Vacation Rentals by Owner

MAGICAL LOCATION

Guest: idealalma (Los Angeles, California)
Date of Stay: 09/23/11 Review Submitted: 09/28/11

I love this place so much and the owners Marcus & Eva are two of the kindest people we ever met; the suite is beautiful and well appointed and that round floating bed, it just pure heaven! We stayed there the weekend of 09/23 to 09/25/11 and everthing was just perfect. The location is just magical and their gardens with a gorgeous hot and cold outdoor shower you have to experience it to believe it; we didn't use the jacuzzi just outside the suite because it wasn't working properly but it didn't affect the beauty of our getaway; on Saturday night the most beautiful rain sounds while getting a massage by Eva (2 hours massage and indulgence I know) but worth it. We are looking forward to return and continue to enjoy this beautiful piece of paradise in this magical property. Thank you so much for your kindness and hope to visit very soon.

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

Words and even pictures can't begin to do justice to this magical place

Guest: JOY! (Planet Earth)
Date of Stay: 01/13/11 Review Submitted: 01/16/11

I am a shaman who teaches earth healing around the world, so I am very attuned to the energy of places. And this place made me gasp in amazement, sigh with pleasure, tear up in wonderment, and laugh with delight. Everywhere you look there is care fully cultivated, breathtaking beauty. Often its whimsical; a purple picnic table sparkling with a glittery sun painted in the center. A life guard tower standing guard over the pool and hot tub - there are two hot tubs btw. One under the stars by the creek, the other under the trees in the gardens. Sometimes the magic is felt but unseen like an intense vortex in the middle of a clearing filled with dandelions, guarded by an ancient tree. I spent an hour there under the stars, the power of the vortex thrumming through me. It has all been created with such high consciousness that it feels like Paramahansa Yoginanda's private meditations gardens in San Diego. The Octagonal temple is filled with wonderous depictions of masters from all faiths, you can lie on the floor surrounded by crystals and sacred objects and look up at the domed ceiling decorated with every being you would want smiling down at you as you meditate. I wandered around a wonderful little valley perfect for weddings and ceremonies, explored stone buildings from the early 1900s, hung over the fence to chat with the horses, played with the big shaggy dog. Everywhere you look there are sweet little surprises ranging from sacred statues inviting you to yet another marvelous meditation spot, to the most beautiful outdoor toilet I've ever seen! Eva and Marcos are the perfect guardians for this property. They have indeed co-created Heaven on Earth with the nature spirits in one of the most beautiful spots I've ever had the privilege to stay in - and I'm from New Zealand, one of the most spectacular places on earth! Thank you THANK YOU for making this space available. I cannot recommend it highly enough

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

In the words of my daughter "OMG"

Guest: namaste (Kansas)
Date of Stay: 04/25/10 Review Submitted: 06/10/10

I like to be honest and a bit blunt-it is who I am. Although the photos and reviews seemed positive I was a bit nervous about renting a house where on the same property the owners lived. I was worried about if there would be enough privacy, if they would be around, if it would comfortable. We always rent houses but never in this situation. Well let me just say if I could have stayed there forever I would have stayed. Not only is the property the most beautiful place I have ever been I loved Eva, Marcus and their daughter. They were kind and accommodating and made it clear if we wanted privacy they would leave us alone. However I just feel in love with them, they have an incredible peace and compassion about them, there was nothing they would not do for us and there were so many special touches in the bungalow it was clear that they take their hosting very seriously. The property was like heaven on earth. Utopia was the word that came to mind. I love that Eva and Marcus appreciate the land and tend to it with such care. It is simply breath taking. We took so many photos and we have them all over our house and even as computer wallpaper....makes me smile every time I look at them. On top of all of this I had the most AMAZING massage - if I could fly back weekly for them I would. My whole family is in a hurry to get back there, we are telling everyone about this place. I hope Eva and Marcus keep this place as I plan many more visits and hope to make it back this year. If you are looking for a romantic get away - this is the ideal location...you will not find better anywhere. And the town of Ojai was just perfect with great food, great shops and so many activities! We did go to Santa Barbara and LA which were not bad drives but if it were up to me I would have stayed on the property the whole trip.

Owner response:Hi Kathleen, You are the sweetest human being, your review, so heartfelt and honest. Thank you so much for writing something so meaningful and deep about us. I really felt your heart come through and how much you love us and our land. This makes us truly feel honored. Thank you so much for your effort and also for not wanting to give up on that posting. Thank you for writing this and thank you for loving us. We really had a great time with you three too and we very much hope to have you back soon. And I am looking forward to giving you more massages. Big hugs from all of us!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Marjorie & Sherman (Santa Cruz CA)
Date of Stay: 08/25/09 Review Submitted: 08/25/09

Our week end at the Secret Garden Suite was so magical. Lovingly & originally decorated & the bed was fun! I had the best massage of my life with Eva and returned for a photo shoot with my grand daughter. I cannot tell you how great a photographer she is! It all is magical, truly. The grounds are beautiful, peaceful and private. We can't wait to return.

