advert. The Easter break was late this year and every other day seemed like another bank Holiday, but the extensive Kitchen allowed us to make our own meals and to be honest made a nice change. My overall memory will be, getting up on a morning with a nice cup of tea and watching the turtles feeding on the reef below, (how very English) the Tea not the turtles.

Owner response:Steve, thank you. If ever you return to our little bit of island paradise, please consider us your home.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A Slice of Heaven

Guest: DJ (Bow, NH USA)
Date of Stay: 04/03/11 Review Submitted: 07/12/11

My wife and I went to Barbados for our anniversary and to celebrate my 50th birthday. We stayed in a very nice hotel on the southern tip for the first week and then moved over to the villa. Two completely different experiences and hard to compare the two but, there was no question where we would stay if we are fortunate to travel to the Island again. South Ocean Villa was perfect in every way for us. The view, location, boardwalk, beach, balconeys, pool deck and did I say view were magnificent. One morning we actually were enjoying the view and my wife spotted a mother and baby whale about 3/4 mile out. That was just one of the many bonuses we enjoyed while staying in the villa. I honestly can not say enough about the location, cleanliness of the unit and ease of doing business with the nice couple that own the unit. Enjoy your stay on the most beautiful island in the caribbean.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Piece of Paradise Randy & Kim Pelee Island, Ontario

Guest: Kim & Randy (Pelee Island, Ontario)
Date of Stay: 01/01/11 Review Submitted: 05/23/11

My husband & I have used VRBO now for 4 years and the most important factor is accuracy in the description so that one is not facing the unexpected. We spent 3 months in Mark and Susyn's condo this past Jan-Mar without one complaint. Mark was excellent to work with and everything described was not only as is, but so much better. The location is perfect for anyone, specially those that do not wish to rent a car. The bus system is great, we used it almost daily and everything that we needed for our extended stay was easily within walking distance. For us, the bonus was being on the boardwalk, which we used daily and the beautiful safe, shallow ocean swimming area, which for me being a non-swimmer, was fantastic. The amenities in the condo, the super people attending the building and the wonderful neighbourhood made our stay worry-free. Thank you, Mark & Susyn for letting us share your beautiful home. Kim & Randy

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Great Location

Guest: Ruby (Michigan/USA)
Date of Stay: 10/31/10 Review Submitted: 11/23/10

Myself and two other adult member of my family stayed at this property from November 1-6, 2010. As the listing description stated, the condo is located on the main highway. It was easy to get public transportation right out side of the condo. We also able to walk to the bank, some food establishments and some shopping was not to far away. The photos accurately reflect the rental's appearance on the internet. We found it to be beautifully decorated, spacious and clean. We were right on the beach - just had to go downstairs and walk out the back gate. There was a boardwalk that was right in back of the condo which was good for strolling or running along the beach. The kitchen was fully equipped and had everything we needed to cook some meals and make wonderful pina coladas in a high speed blender. The washer and dryer on the premises was an added bonsus. No dirty clothes to bring home. Would recommend this property to friends and/or relatives without any reservation. Would be a place for families with children. Would return to this property again myself. Don't miss the Friday night fishfry at nearby boat yard.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car.

The Perfect Getaway

Guest: Patricia (Albany,NY USA)
Date of Stay: 06/21/10 Review Submitted: 07/08/10

This home is everything described and more. The week went too fast. Next time I come to Barbados I am going to stay for at least 2 weeks. This property is located in the most convenient spot. It is near great beaches, shopping and dining experiences. Near the Gap, but not on top of it. No need for a car. Just walk out front and you will be picked up in no time by a mini bus. Getting around is easy. The home is set up to cook up a good meal as well. I loved the kitchen! And did I mention the view?The pictures only tell half the story. Check it out.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Guest: Birgit Cooper (Aurora, Ontario)
Date of Stay: 02/22/10 Review Submitted: 02/22/10

My husband and I just returned from 10 days at this fantastic condo. The facilities are amazing, the views breathtaking. The boardwalk is directly out front with access and is fantastic and so convenient to restaurants, the beach and just exercise. The condo itself is beautifully furnished and has everything you need to spend a glorious vacation in paradise. We will be back.

