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"This is a fabulous property to stay in."
The location and access is brilliant.
Reviewed by AlanDec 2021
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"1st stay, was amazing getting back to basics."
Cant wait to book our next visit. Everything was as it said and I have already told my friends they need to go and stay it was that amazing.
Reviewed by EmmaNov 2021
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"Although the yurt was clean it was a little shabby & could do with a little bit of TLC."
For example; the outer cupboard door of the fridge was not attached so you had to open the actual fridge by grabbing the top of the door. The yurt’s position on the island was lovely & secluded, & not having a TV or WiFi was quite refreshing as you really felt yourself relax & get away from everything.
Reviewed by KarenOct 2021
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"Only met expectations as we have been at one of the yurts on about 11 ocassions and always had a fantastic stay."
Wonderful tranquil holiday.
Reviewed by ChrisSep 2021
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"We loved our stay in the Secret Island Yurt - it was a great place to switch off from the rest of the world and relax, but also well placed to do some exploring."
It was very peaceful and we enjoyed listening to the sounds of the wildlife such as ducks, geese and swans visiting the yurt each day. The yurt has good facilities - everything you need for a week away and it was great having a hot tub also. It was just as lovely in the sunshine as it was in the rain, so don't worry about what time of year you book a stay here.
Reviewed by HelenAug 2021
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"We have been before so knew what to expect."
Not glamping .A few spiders and a bit of snagging all of which was sorted by Dave and Sara and handyman Dave too. We will be back next year .it’s a one off special place .
Reviewed by FrancesJul 2021
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"A truly wonderful location for a peaceful, secluded break for a couple."
Reviewed by JohnJul 2021
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"The surroundings were spectacular and secluded and were as we'd expected."
The bedlinen was clean and fresh, and the toilet sink and bath were clean, as was the fridge and cooker. However the general cleanliness was lacking and the standard of the yurt was poor. Previous reviews have suggested that the yurt is in need of some TLC and that it was shabby.......this is in my opinion an understatement........dust, sticky handles, cobwebs and when we first walked in there was a strong odour. The outside furniture was dirty and would have needed to be cleaned thoroughly before we used it, which we were not prepared to do. At the very least we expected the property to be scrupulously clean, especially given current circumstances (global pandemic).
We did not take this up with the owners, who live on site, as we felt that it was not something that could be put right in a couple of hours, and we did not feel that we wanted to have to unpack etc, or vacate the yurt for any length of time.
In spite of this, we did enjoy the week, and the surrounding area is beautiful. Would certainly go back to this area, but not to this accommodation. I'd suggest that anyone considering making a booking, should read the reviews further back than this year, and also for the other yurts on the site. The problem of cleanliness seems to be a recurring theme, going back some time, and one which neither the owners nor Sykes cottages appears to have addressed.
Reviewed by JulieJun 2021
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"The concept of a secret yurt on a lake enjoying the peace and tranquillity and the natural surroundings met all expectations and more."
However the accommodation needs a bit of tlc, it looks “tired” and in need of a thorough clean. That said, we did enjoy our week there. Of note, don’t expect a welcome pack or complimentary toiletries and do remember to take your hairdryer and dvd’s
Reviewed by AngelaJun 2021
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"It’s a great place and so special to be so secluded."
This outweighs the fact that the yurt is looking a little shabby which we weren’t expecting, but the fact that you are surrounded by nature and wake up to the birds and water every morning was lovely.
Reviewed by HannahMay 2021
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"This was the best break away we have ever had, I mean it was so amazing and so ..."
This was the best break away we have ever had, I mean it was so amazing and so perfect for me and my girlfriend and the perfect spot for me to propose to her, we were a bit late checking out yesterday morning but the owners was understanding and I explained the situation etc would love to go back one day would recommend this place to every one
Reviewed by JustinMay 2021
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"The environment surrounding the Yurt is wonderful and being on the lake enables us to see all the wildlife."
I cannot overstate the enjoyment and relaxation we have in all our 9 visits in 10 years.
Reviewed by ChrisApr 2021
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"It is not a 10 only because there should be more flexibility from Sykes to manage/cancel/amend the bookings."
The yurt itself is brilliant and fulfilled all my expectations.
Reviewed by MarcinApr 2021
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"The Secret Island Yurt was everything that we had hoped for and more."
We were looking for a few days away with nothing to distract us from each other and the yurt was just perfect for this.
There was everything that we needed and nothing more. The upstairs bedroom got a bit warm in the afternoons, but that's okay because there's an air conditioning unit up there. The conservatory on the front got a little chilly in the evenings, but that's okay because there's a little heater out there. The hot tub and log fired heater outside were brilliant and it was lovely to have a full size fridge-freezer, oven and induction hob.
The lake outside was covered in wildlife and fascinating at any time of day.
Not having a television was a lovely bonus!
Reviewed by RobApr 2021
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"It was a wonderful stay in an amazing location, absolutely perfect."
Cannot recommend it enough, if you are looking for a few days downtime to recharge your batteries this is the perfect place! 10 out of 10 from us!
Reviewed by GarethApr 2021
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"Amazing location, perfect for getaway especially in current situation."
Loved the boat, hot tub and log burner added an extra touch
Reviewed by LisaOct 2020
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"We were unable to lock any of the doors at the yurt."
