N.W. - New York City - February 2013
"I just got back to New York after 10 days at Bird of Paradise. It's a beautiful and magical place, and I take my hat off to you for making it happen. I think we all came close to feeling like gods on Mount Olympus. I so enjoyed being amid all the art work—every piece deserves more than a few moments of contemplation and enjoyment. Inspired, I even did a couple of sketches myself! The staff—Zoe, Dora, Carlos, Theo, and Jose—they are really great, they are personable and helpful, good fun, and they represent you well. Thank you for making my life considerably sweeter!"
J.D. - London, UK - January 2013
"Melody, Bird of Paradise is quite beautiful, I could run out of adjectives !! You and Jon have created a wonderful home. Your taste is extraordinary and it is a great privilege to stay here. Thank you. If the next 8 weeks are as perfect as the first day…….. well I'm lost for words !!"
C.L. - Washington, DC - December 2012
"We just returned from a wonderful week at the Bird of Paradise. Weather was perfect as was everything at the villa from our wonderful welcome by Zoe, Dora and Jose to the magnificent setting, scrumptious meals, and new hammock and game table. Thank you so much for letting us share your fabulous home."
J.B. - New York - November 2012
"Our group had a fabulous time at the Bird of Paradise. We went there with big expectations, and they were exceeded in every way. It's difficult to believe after looking at the website, but it is more spectacular in person, and equally spectacular are Zoe, Dora, and Jose who not only accommodated our every need, they anticipated most of them. I can't imagine the meals at any restaurant being better than the meals Zoe prepared for us. The villa has great areas for the group to gather, and plenty of private spaces as well. The beach is extremely private, many times we were the only ones there. Thank you to everyone at the Bird for a vacation we will never forget."
K.G. - Newport Beach, California - November 2012
"Words cannot express my gratitude! You have given me and my friends a trip of a life time. I am so grateful to have met Zoe, Dora, Velma, Jose and Ruben. I am always amazed at how life surprises us with gifts that we don't expect. I not only had a wonderful vacation with my darling friends but i walk away with a new life long friends. I know we will stay in touch and see each other again! All my love!!"
T.M. - Cincinnati, Ohio - October 2012
"We love your exquisite property....and the island. It was our first visit, and we will return. Your staff is lovely and has been treating us royalty!"
K.H. - Arlington, Virginia - August 2012
"We wanted to let you know that the villa and setting was beautiful, and met every expectation. As owners of a vacation rental property ourselves we appreciated all of the thoughtful 'little' touches that go into creating a great environment. Dora and Jose are as sweet and helpful as can be, and we really appreciated them. Zoe really looks out for your interests and cares for the property as if it were her own."
Y.P. - Villas of Distinction - May 2012
"The Bird of Paradise is such a magical place from the time you drive up the slope to the driveway and walk through the beautiful tropical flowers surrounding the pool and entrance.
"The smell of Zoe's homemade brownie bites filled the air as the ocean breeze swept through my hair. I've completely fallen in love with Zoe and her tender spirit. Hopefully she will come and visit my family in Edenton, North Carolina the next time she comes to the states. She was so kind to us and the property just took my breath away. The photographs of your son placed throughout the home you took during travels. The dining room table on the porch overlooking the most gorgeous waters and beach on earth. The outdoor seating area cozy with a fireplace for evenings of relaxation and possible romance. Dora was nice enough to show me a smile and a pose with Zoe. I've copied and pasted this picture for you to view. I was breathing a bit deeper and was able to really and truly appreciate living as I walked through the Bird of Paradise.
"There is nothing but positive vibes throughout your home and I hope one day I will be fortunate enough to bring my family to this property and allow them to experience the peace and harmony at the Bird of Paradise. In the meantime, I will be sure to wear my Bird of Paradise ball cap with nothing but pride and will always have the memories of how special it felt to be in Anguilla in one of the most wonderful homes on the planet."
Housekeeper and Property Manager, Dora and Zoe
J.D. - New Jersey - May 2012
"Attached is a picture of all us departing the Bird of Paradise. We had an absolute wonderful week in Anguilla. Your home was the perfect setting for the 8 of us to rest, relax and spend quality family time. The layout we found was private yet family friendly for our expanding family. We also can't say enough about the staff. Zoe, Dora and Jose were extremely accommodating and exceeded all our expectations. We had an amazing trip."
F. B. - Virginia - April 2012
"We really had a great time and can't say enough about how wonderful your home and staff were. We miss Zoe, Dora and Jose!!! We are already looking forward to next year!"