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Guest: Denise67 (Toronto)
Date of Stay: 02/03/10 Review Submitted: 02/03/10

My family and I stayed in the villa over the Christmas and New Year period. We couldn't have been more pleased. The villa is beautiful, new and spacious. The views are incredible. It really exceeded our expectations. We found the location to be convenient to restaurants but also very peaceful. We much preferred it to the Gap location where we had stayed during our previous visit. The boardwalk is excellent for traveling to beaches and restaurants and buses stop just outside the villa. The pool area is very pleasant with a lovely view of the ocean. We are in the process of booking our next trip back with Mark.

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BARBADOS IN JANUARY

Guest: LOVETOVACATION (CHICAGO)
Date of Stay: 01/08/10 Review Submitted: 08/31/10

This was an excellent condo. Location was perfect unit had everything you need. Easy to get around without a car. Make sure you call Quami for a Island tour. It was excellent!! All suggestions Mark gives you are perfect! Cant wait to make a return trip....

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Guest: Dawn Dines (Exeter UK)
Date of Stay: 08/01/09 Review Submitted: 08/01/09

This was the second time that we had visited Barbados and what a good piece of luck that we managed to contact Mark Tillman and stay in his apartment at Ocean Villas. The accommodation itself was centrally situated, clean, modern, and vey well run as was the booking and service facilities. Thanks Mark for a great stay and we thoroughly recommend you for any future visitors if they don’t book when we visit again - as we definitely will.Dawn Dines

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Guest: Ana5 (Montreal, Quebec)
Date of Stay: 07/28/09 Review Submitted: 07/28/09

This was our first experience staying at a Villa. In the past we have always chosen the all inclusive packages in the hotels. Well...What a difference. A million times better than any of our Hotel stays all over the Caribbean, throughout the many years! Mark and Susyn's Villa is simply beautiful. It's perfectly located right on and around the best beaches and close to everything you could possibly want or need. We were eager to go out and explore all that Barbados has to offer during the day and at night we were equally eager to return to the Villa to enjoy the “comforts of home”. We took advantage of the kitchen and cooked up a storm several evenings during our stay. We rented movies, watched TV and listened to “loud” music (two teenagers). This was our traditional yearly two week getaway with our two kids (14 and 19) . They didn’t complain once of boredom, a first! Their favourite beach was the one on Carlisle Bay in front of the Boat yard. We took the route taxi everywhere from Bridgetown to Oisten’s They’re a great deal at 75 cents per person. They’re crowded with loud music and they go very fast, all part of the island culture and great fun! Without a doubt this was our most fun, relaxing, and comfortable vacation ever. We were disappointed only with one thing…that we had to leave….. none of us were ready to leave after two weeks. We will recommend Mark and Susyn’s Villa to all our family and friends and we will definitely go back as soon as we can.

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Guest: Elizabeth & Adrian (Houston, TX, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/05/09 Review Submitted: 05/05/09

We had a wonderful week at the villa which is even nicer than advertised. Kitchen and washer/dryer were so helpful with a young child. Sunrise view was lovely. Location on boardwalk is a big plus for beach and dining. We would love to stay there again in the future.

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Guest: Robert Schwartz (Montreal, Quebec Canada)
Date of Stay: 12/22/08 Review Submitted: 12/22/08

Mark's Villa was great. We couldn't believe the views from both Balconies; sunrises and sunsets were absolutely incredible. We would rush home from the beach just so we can get happy hour going and watch the sunsets. This place has all the comforts of home; great kitchen (love the blender), bedrooms and very clean and comfortable surroundings. The pool was great and the deck overlooking the ocean is very peaceful. My family and I had an amazing time and we will be coming back 100% in the future. Thanks Mark for everything.

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Guest: Donna Carter
Date of Stay: 10/15/08 Review Submitted: 10/15/08

Overall the propery was as listed and the island was beautiful. We had a wonderful stay. Organizing the rental was quite easy, however our security deposit was never returned nor was our request for an explaination for this. We were rarely in the condo as there were many attractions to visit, so we are still awaiting an answer.

Owner response:The deposit can take up to 30 days to be returned as those on the island "march to a different drummer" on regard to responding to requests as quickly as we do on the mainland. This security deposit was returned wiithin 30 days in full.