We rang the owners about this on the second day, but they could not fix the problem until the following day. We therefore had to sleep two nights without the property locked, so did not feel very safe/comfortable at night time
Reviewed by PriyaAug 2020
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"The peace, quiet and wildlife away from it all."
Reviewed by KayMar 2020
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"This is a superb place to get away from it all"
Reviewed by AlanFeb 2020
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"We had an absolutely fantastic time, staying in the secret island yurt and would recommend to anyone looking for and idyllic, romantic break away from the huddle and bustle of every day life."
Would definitely come again. The lake is so picturesque, a lovely way to spend a weekend.
Reviewed by CeanJan 2020
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"We loved it so much, we've booked to go again."
Reviewed by JonathanNov 2019
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"Very tranquil and peaceful holiday."
Could do with cupboards in bedroom, enough room for them. Hanging hooks by hot tub would be useful for gowns. There was an unfortunate fishy smell which we could not locate, but didn't spoil things overall. We would love to return next year.
Reviewed by RitaNov 2019
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"Fantastic yurt, excellent location and very private."
Nicely furnished and the bed is extremely comfortable
Reviewed by ChrisNov 2019
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"Met our expectations because this was a 2nd visit to this Yurt."
This is not a 5 star hotel type holiday it is a Yurt but you are by the side of a wonderful lake where you have privacy, peace and just the company of the ducks, swans, herons etc. The trip round the lake in your own little boat is maybe the only time you will see another person. We did not. The hot tub, barbecue and outdoor log burner are just extras to be enjoyed. You know the owners are available should you need them but they leave you to get on and enjoy your time away from the outside world.
Reviewed by BrianOct 2019
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"Excellent place to stay, felt much freedom allowed to explore on the lake and completely left alone :)"
Reviewed by DavinaAug 2019
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"Beautiful and peaceful!"
! Great facilities. Will be returning here for sure!
Reviewed by MichelleJul 2019
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"The facilities and setting of this very unique property provided the perfect weekend getaway."
Reviewed by DavidMay 2019
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"Absolutely amazing retreat filled with brilliant wildlife."
100% is a 10/10 accommodation.
Reviewed by BrookeApr 2019
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"Our 4th visit, 1st in this yurt,this is the best of them all in our opinion, far more space and extremely well laid out."
As previouse visits it was so peaceful and restful here which adds to the charm.
Crispy and orange sauce (the ducks) are quite tame now, eating out of our hands and knocking on the glass to be fed each day. Saw lots of wildlife, Heron, Kingfisher and Moorehens. Lovely to have the use of a boat with electric motor, so quiet you can get close up to the birds without distrubing them. Definitly our favorite holiday destination - will be back next year.
David (owner) is so friendly and even rescued our telescope which we left behind and is keeping it safe for us to collect next week.
Reviewed by LynnMar 2019
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"The idea is great but the execution left lacking, the finish was poor and the appearance tired."
the photos looked fabulous, which is why we chose the location, but the reality left a bit to be desired. all of the paintwork requires attention, very tired looking.
the windows needed cleaning, none of the remotes worked apart from the projector which had to be set up on books to enable it to be set onto the screen. the wood shavings from the air con duct were still where they dropped them after it's installation.
any attention to detail seems to be a failing according to the visitors book entries.
three nights was quite enough, after that, I think your clients may start complaining.
I hope this helps improve future visitors experience of the secret island yurt, we wont be back. sorry.
this was a, disappointing, birthday treat for my wife.
Reviewed by MichaelSep 2018
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"Fantastic location could not fault the views and if you want a holiday with ..."
Fantastic location could not fault the views and if you want a holiday with complete privacy peace and tranquility this is for you
How ever although the views and location are outstanding with it comes cobwebs insects spiders and ducks geese and other birds a plenty so if you don't like being that close to nature it won't be for you
The accommodation and outside could certainly do with some maintenance and it wasn't particularly clean and did not smell very good
Air conditioning leaked ,carpets and curtains filthy and smelt awful and general cleanliness not great on the inside
Outside area untidy barbecue tables and chairs dirty and whole area on veranda in need of maintenance and tlc
Hot tub amazing but sauna comes with cobwebs
Would certainly consider going back again but would go back in a heartbeat if it was cleaner and smelt better
Reviewed by CaroleAug 2018
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"The setting is beautiful and the yurt is so comfortable."
We ended up feeding swans from the hot tub!
Such a lovely and relaxing place to be, and the owners were super friendly and helpful. Had everything we needed and more.
Reviewed by CharlotteJan 2018
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"Great place to get away from busy urban life would recommend for couples who would like to escape to the country."
Really well located with Oxford and Gloucester very close.
Reviewed by ANIELLODec 2017
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"This is the second time we have stayed in one of these yurts."
Would highly recommend it if you want a quiet, peaceful, private, relaxing holiday with plenty of places to visit should you wish.
Reviewed by SueJul 2017
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"Absolutely fantastic, words simply cannot explain how beautiful the place is, excellent time, comfy and very cosy!"
Highly recommend!
Reviewed by RobertoFeb 2017
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"Perfect. Can't wait to go back."
Heavenly - the most relaxed I've been in years. Hot tub is wonderful. the yurt had everything you need and more. The location is fantastic. Didn't see another person just lots of wildlife.
Reviewed by KatherineDec 2016