J. H. - Mequon, Wisconsin - March 2012
"Unbelievable! We had the most incredible visit to 'the Bird' and Anguilla. I think I can safely say it was the most relaxing, enjoyable visit I have had anywhere! Not only is the villa wonderful, but all the people on the island as well. In fact when we asked our sophomore daughter what her favorite part of the visit was she said 'the people'. It's hard to think of anything that can improved. The artwork in beautiful and the layout works so well. Zoe, thank you again for making the week at the Bird so special. Your whole team was so welcoming and accommodating. Your food recommendations were right on, and your meals even better! We are really looking forward to the next visit!"
D.C. - Delaware, Ohio - March 2012
"I just wanted to let you how much we enjoyed our stay the villa. Everything was absolutely perfect in every way. We fell in love with island and it's people. The staff was fabulous and so good to us. It was the best way I can think of to spend my 50th birthday with my family. We are already looking forward to returning in the future."
A. L. - Kansas City, Missouri - March 2012
"We had such a fantastic time at the 'Bird'!!!!! The weather was wonderful and your home is spectacular! Zoe and Dora are treasures—they made us feel completely at home (Jose was wonderful too!). With 5 teenage girls I couldn't have done it without Zoe steering me in the right direction to the sights and things to do on Anguilla—not to mention all the reservations she made for us! We all enjoyed it so much. Gary and I are already thinking about when we can come back to the 'Bird'."
J.H. - Milwaukee, Wisconsin - March 2012
"Unbelievable! Just dropping you a quick note to let you know that we (including our daughters) are here that it is absolutely incredible! Zoe and all the staff are delightful and very welcoming. It is more beautiful than the pictures and the breeze, rustling leaves and glistening water are everything we had hoped for."
Repeat Guest - Washington, DC, December 2011
"We all had a spectacular time at the Bird. It was such a treat to see you and everyone and we feel totally spoiled by the wonderful people, exquisite food and fabulous setting….thank you, thank you one and all! Please give our warmest and best wishes and our thanks to Dora, Velma, Ophelia, Jose and whoever else I am forgetting for making our stay so special. And, of course, to you, no words are enough to convey how much we appreciate all you do for us while we are visiting and your friendship year round."
S.H. - Stuart, Florida, September 2011
"We had an absolutely fabulous time at the Bird of Paradise! What a great vacation - the weather was milder and nicer than in Florida! The fishing was terrific, including a 37" mahi-mahi caught right off a beach. Smokey's prepared this fish for us with two wonderful sauces, and we ate it while listening to music on the beach. The only consolation of being back home is that we now have the joy of planning a return."
Ruth - London, England, August 2011
"Wedding awesome!! Everything went without a hitch!! Everyone made it perfect! What a beautiful setting!"
Laura - Florence, Alabama, July 2011
"Our trip was truly wonderful! Your villa was perfect in every way. Zoe and the staff were excellent and we couldn't have asked for more! We hope to return to Anguilla and to the Bird of Paradise soon."
May 2011 a guest writes
"We have returned...so sad. I don't know where to begin! Your villa is simply breathtaking. I love everything about it..from the architectural design to the interiors. You and Jon must have had a blast traveling and collecting pieces with Bird of Paradise in mind. I am so envious and would love to hear the stories. I love your eye.
"We had an excellent time in Anguilla. The weather was perfect and EVERYTHING ran smoothly due to Zoe. She is a treasure. I cannot begin to tell you how much I adore her. Because of her, I must have gained 5 pounds. She runs a tight ship and everyone associated with her from Dora and Jose to her meal servers were gracious and extremely professional. You are so fortunate to have Zoe in your life. I would steal her in a second if I owned a villa in Anguilla!
"Carlos was at the villa, within an hour of our arrival, to explain the TV, DVD and music systems. By the way, the family loved your DVD collection. They said "finally. Americans who know movies." We were in Mykonos last year and they did not approve of the DVDs...such snots!
"Although we have never met, I feel as though we have been friends for ages. Again, thank you for sharing your paradise with us and I do hope that we can meet in the near future."
Robert - Short Hills, New Jersey, June 2011
"We loved our time in your home. When we rent villas around the world we have this little secret scan between us: would WE do THIS place in this way? Mostly it's great fun . . . mostly we decide we would not. In your case, we both smiled at each other as we were escorted in: we looked at each other and said – without speaking – "we like these people.
"So from the moment we arrived, we knew we had to do our utmost to respect what was YOU among us. I hope that Zoe reported that we were suitable stewards of your gifts. We have known and employed several architects and designers . . . and yet, while chatting in the pool . . . we said to each other almost simultaneously: "I wouldn't change a thing . . .
"You travel as much as we do . . . and so you know that a PLACE is only as good as its PEOPLE.
"One of the many reasons we have not invested in foreign property is the worry about who is watching it. From afar, I would always wonder . . . despite the fact that I'm a Psychologist . . . despite the fact that my wife is one of the most street smart people I have ever met . . . would I trust a place to someone.