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Guest: Donna Carter (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 06/16/08 Review Submitted: 06/16/08

Imagine three ladies going to the Barbados to watch the Superbowl and some NHL hockey at Bert's Bar...we had a blast! The condo was superb, it was everything we imagined an more. It felt like a second home to us. Mark and his staff were amazing in providing us info and service. If you plan to visit, make sure you take in the Osten's fish fry on Friday night, a catamaran ride with Cool Runnings and for a tasteful dinner try the Cliffs restaurant. This was by far our best vacation and we look forward to spending another vacation at this condo! Thanks Mark!

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Guest: William Arthur (NY,NY)
Date of Stay: 03/24/08 Review Submitted: 03/24/08

I was impressed on how quickly Mark T. responded to my inqueries and how helpful he was in answering all our questions about the villa and the island. He sent us his villa guide which was well put together with much useful information. Before we arrived he arranged to have his very helpful staff meet us at the villa and provided us with groceries for our first day. Once we saw the villa and its view, we were VERY pleased. It was everthing advertised and more. The location of the complex was close to many good restaurants and shops. It was also on the main drag so it was easy and inexpensive to move around. The beach was as stated, long and beautiful. There was nothing lacking inside the villa as it had everthing we needed for a great vacation. We will be back to this beautiful island and this super villa. Ps: My wife said to tell you that he even called while we were there to make sure we we had everthing we needed.

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Guest: Laurie Kotak (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada)
Date of Stay: 02/01/08 Review Submitted: 02/01/08

This villa is absolutely wonderful and is everything advertised and more!! This was our 4th visit to this amazing island and we enjoyed staying here so much more than a hotel. The villa is gorgeous and the view, especially the sunsets, is so relaxing! Laying in bed with the sound of the surf and the gentle breeze washing over you is heaven. The onsite staff is terrific and very helpful and I can't imagine anything that could have been better! The Tillmans are terrific hosts! We will be back!

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Guest: Jerry 1 (-)
Date of Stay: 12/31/07 Review Submitted: 12/31/07

What and experience... The South Ocean Villa was everything we could have asked for. Very nice, clean, and well appointed. Beautiful views with all the creature comforts you will need. The owner of the unit was more than helpful. Even sending us an email the first day of our stay to be sure our needs were meet. The entire onsite staff was friendly and accomodating. Great location on the south coast. Beaches, proximity to dinning and shopping. After three visits to Barbados I can say without reservation that the South Ocean Villas were the best yet. I give this unit our full recommendation.

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Guest: Robert Kendra (Rochester, N.Y.)
Date of Stay: 12/29/07 Review Submitted: 12/29/07

I stayed at South Ocean Villa for two weeks in November. Wow, it is EVERYTHING advertised and more. The balcony views are stunning. The Villa itself is very upscale in its amenities and design. The staff was pleasant, helpful, and honest. The area itself is very safe to walk and the close proximity of restaurants, clubs, and stores makes it convienent. The beach is beautiful with a gentle surf, and its fun to walk. The other resorts on the beach are accessable and welcoming. All in all 10 out of 10. Great value for the price.

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Guest: J W1 (Chicago, IL USA)
Date of Stay: 12/20/07 Review Submitted: 12/20/07

I stayed at the villa at the end of November and beginning of December in 2007. The villa is large and has plenty of room. The kitchen is modern and the fridge has a built in icemaker (very useful). The view from the balcony is directly onto the ocean. From the balcony, you can see land to the sides, but the villa is literally in the ocean on an outcrop, which almost makes it surrounded by water. From inside the villa, all you see is ocean. The building property has a large patio which is in the ocean during high tide (not flooded- there is a high wall protecting the patio). The beach in front of the villa was undergoing some construction during my stay, but nice beaches are simply a 5 minute walk away. The building's patio is very large and has plenty of space to lounge the day away. The on-site staff were very friendly. The location is between the west tip of the island and St. Laurence Gap, and both ends are accessible by walking. There are plenty of places to eat and drink within walking distance, and many more with a short cab ride. A full grocery stores is a short cab ride away.

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