What Our Guests Say...
Matters of "soul" and "spirit" usually defy description, and hence
are often overlooked in our busy, everyday lives. But at Oceanstone, we
think such matters are not only important but vital, these days
especially. Such is the source of depth and character and beauty in our
lives. Such is the reason we exist.
Our attempts to find descriptors for such things have failed over
the years, but our guests, unsolicited, often wax eloquent on the
subject. Here are a few examples.
This first is from the December 23/08 edition of the London Telegraph by Ashley Slater
"Oceanstone is probably the most serene corner of this serene land.
It's a small collection of buildings clustered around a beach
that seems to have been designed by God, or someone clever, to show the
best possible sunsets. It's a sort of self-catering hotel where the
rooms are detached cottages with log-burning fires, simple kitchenettes
and comfy beds.
"Oceanstone is a mile or so from Peggy's Cove, the crown jewel of the Lighthouse Route."
And these are from guestbooks in our cottages. (Yes,
there are lots of them and no one expects you to read them all: but
scroll down, and read here and there: maybe then you will
understand why we think of this as a very special place. The
guestbooks remain in our cottages and make wonderful, entertaining
reading. )
“Thank you for the amazing vision, energy and love which permeates every inch of this property.”
“Thanks for this beautiful haven. It is in a place like this that I
know I am one with the earth, the rocks, the sky & the ocean. Here
I can reconnect with my spiritual self and am taught a humility and awe
for life. Thanks for making this possible.”
“One feels light years away from the daily roar of busy city lives and at one with the sea and the sky and the stillness.”
“To ‘be’ and not to ‘do’, that is the gift of Oceanstone & what a
precious gift that is. Take off the watches & unplug the clocks
& just let the day flow into night into day. Here we learn again
the importance of peace & rest for our souls & we will return.”
“The full moon lit up the breakers & the snow on the trees like
spotlights & the ocean was so close with the spring tide. We both
felt the coziness & separation from our busy, full lives. There’s
something quite extraordinary about the blissful energy here. It is
inspiring … Lovely fire! Thank you!
“Perfect, perfect, perfect!! The calm serenity of the gentle lapping of
the ocean, the call of the birds and the swell of the sea...one’s soul
needs Oceanstone! We feel one with nature and in harmony.”
“…from our first deckside sunset to our last glass of wine…to
the lull of the surf and the cry of the gull, our stay was a lesson in
peace!”
“Good for the heart, mind & soul – I’ll be back.”
“This was truly a healing experience for me. I feel so much better about life…”
“Your creativity is an inspiration.”
“Our minds were tired, troubled & foggy when we arrived and as clear as the view from the cottage when we left.”
“Thank you for a remarkable weekend – such peace and such
beauty. It has brought me back to myself, to the earth and to the
creator.”
“Our week’s sojourn has been balm for body and soul; refreshing us for the year ahead.”
“Reconnecting our souls & our memories with friendship, love & laughter.”
“Paradise found – sunsets, sunrise; a beautiful, magical place.”
“Nature created a perfect spot and you have thoughtfully and lovingly enhanced it…”
“Not even a hundred pictures could describe this paradise.”
“The upper Midwest may be referred to as ‘God’s Country’,
however, Oceanstone and Nova Scotia in general are truly a ‘slice of
heaven’. We will be back.”
“A gift from God – a special moment of beauty, peace & love.”
“Sunsets that make you believe in all that is truly beautiful
& beyond the means of us simple folk. This place is just another
example of a little bit of heaven & peace here on earth. A memory
was created to last forever.”
“Thank you for the canvas on which to paint a memory. Beautiful.”
“The seabirds and water fowl…the crows and a lone
pheasant...the charming cottage…the crisp ocean air…the sound of the
waves…and, of course, the most helpful, hospitable & earth-friendly
hosts.”
“The sights, sounds & colour of Oceanstone will be
forever imprinted on my mind, but even more impressionable was the
gracious hospitality of our host & hostess, Ron & Carole, and
the people of Nova Scotia. Many thanks!”
“What a perfect spot for a retreat – no phone, no fax, a cozy
cottage, fabulous setting and amazing meals. The hospitality and
service were second to none.”
“The sunset, the snow, the warmth and great friends – a perfect winter weekend. The cottage was cozy and inviting.”
