Lush Tropical Garden

• Paradise Found

  Paradise Found

  • Guest Duke Shore
  • Date of stay 03/07/13
  • Review Submitted 05/04/13
  This was our first vacation in Antigua and we stayed in the Cottage and Apartment during our stay. Both units were as described and the photos accurate even though it is hard to capture the absolute beauty of this property. Joanne was extremely helpful and accomodating with an insider's knowledge of the island. When we arrived Joanne had prepared a lovely snack and beverages that were welcomed after a long day of travelling. We rented a car for the two weeks and would highly recommend renting a a four wheel drive. We started with a car but traded up to a 4x4 within a day. The main roads are in reasonable shape for the Carribean but the side roads are pretty rough with large potholes and gravel surfaces. Driving on the opposite side of the road was not as bad as imagined but many of the roads are narrow especially in the small villages where street parking is common. Without a car you are missing the opportunity to explore a fantastic island with deserted beaches and friendly people. The units are well equipped for those who like cooking. Joanne will deliver some of the best local fresh vegetables and fruit that we have ever eaten for a small price. There are lots of great restaurants around the area. The Pizza place just up the road has authentic Italian style pizza (not the greasy stuff that passes for Pizza in North America) in an open air building. We also liked Cambusa in the Marina and Cloggy's in the harbour. All these are close to home base. Our favourite was OJs on the west coast , a beautiful 30 minute drive that you should take. Try the lobster or snapper for authentic local cooking. Joanne will suggest lots of great adventures but don't miss Shirley Heights and Nelson's Dockyards for a trip back in time. When driving around the island you will need to chill as road signs are in short supply. The good news is there are not that many roads so it is hard to get really lost. If you do just stop and ask one of the friendly locals for directions. You have to check out Rendevous Bay. The road in is quite the adventure and best by 4 wheel drive however well worth the effort. You will find a deserted beach with no resorts, houses and often no other people. Hard to believe this exists today in such a pristine state. We stayed away from the northern area of the island where the All-inclusives are and only ventured into busy St. Johns by mistake. This was one of our favourite holidays and we highly recommend this exceptional property.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway.

  Owner response: Thank you Norm & Kathryn for your wonderful reveiw and sharing this place,I very much enjoyed meeting you both and listening to your music and laughter. I look forward to seeing you again. Take care

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• Great Antiguan vacation

  Great Antiguan vacation

  • Guest Helen & Bob
  • Date of stay 02/06/13
  • Review Submitted 03/15/13
  We spent a wonderful four weeks in Antigua in this lovely Caribbean home. It is spacious, has beautiful island decor, a huge porch for reading, eating, relaxing, etc. overlooking a yard and pool with tropical trees and plantings. It is near Falmouth Harbor where you can enjoy looking at the yachts or going to the local Pigeon Beach which has picnic tables, shade trees, a nearby restaurant and a great beach for swimming. Joanne spent a lot of time keeping the grounds looking their best and was very helpful with directions to places of interest. She also obtains fresh vegetables and fruits from local farms a couple of times/week which she is very willing to sell to her tenants. So much better than what was for sale in the local "supermarket". We enjoyed Trappas restaurant in Falmouth Harbor for good meals, especially fish, reasonable prices and a nice atmosphere and also Cambusa on the waterfront at the Catamaran Marina. And make sure to fill the hummingbird feeder for your daily entertainment by the bananaquits and hummingbirds. With two bedrooms and two baths it is the perfect place to have a couple of friends or relatives join you and the kitchen is large and well equipped which makes meal preparations easy. This is neighborhood living, not a resort, which is what makes it so enjoyable.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, age 55+, families with teenagers.

  Owner response: Thank you Helen, it was a pleasure having the two of you. I hope to see you again. Take care Joanne

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• Very pleasant experience

  Very pleasant experience

  • Guest Adam
  • Date of stay 01/07/12
  • Review Submitted 01/07/13
  We visited Antigua in January 2012, and our time was made much more enjoyable staying at Joanne's property. The house had a very private feel and was tucked into carefully tended, beautiful tropical greenery. In the midst of the garden was a clean, carefully tended pool. Joanne herself was an excellent hostess, always available to provide information or help while also impeccably respectful of our privacy. Another great plus was the very good wifi service that is available throughout the property. This is a great place to stay for independent travelers like ourselves who prefer tranquil, quiet surroundings as a base to explore the region. I would definitely stay here again upon returning to Antigua, especially after having other less than satisfactory experiences elsewhere in the Caribbean. Thanks again Joanne!!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway.

  Owner response: Adam, thankyou what a surprise, a very pleasant one, you must have been thinking about last year's vacation. Hope all is well, Happy New Year and I look forward to seeing you again.