"I wish to assure you . . . without reservation . . . that you should shower Zoe with all the love you can. We've travelled too much; we've seen too much. Your property is in extraordinary hands.
"The reason we will tell others to visit your home – is PARTLY because of the architecture, partly for the Frette linens, but will MOSTLY be because Zoe, Dora, and Jose (and some wonderful servers) who worked SO hard to try to know us . . . and then worked so hard to figure out how they might delight us. And every day they did."
Anne - Chicago, Illinois
"You have created both a magnificent villa and a superb vacation experience. Two weeks was not enough. We could have easily taken a third week just to focus on the wonderful art and artifacts that you have so carefully selected and placed throughout Bird of Paradise. Every time we sat in a different chair or looked around from a new angle, there were fabulous surprises! Very special, indeed. "
Mike - Miami, Florida, July 2011
"I wanted to thank you for such an amazing time in both Anguilla and Bird of Paradise. Anguilla would not have been as enjoyable without Bird of Paradise, we were so WOWED by your beautiful and so well planned home. Every step and turn in your home was as amazing as the next. The view and breeze made for such a great vacation.
"We are already planning our vacation there next year and look forward to maybe one day meeting you.
"We will share pictures and fill you in on some of our great times we had. We are service oriented people and finally were able to enjoy some of the greatest service Anguilla offered. Your entire team from Zoe, Jose, Ophelia, and Dora and If I forgot anyone it's not because of service, it's because I am still on vacation because I did not want to return home.
"Mimi and her team made my wedding also amazing and easy.
"Zoe fed us well and every bite was fantastic, the food and service in Anguilla was outstanding.
"My only wish was I had another week to stay longer."
Hillary - Miami, Florida, July 2011
"I just had the pleasure of staying at your Bird of Paradise. I have never been so sad for a vacation to be over in all my life. I must say it was the graciousness of your staff that made it so hard to leave. I became a bit attached to them all! Your home is as beautiful as it gets. The lovely breezes that swirl through the living room were tantalizing. Again thank you, thank you. We will definitely be back.
"Things I will miss at Bird of Paradise:
- The outdoor shower (never felt so clean)
- The food (best I have ever eaten and my hubbie is a caterer!)
- The service (I was treated like a princess)
- The comfortable master bed (what a heavenly sleep)
- The view and that whispering breeze (it speaks for itself)"
Cindy - New York, New York, June 2011
"I don't know where to begin! Your villa is simply breathtaking. I love everything about it..from the architectural design to the interiors. You and Jon must have had a blast traveling and collecting pieces with Bird of Paradise in mind. I am so envious and would love to hear the stories. I love your eye.
"We had an excellent time in Anguilla. The weather was perfect and EVERYTHING ran smoothly due to Zoe. She is a treasure. I cannot begin to tell you how much I adore her. Because of her, I must have gained 5 pounds. She runs a tight ship and everyone associated with her from Dora and Jose to her meal servers were gracious and extremely professional. Claude was at the villa, within an hour of our arrival, to explain the TV, DVD and music systems.
"You are so fortunate to have Zoe in your life. I would steal her in a second if I owned a villa in Anguilla!"
G.H. - Yardley, Pennsylvania
"I want to thank you for helping make our stay at Bird of Paradise so special last week. From your helpful advice before we left home, to the meticulous preparation of the villa, to knowing you were just a phone call away if we needed help while on the island, everything was simply perfect. I would be remiss in not mentioning Jose, Carlos, Dora and Garrilyn as well. They were just the best…friendly, polite, efficient and a joy to be around each morning. By the end of the week, they were part of our family!"
L.S. - Washington, DC
"Your villa is absolutely stunning -- truly breathtaking! The design and furnishings are exquisite; you have a special eye that is clear. What a gorgeous spot in paradise."
The P. Family and the H. Family - Minneapolis and Nashville
"We thoroughly enjoyed your beautiful villa, which is unsurpassed in our travels around the Caribbean."
J. D. - California
"We had an awesome time at Bird of Paradise! The villa surpasses the photos on the web - you've done an amazing job of designing, furnishing and landscaping the property. It was like the best of the Four Seasons and Aman Resorts combined. The staff was great."
J. C. - Birmingham, Alabama
"The Peace of the Lord is in this place! Words can not express how incredible these nine days have been. We came for rest and received SO much more."
N. M. - New York, New York
"Extraordinary -- an Anguillan asset."
The A. Family - Gladwyne, Pennsylvania
"The best home, scenery, beach/ocean, staff, food, vacation. We loved every day here - can't imagine anything better than this."
D. A. - Milan, Italy
"Tranquility redefined."