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Guest: Albert Baumeister (Munich / Germany)
Date of Stay: 08/21/09 Review Submitted: 08/20/09

We spent some very pleasant days in July 2009 at the Garden Secret Suit and would like to thank Eva and Marc for such a nice time! We have nothing but praise for the care and dedication with which Eva took care. Her massages were really wonderful. We highly recommend that place. You won`t be disappointed. Albert and Sabrina

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Guest: Caroline13 (Los Angeles - CA)
Date of Stay: 08/19/09 Review Submitted: 08/18/09

There are not many words to define how was our experience at the Secret Garden other than amazing and unforgetable. Every little detail that place has a touch of love and magic and you can feel the peace all around. The Secret Garden is a beautiful place where you can go, relax, forget abot all the rest of the world... take a walk around the garden, stay in the sun, a little dive in the pool or a shower looking at the beautiful mountain views... later on, you go downtown for a walk at the charming shops and some dinner at small little bistros with awsome food! I can only say that I am looking forward to go back and live all those experiences again! I am already recommending to all my friends =) Thank you for this wonderful time! Aloha! Caroline & Juliano / Los Angeles, CA

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Guest: Caroline & Julia (Los Angeles, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/15/09 Review Submitted: 08/15/09

Posted in Gues Book by Guests: DearEva: Thank you so much for the stay in your wonderful place. We loved every minute of this magical and blessed land! We'll definitely be back! Aloha!

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Guest: Lisa & family
Date of Stay: 08/15/09 Review Submitted: 08/14/09

Dear Marcus & Eva, this is Benny, the mushroom haired kid, but I am speaking for everyone in my family and I think that it is safe to say that we hada VERY good time at the 'Secret Garden'. The environment here is, as my dad said once, "very creative and unique" (in a really good way). The hanging bed was of utmost comfort, the jacuzzi and pool were REALLY FUN, the scenery was magnificent (you can ask my camera), and the dry-riverbed-hiking-trail was completely AMAZING! My only regret is that we couldn't stay any longer....because if we could than my life would be heaven-like. Wow, I think that nothing was forgotten in making this stay perfect/"supa-cool"(says my sister). My family and i had a, to put it in terms we can all agree on, superfabulousamazing- amazingawesomely cool time! Sincerely yours, Benny P.S. I like all the Hindu/Buddhist sculptures etc.

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Guest: Joanne k. (REDONDO BEACH, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/14/09 Review Submitted: 08/14/09

My Husband and I have just returned from our Amazing stay at "The Secret Garden" We spent 3 Blissful days on Eva and Marcs Kettles, Beautiful Oasis. From the King sized hanging bed, that rocked us to sleep each night, to the magestic Morning shower's in the open air, outside shower, with the amazing Mountain, and Valley views. We felt we had found a little bit of Heaven on Earth. On our last night, We lay on the pourch, and saw 10 shooting stars!!!!. But the highlight of our stay was the AMAZING Massages that we received from Eva, in the Beautiful Garden Octogon. We have never felt such peace and relaxation, she is truly gifted in the art of Massage. It is one of the most Serene places we have ever visited, and we both felt Mentally and Physically rejuvenated by the end of our stay at The Secret Garden. We are looking forward to Returning again. Thank you again Eva and Marc and Shanti, for letting us share, your little peice of Heaven xxxx

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Guest: Amanda & Michelle
Date of Stay: 07/31/09 Review Submitted: 07/30/09

Dear Eva, Marcus and Shanti, Thank you for a wonderful mid-week getaway. How fortunate for us that this lovely escape was available. We so enjoyed the beautiful views, magical trails, catbirds, hummingbirds, hawks, fresh fruit from the trees, snorting horses, healing massages, hot tubs and stargazing....and then there was the floating bed. Reading poetry in the morning, moon gazing at night. Just what we needed! Take care,

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Guest: Amanda & Michelle
Date of Stay: 07/31/09 Review Submitted: 07/30/09

Dear Eva, Marcus and Shanti, Thank you for a wonderful mid-week getaway. How fortunate for us that this lovely escape was available. We so enjoyed the beautiful views, magical trails, catbirds, hummingbirds, hawks, fresh fruit from the trees, snorting horses, healing massages, hot tubs and stargazing....and then there was the floating bed. Reading poetry in the morning, moon gazing at night. Just what we needed! Take care,

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Guest: Chandler Poling (Hollywood, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/29/09 Review Submitted: 07/28/09

A truly unique experience. This vacation rental offered extreme luxury at an affordable price. It was unlike any vacation rental I've stayed in. 5 STARS.

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Guest: Arthur Ly (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/07/09 Review Submitted: 07/06/09

Everything about this place was stunning. The amenities, hospitality, the privacy and the heavenly scenery. The finishing touch on this magical place however, was the floating bed. I have never seen anything like it. It was like being rocked to sleep in the arms of God.

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Guest: Nusa Maal
Date of Stay: 06/21/09 Review Submitted: 06/20/09

Dear Eva & Marcus, thank you for a delightful respite. The swinging bed was a great success with Kyra and Kai, and the swimming pool and Jacuzzi were also big pluses. Of course the beautiful grounds and birds, rabbits and flowers are magnificent. Your love and spirit shine through so many meticulous & magical details of beauty. With warm appreciation & hopes to see you again. Nusa, Sharon & Margarita

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Guest: Amelia & Carlos
Date of Stay: 04/26/09 Review Submitted: 04/25/09

Dear Eva, Shanti, Marcus, Yogi, Salvador and Highlander: I hope this note book becomes my very own diary, because I am intending to visit you very soon! Each corner of this land is sacred and full of magic to those who dare to dream! We blessed you and I'll see you soon, can't wait to feed Salvador once more! Love and light,

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