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• Great Antigua Vacation

  Great Antigua Vacation

  • Guest Daren S.
  • Date of stay 10/17/12
  • Review Submitted 10/28/12
  We arrived for our first ever visit to Antigua and drove from the airport to the house using the perfect directions provided. The house was lovely, clean, and full of guides and maps for our stay. Joanne had even gone to the store and stocked the fridge with a few essentials upon our arrival. She also offered suggestions for grabbing a bite to eat in the area, and gave us some ideas for things to see and do during our stay (all of which we did and enjoyed). I always research a location ahead of time, but her "insider" information was very helpful. We loved the hammock and the pool on the property, and the convenience of having a market around the corner. I walked down to Bailey's several afternoons to pick up drinks or something for breakfast. I would definitely recommend this property to anyone looking for a rental in Antigua. The location is removed from the more commercial areas, but still convenient for exploring the island. They house is comfortable and makes for an easy, relaxing vacation. Thanks so much, Joanne!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, romantic getaway, girls getaway.

  Owner response: Thank you so much Daren, I look forward to seeing you again. Take care Joanne

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• Great Place To Stay - I'm Sure I'll Be Back!

  Great Place To Stay - I'm Sure I'll Be Back!

  • Guest Kat
  • Date of stay 04/28/12
  • Review Submitted 06/05/12
  I have stayed in the house twice already this year. I'm certain I will return. The first stay was with family and the second was with friends and it was wonderful both times. The house is lovely and spacious and very comfortable. It is very well-located near Falmouth Harbor. I would definitely recommend getting a car not because of the location but because it is just really nice to have a car to get all around the island (there are so many wonderful places to visit and it's fun to drive - just get a car). Joanne will recommend a car company for you, as well as a taxi driver, and will provide you with a mobile phone, recommendations and information on where to go, and delicious fresh fruits and vegetables from the market. She is a gracious host who makes you feel like you're at home. The pool here is lovely, especially for a nighttime swim. You're also very close to a grocery store, a liquor store and many restaurants so you should be all set. I would (and probably will) absolutely stay here again.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.

  Owner response: Katie, thank you so much, I look forward to seeing you again and your family. Take care, Joanne

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• Paradise Found

  Paradise Found

  • Guest Elaine&Robert McCaughey
  • Date of stay 01/19/12
  • Review Submitted 04/26/12
  Our stay at this property was most enjoyable. I felt like I was at home there. Sitting on the porch and watching the birds at the feeder,or the turtles doing their tour of duty around the owner's yard, taking in the fantastic tropical garden all around was a wonderful way to start the day. Inside is also comfortable with a comfy sofa and chairs. The owner lives on sight and works at a fresh food market and will bring home for you the most wonderful and fresh produce if you so desire to cook in. Another nice benefit if you do like to cook in and like a glass of wine or two, is that there is an amazing variety of world wide wines available on this island at very reasonable prices! Now if you decide that you wish to go out for dinner or lunch there are many great places to nosh, both reasonable and higher end, all delicious. Watch out for the traditional rum punch as it is both yummy and deadly! If you like to be active and are willing to drive in Antigua, there is no end to what is available. Walking from the bottom of the start to Shirley Heights is 1/2 hour up to a breathtaking view is one hike, and another is a guided hike through the rain forest up a mountain to the top, very special. Now, as a reward for choosing your healthier lifestyle pick a beach any of 365 of them to have a little down time. The owner is very knowledgeable about the beaches and well, pretty well everything to do and see on Antigua.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, girls getaway.

  Owner response: Thank you Elaine & Robert ,it was a pleasure having you here. I look forward to your return visit.

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• Bamboo House - A Piece of Paradise

  Bamboo House - A Piece of Paradise

  • Guest Moe
  • Date of stay 03/11/12
  • Review Submitted 03/26/12
  My husband and I stayed at the Bamboo House with another couple and enjoyed it very much. It felt like home the moment we walked in. Joanne was very helpful and made our stay & travels in Antigue everything we were looking for. The fresh fish from the local vendor and the produce from the farmers market Joanne runs were wonderful. We would recomend this lovely home to anyone. Thanks Joanne!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, girls getaway.