B. J. - Nashville, Tennessee
"We loved our sojourn at the Bird -- however, there were a few things missing: one iota of stress; stifling, windless days; worries about anything; and bad vistas."
D. W. - Scottsdale, Arizona
"We came and had absolutely no idea we were about to land in one of the most beautiful homes ever - Bird of Paradise!! The house is wonderful and every detail is perfection! A feast for the heart and soul!"
T. B. - Dallas, Texas
"The beauty and warmth of your home made it very difficult for us to leave - we simply love everything about it. The house's architecture, gardens, furnishings, artwork, finishings, views, etc. are exceptional."
R. G. - New York, New Yrok
"As I told the concierge as she was showing me the villa upon my arrival, there is no adjective in the English language that truly describes the wonderment that is the Bird. I simply walked around with my mouth agape, frequently uttering 'Wow!', as I took in the beauty, elegance and hominess of the villa and its surroundings. In a nutshell, my family and I had a FANTASTIC time -- one that will be talked about for years to come."
A. M. - Houston, Texas
"We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves in Anguilla. Your home is nothing short of spectacular - the architecture and layout are stunning; the furnishings and artwork make every inch of the house inviting. I honestly could go on and on...."
J. C. - Toronto, Canada
"We are enjoying the time of our lives in Anguilla. The Bird of Paradise is, in one word, 'perfection'!!!! We have all marveled at the attention to detail and the spectacular overall feel to the property. Job well done!!!!"
L. M. - Boston, Massachusetts
"We had a wonderful time. The owners created an amazing retreat and we feel very lucky to have experienced it. They clearly put a great deal of time and thought into each and every decision about their home. It probably has ruined us for future homes as I am sure it will be challenging to find any other home of such quality and impeccable taste!"
D. M. - Altoona, Pennsylvania
"The Bird of Paradise is absolutely one of the most beautiful homes I have ever seen. Funny, as stunning as Aruba was, I remarked to Will that it still was no match to Anguilla. I have been to Cancun, St Barths, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, etc.... none are as unique and intriguing as Anguilla. This home belongs there. Perfect!"
S. K. - Sarasota, Florida
"We just returned from spending four days at the Bird of Paradise Villa and we were just blown away!!! We thought your villa was nothing short of spectacular!!! We were particularly fascinated by the decorating and furnishings from Indonesia. We had a marvelous time at your villa."
K. N. - Quebec, Canada
"The chef was terrific, the nanny did a great job, the prestocking of the villa was just what we requested, and all of the baby gear was in great shape. Plus, the dinner reservations were perfect."
W. M. - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
"I must have taken a hundred photos of the pools at night. Magical!"
Conrad Erb, Photographer, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Conrad Erb was flown to Anguilla to photograph a wedding at the Bird of Paradise: "Anguilla is an outstanding place to photograph because of the sheer beauty of the island. Photographing at a villa as lovely as the Bird of Paradise only makes the work easier -- it is impossible to take a poor photograph in such a stunning setting! The owners have carefully created an atmosphere that is warm, inviting and gracefully beautiful, and their attention to fine detail enhances Christina and Jonathan's wedding photographs. At once elegant and relaxed, Anguilla -- and the Bird of Paradise in particular -- offers a superb setting for capturing the joy of celebrations while interacting with an intimate group of guests." www,conraderb.com
Bob Greens Anguilla News
"There are a lot of new villas in Anguilla, but one of the best that we have visited is the newly constructed "Bird of Paradise" villa in Sandy Hill. The owners have travelled the world to gather the perfect materials and decorations for their home, which they named after the rare and exotic bird of Papua New Guinea."
M.K. - Travel Agent, New York, New York
"I can assure you that I will not forget your villa and also never will. You put so much love into your house and it just breathes you. When the right person, one that really appreciates the beauty, comes along, you will certainly hear from me!"
S.P. - Odessa, Florida
"This week at the Bird goes down as one of the BEST vacations we've had, if not THE BEST! From our arrival into the main atrium to the beach walk on our final day, our experience at the Bird of Paradise has outdone anything we could have expected. The breathtaking view upon our entrance was unimagineable. The crystal clear water at the beach -- incredible. No words are "great" enough to describe Zoe and her graciousness and delicious meals. We've made a new friend and could not have asked for more with everything she cooked and created for us. "
S.N. - Gainesville, Georgia
"Our week at The Bird was absolutely amazing! Thanks for sharing your beautiful home and makins such wonderful, lifelong memories."
E.D. - Greenwich, Connecticut
"There is no word in the dictionary to describe the Bird and the view! If my friends say, 'they wonder what heaven is like,' I will answer, 'just ask me -- I know, I've been there.' Such beauty overwhelms me. I am deeply touched."