“Our stay at Oceanstone has been rejuvenating! While our
children spent hours exploring the nooks and crannies in the hunt for
‘treasures’, we lost ourselves in the beauty and peacefulness of our
surroundings. We will, no doubt, return.”
“Everything was excellent – great food, great view, great place.”
“A beautiful vista and delightful accommodations.”
“We explored like children…we ate like Kings…we slept like babies. Thanks so much.”
“Super location, wonderful view…even the salty ocean air is so refreshing.”
“We toasted our blessings on a sunny deck, sat out on the rocks
and enjoyed the breeze, and the gulls & view! Merci. Au revoir.”
“A beautiful vista and delightful accommodations.”
“We have roamed among the roses, smelled the fragrant woodland
realm, free as wind our fortune ship, an ever changing ocean at the
helm!”
“A real haven of tranquility. The sunset was stupendous, the
stars stunning, the dawn light just beautiful … the peace of this place
transformed us!
“As soon as you turn the key you step into peace & tranquility."
“Perspective,
yes that is what Oceanstone is about. This wonderful place allows the
visitor to see, hear, smell, feel the beauty … in the simple things in
life which matter the most ... thank you for allowing me the
opportunity to put things in perspective.”
“A wonderful place to contemplate our connection to the universe."
“It
is said that ‘dew falls from the stars’. Today, the first snow whitens
the outer rocks of the cove. As we become still, as we gather in each
crystal flake, may the ripples for peace travel around the world
touching far and near shores flowing deep into interiors - into all
life.”
“A real haven of tranquility. The sunset was stupendous, the
stars stunning, the dawn light just beautiful … the peace of this place
transformed us!
“We enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the ocean and hearing
the waves roll in...admiring the stars, and we’re in awe at the
wonderful creativity of God.”
“A cottage at the edge of the ocean. Nothing could be better.”
“Most enjoyable cottage by the sea with campfire and stars.”
“Thanks for providing such a beautiful, tranquil environment. We hope to return.”
“The view is mesmerizing & tranquil.”
“It’s a good feeling little refuge - keep it simple...the ocean is a miracle. Breathe in.”
“The ocean blushed pink last night at the touch of the sun…”
“It was wonderful to wake up every morning & hear the waves
splashing the coast. We loved watching ‘mama duck’ & her 10 babies
return each evening for shelter along the coast. “
“We couldn’t have been more pleased with our cozy oceanside
cottage - Dovekey - we’ll miss you! And we’ll miss the waves, gulls,
ducks, breezes, sun, flowers and time standing still for a week.”
“The place and the people are magical and magnificent.”
“Thank you for creating an environment where I can fill my soul
with the sounds of silence & remember I am part of everything as
everything is a part of me.”
“I can’t imagine any way to improve on the experience you have provided for us this weekend. The cabin, the sea - perfect!”
“Happy New Year!!! A magical place indeed. This place is
awesome … a haven for the spirit and soul. Thanks so much for creating
this little piece of heaven.”
“There really is Heaven on Earth.”
“Everything here is top notch.”
“The peaceful and beautiful grounds and cozy beach made it hard for us to leave. Thank you for your gracious hospitality.”
“WOW! I’m here for my 3rd time and this by far is the most
amazing space to be. The sound of the surf, atmosphere and care of the
innkeepers is very much appreciated.”
“Amazing attention on all the ‘Little Things’.”
“So well equipped, so comfortable and such a spectacular view!
Thank you Ron & Carol for being amazing hosts and...for sharing
your little piece of heaven with us.”
“Thank you so much for all your thoughtful touches - a great tub, great view, warmth & style. It’s perfect.”
“A beautiful spot to relax and celebrate 14 yrs. of marriage.”
“We live in the fast lane outside NYC, and here we were able to
relax and enjoy quality time together. Thank you for welcoming us.”
“Wow, Wow, WOW! Our vacation is almost over. Thank you for being the icing on the cake!”
“It’s always been a dream of mine to have a cottage by the
sea...the perfect cottage with a great ocean view… It doesn’t get any
better than this!”
“A perfect place to celebrate 35 years of happiness. We will try to return because once is not enough.”
“Whether sunny, or rainy with wind, it is the perfect place to be. NO phones were an added blessing!”
“Thank you for your work & welcome in creating and
maintaining this place of wonder & reflection. We have never been
so refreshed & revived!”
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