  Owner response: Thank you for your review , it was lovely meeting all of you, there was a lot of laughter coming from your house which I very much enjoyed hearing. I hope you will make it back again one day to Antigua. Take care Joanne

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• A & K (Winnipeg, Mb. Canada)

  A & K (Winnipeg, Mb. Canada)

  • Guest A & K
  • Date of stay 11/13/11
  • Review Submitted 01/16/12
  We stayed at Bamboo House from Nov 13-20,2011. As this was our first vacation in Antigua we were very pleased with our choice of accommodations. Bamboo apartment is spacious, tastefully decorated and has a great outdoor deck. We totally enjoyed having our meals on the deck and in the evening listening to the tree frogs. The pool is close to the house and perfect for a swim at anytime. Joanne, our ever gracious hostess (who treated us like family) provided us with all the information we needed to tour the island. It was nice being close to English Harbor, restaurants, grocery stores, liquor stores and the bank. The beaches are gorgeous with crystal clear water. One of our favorites was Pigeon Beach. It is not large, but there are nice big trees to keep you out of the sun if you wish. A 4 x 4 rental is a must as the roads are not great, but after a few days you get used to them. Once again, thank you Joanne. You made our vacation in Antigua memorable. We will be back.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, pet owners, romantic getaway, families with young children.

  Owner response: Thank you for your review, I look forward to your return. Take care. Joanne

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• Gorgeous, relaxing, and beautiful vacation!

  Gorgeous, relaxing, and beautiful vacation!

  • Guest Juan & Gabriel
  • Date of stay 12/24/11
  • Review Submitted 01/04/12
  Bamboo Cottage and Joanne just made our vacation an unforgettable one. The cottage is very comfortable, cozy, and well maintained. The beautiful garden that surrounds it just makes you feel in paradise. You can either relax in the porch sipping coffee, or in the hammock listening to the birds, or sitting at the pool while enjoying the beautiful nature. The cottage is very well located, close to English Harbour, Nelsons Dockyard, several beaches which are a must: Pigeon Beach, Halfmoon Bay, Rendezvous Bay (absolutely worth the trip!). You can either buy your groceries close to the cottage, or eat out in one of the nice places in English Harbour. You should definitely rent a car, even better if you get a 4x4. Driving is totally relaxing and the scenery is breath taking. Last but not least, Joanne is the perfect host. She will help you all the way from your trip planning to the last minute. She will make sure you enjoy your stay! She has great tips, great produce from the market, a great property, and a great smile that she always shares with you! Thanks Joanne, you really made our vacation a very special one.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, romantic getaway.

  Owner response: Thank you , I do hope to see you both again it was a pleasure to share this place with you. Take care and all the best for 2012. Joanne

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• Wonderful Hideaway

  Wonderful Hideaway

  • Guest sherdave50
  • Date of stay 10/22/11
  • Review Submitted 11/11/11
  My wife and I had the opportunity to stay at Bamboo House for two weeks recently and recommend that anyone considering an extended stay outside of the all inclusive resorts should look at this lovely property. Located on the south side of the island, Bamboo House has the amenities travelers come to expect in a vacation home including privacy, swimming pool, laundry and cleaning service. The "lush tropical garden" is exactly what our hostess, Joanne, has created for her guests. The bed was comfortable, the kitchen was complete, the outside grounds were well maintained and the entire atmosphere made the property feel like home.The listing photos cannot do justice to the property. My wife and I would be swimming while at the same time marveling at the beauty of the flora and fauna surrounding us. Joanne, our hostess, was available when we needed questions answered but she was never intrusive. By our last evening we invited her to sit with us and it was like talking with a long time friend. Having worked in the hospitality industry for many years, Joanne goes out of her way to meet her clients' needs, make recommendations and provide expert insight to the island, its' people, its' culture and its' attractions. Falmouth Harbour and English Harbour have much to offer with Nelson's Dockyard National Park, fine dining, great beaches, beach bars and shopping within two miles of the property. Most of the excursion tours were located in Jolly Harbour to the west of where the property is located or in the capital city of St. Johns. We rented a car at the airport when we flew in and Joanne met us there and we followed her to the Bamboo House. Looking back, we would recommend taking a taxi from the airport to Falmouth Harbour and renting a vehicle in Falmouth for exploring; and taking a taxi back to the airport when departing. We found driving to be challenging to say the least: narrow streets, potholes and few road signs. We booked two excursions with Treasure Island-those were two of our best experiences. We took the ferry to Barbuda for a tour of the island, the frigate bird sanctuary, a lobster lunch and a 17 mile beach all to ourselves. If prone to motion sickness, take your pills! Try Hamilton's, Tappas and Cloggy's for excellent dining in English Harbour. If headed to Jolly Harbour, stop at Turner Beach (and the beach bar). Antigua and Barbuda was a trip to remember. If we have the opportunity to return, we will stay at the Bamboo House. Thanks, Joanne!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, girls getaway.

  Owner response: Dave & Sherry Thank you for your postive and encourging review, I do hope to see you both again and enjoyed sharing with you. Take care Joanne

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Additional Fees and Taxes:

additional 8% tax