Secret key cove

2 properties

71 reviews

Expert owner

Direct booking - no fees


Joined 2004

Secret key cove

Owner from Dublin 3, Ireland

2 properties


71 reviews

Family from Tyne And Wear, United Kingdom

Trevor

Family from Tyne And Wear, United Kingdom · March 2026
Villa was lovely on arrival but once we got inside there was a smell about it as if it hadn’t been lived in or used for a long time. We found the villa was clean but needs some TLC (tender loving care). We found out that the villa is up for sale and the website was showing viewings were arranged for 10/4, 11/4 and 12/4/26 while we were still there which I think was inappropriate. We did have a problem with the trash. The trash can was practically full when we put the first trash bag out. There was a pool net in it along with trash that hadn’t been bagged. We contacted Craig the property manager who said he would drop by and sort this out. The bet was taken out of the bin and put on the grass by someone and a few days later it was removed but the bagged trash was still there. They did remove the trash that we bagged. We also had a problem with the hot tub as this was green and dirty and there was no way it could be used. Again we contacted Craig who said he would send the pool man out. Someone turned up on 10/4 and put a hose into it and topped the water up and when we returned to the property the hose was still in the hot tub. Our daughter and son in law have a hot tub at home and they advised there must not have been any chemicals put in it for a long time due to the colour of the water/hot tub. We felt like the outside furniture was very tired and wasn’t comfortable to sit on. We did have a nice holiday and made lots of memories. As the property is up for sale maybe it should not be rented out when things are tired and the place could do with updating.
Secret key cove

Reply from Secret key cove

Its always very disappointing to receive a less than spectacular review from a guest, when that is what you are used to. However My attitude is that we investigate any comment good or bad, address it, and improve on our offering for future guests. Let me work through what This guest said, The house has been occupied on a regular basis since the beginning of the year. So no unoccupied times for smells to develop. Our Manager Craig ,as part of management walk through prior to occupancy, sprays Fabreeze throughout the house. This is part of his procedure, so all guests experience the same clean fresh fragrance upon arrival after a long trip. Craig did not notice any malodorous issues prior to straying. The villa is up for sale but as part of the listing conditions, no viewings can be conducted while guests are in occupancy, Also all viewings must be requested directly through me and none were. So this is a non issue, there were no viewings scheduled or requested. Trash; This is a resort issue, All Trash must be bagged, its collected daily, but if the trash is loose it can not be collected. Occasionally some unscrupulous guests dump their trash in neighbours trash cans. Causing an issue. The resort is working hard at committee level to address this issue, the hot tub; I have received a photographic report from the pool company through management. The tub is treated every Friday, water tested for chemicals and added to as required. Accordingly, The tub was clean and functional. While not dismissing the views and observations of the guest, The green is an illusion of the water, it is reflecting the discoloration of the plastic base due to years of chemical treatment. (Bromine & Chlorine have a discoloration effect ) The outdoor furniture is fine and I personally have not had any issues or reports of issues with it. Whether the house is up for sale or not should be irrelevant to its rental position. In conclusion, Thank you for your review and report, our follow up actions are; We have set up a team to reexamine our housekeeping , and pre check in procedures. Another pool company will test and analyse the water quality in the hottub, to test our results. The outdoor furniture will be rexamined for suitability.

Family from Paisley, United Kingdom

Rachael

Family from Paisley, United Kingdom · October 2025
We had an excellent week at Villa Bonita. Lynda met us when we arrived and was very helpful and friendly. The villa is set in beautiful, large gardens and the highlight was definitely the solar heated pool. The accommodation was spacious, clean and well equipped. The area is lovely and peaceful, though you’d probably benefit from a car if you want to explore. We will definitely be back!

Family from Stretford, United Kingdom

DEBRA ANN

Family from Stretford, United Kingdom · August 2025
2nd stay at this property. Fantastic villa and location would definitely recommend.

Family from Rotherham, United Kingdom

Carole

Family from Rotherham, United Kingdom · April 2024
This was our second stay at Villa Bonita and again was fantastic. The Villa was just perfect for our party of 9, 6 adults and 3 children. The big garden was great for playing games (the fairy tree was a particular attraction and visited many times a day), the pool was lovely although quite cold even though I had paid extra to have it heated. The area around the Villa is very quiet and we needed to call taxis if we went into Vilamoura but with young children we were happy to just sit in the beautiful conservatory and have a drink and a meal in the evening. We were also fortunate to have hot, dry weather even in April. Thanks Lynda and Ralph.

Couple from Sowerby Bridge, United Kingdom

Skye

Couple from Sowerby Bridge, United Kingdom · March 2024
Lovely, spacious villa in a quiet, peaceful area. The garden is a fantastic space to relax. Our third visit and will go again.

Family from Leighton Buzzard , United Kingdom

Brett

Family from Leighton Buzzard , United Kingdom · October 2023
Nice villa in a great location with attractions, shops and restaurants only a short drive away. Emerald island resort is very well kept. The villa itself could do with a bit of a refresh soon, especially the games room, the pool table, air hockey and football table all are pretty tired. We did had a few issues with the hot tub, pool and alarm, which never got resolved! This did not affect our stay, but could not use the hot tub or pool. This is a management issue not an owner issue.

Family from West Sussex, United Kingdom

Hilary

Family from West Sussex, United Kingdom · August 2023
We had an amazing stay at Villa Bonita, Linda was great at communicating with us. The villa was well stocked with everything we needed,. It u oh s a beautiful quiet location and we felt very safe and relaxed here The pool and gardens are beautiful , large and well kept. Only 2 issues we had, was that the showers overflowed into the bathrooms as drainage not good, Linda is aware of this issue and trying to sort it. Also the door handle to the large two. Was broken to a small stump so difficult to open and close. If you are reading this and thinking of booking, then go ahead, you won’t be disappointed. We loved it!

Friends from Andover, United Kingdom

Tanya

Friends from Andover, United Kingdom · June 2023
Wonderful Villa in a quiet neighbourhood We were met by Lynda on arrival and she gave us a tour and told us how everything worked. The pool was amazingly warm even though we didn't have the extra heating. Ubers for transport getting around from here were so easy. New supermarket near by which we only needed to go to once. We all left this beautiful villa totally refreshed.

Friends from Ashford , United Kingdom

Jo

Friends from Ashford , United Kingdom · June 2023
Brilliant stay as always. Lynda is always so helpful and welcoming. Will be back again soon. Many thanks

Family from Chorley, United Kingdom

Victoria

Family from Chorley, United Kingdom · May 2023
We had an excellent stay here . Lovely villa . Great for our family . Clean and close to everything .