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Reviews

airbnb and Booking.com ask their guests to write reviews. We’ve had over 100 reviews – all 5-stars – since we started running Zen Dog Charters at the start of 2017 and I’ve copied and pasted a random recent selection below. We’re so grateful to everyone that has booked a stay or charter and we’re especially grateful to those that have kindly written such wonderful reviews.

A lot of the credit has to go to Sam, our previous caretaker, & Lynn, our current caretaker. They are meticulous and utterly reliable – always making sure that Zen Dog is spotless for guest arrivals.

I’d also like to thank Ellyot of EyeSea Marine for making sure that everything on board Zen Dog keeps working, Dave Vasey of Vasey Engineering for all the servicing work on our monster engines and everyone at Lymington Yacht Haven who look after Zen Dog, us, and our guests 24/7.

If you’ve stayed on or chartered Zen Dog and feel able to leave us a 5-star Google review, I would be very grateful – please click here

Mike

We had a fabulous two nights on Zen Dog and highly recommend it.

The boat is absolutely spotless and Mike has considered everything to make your stay as enjoyable and perfect as possible. The videos and all correspondence before and after were incredibly helpful. The small details on the boat such as personalised coasters and mugs really made it a special stay. The location is idyllic, with the Haven restaurant being ideally placed for dinner. Thanks Mike, we will be back.

Nicky

Booked Direct via zendogcharters.co.uk/ Google Review Aug 2021

Truly 7 star service from Mike

He changed our trip from the day before… (because of bad weather)

He helped book the best Restaurant (The Hut)…

and delivered with his delightful daughter as crew the most unforgettable day.

We loved staying on Zen Dog…super relaxing.

Polo Guru

Stay and Charter booking via Zendogcharters.co.uk / Google Review June 2021

Would I recommend Zen Dog, absolutely. Will we be back, absolutely

We booked a stay on Zendog for a gift to our friends that unfortunately could not have the honeymoon they planned.

From start to finish Mike’s communication was second to none.

We had booked to have a day out on the boat around the Solent and Mike rang on the morning asking whether we still wanted to sail out as the weather was not too good. His concern was that he didn’t want to take money for an experience we might not have wanted. We still went out on the boat as we were looking forward to the experience and we were not disappointed. Mike looked after our every wish, from securing a table at the Hut for lunch to providing phone numbers for takeaways that deliver.

Nothing was too much. If you are looking for an honest and considerate host with good value for money thrown in, then look no further. Would I recommend Zen Dog, absolutely.

Will we be back, absolutely.

Thank you again for a memorable weekend.

Tim & Alison

Stay and Charter Booking via zendogcharters.co.uk / Google Review Sept 2021

We had an amazing weekend on Zen Dog!

Mike’s info package ensured we were well prepared and knew what to expect. The boat is really well equipped and we were instantly at home.

We had a great trip out on Saturday, Mike and his daughter Emily made a perfect Captain and First Mate team and were especially sweet with our two boys.

We will definitely be back and have already recommended it to various friends looking for a fun weekend on the water!

Emma

Booked Direct via zendogcharters.co.uk / Google Review June 2021

Our 2 teenage girls have said it has been one of their best holidays ever !

The highlight of our holiday was the charter trip aboard Zen Dog. Mike took us sightseeing past The Needles, Alum Bay, Hurst Castle and he let us all have a go at driving which the teenagers absolutely loved. We anchored in Alum Bay for an hour or so and Mike let us use the paddleboard and the dinghy which was aptly called ‘Zen Pup’ this was a real bonus and made the charter trip seem even better value.

Mike used his influence and managed to get us booked into ‘The Hut’ in Colwell Bay and we had the loveliest of meals. It all felt very special and exclusive. We would definitely love to come again next year and our 2 teenage girls have said it has been one of their best holidays ever ! Thank you so much Mike & Kirsty

Michelle

stay & charter via airbnb, Aug 2021

Absolutely amazing trip out to Alum Bay, Needles

Mike and Marcus were great hosts/skipper. Stopped at Yarmouth for great lunch at the Off the Rails.
Will definitely be interested to do again

Tina

Stay and Charter booking via Zen Dog Website / Facebook Review, Oct 2019

We had the most perfect 24hrs on zendog this week

Mike couldn’t do enough to make the whole day a very special day. We were a family group with 4 staying on the boat overnight. So many highlights, from eating at The Hut, swimming in crystal clear warm waters (for the UK!) in September with the paddle board providing great entertainment, seeing the Needles up close and stargazing from the front deck at night. I would thoroughly recommend spending time on zendog. Thanks for everything Mike.

Lucy

Stay & Charter Booking via Zen Dog Website/ Facebook Review, Sept 2020

A 2 cabin motor yacht with everything you would expect and more.

Mike, the owner of Zen dog has thought of pretty much everything from you tube instruction video, bottled water, fresh milk ,chilled prosecco,  free wifi, great coffee, Zen dog mugs and coasters and plenty of information on things to do/places to visit.
A very reasonable price paid for a quirky short break in a idyllic location.

Michelle

Zen Dog Website Booking / Google Review, Oct 2019

Another perfect stay on Mike’s boat

The sun always seems to shine when we’re there! Zen Dog has everything you need down to the washing up liquid (if you really need it) and frothy coffee. Facilities are amazing, short walk to the 5* showers, car securely parked, Haven restaurant for breakfast with a view. Even walked round town and did over our 10,000 steps per day! Market on a Sat is good. Mike’s super helpful and at the end of a message if you have any questions. I’ll need to stop recommending now otherwise it’ll be full next time I want to book!!

Helen

Zen Dog Website Booking / Google Review, Sept 2020

We had the most amazing time on Zen Dog!

The boat was beautifully kept and surprisingly spacious for two very tall people. The Marina is really calm and the sunbathing spot on the front of the boat is the best place to spend a relaxing afternoon. It’s a stone’s throw from the cute shops and pubs/restaurants of Lymington and the path along the coast is a stunning walk. I wasn’t too sure how I’d like staying on a boat, but I’d come back in a heartbeat. Huge thanks to Mike and Kirsty for being outstanding hosts!

Faith

Airbnb, July 2020

Absolutely brilliant time, what an experience!

Our 6 year old wants us to book again very soon!! And WE WILL!! The detail even before arrival that Mike & Kirsty send to you is superb. Very well thought out and if you have any questions, Mike is very prompt and super helpful with his replies. The Haven Bar is brilliant for food, drinks and chilled out atmosphere too. 100% recommend.

Claire

Airbnb, Aug 2020

Zen Dog is a fabulous place to stay!

Mike & Kirsty send really clear instructions by video and PDF explaining how everything works and how to check in etc. The boat itself is fab and we loved the welcome bottle of wine waiting for us in the fridge. We can’t wait to return

Arlene

Airbnb, Sept 2020

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay on Zen Dog.

It exceeded all our expectations and we can highly recommend it if you’re looking for something a little different. Wonderful host, great location, luxurious and more spacious than expected. Fantastic all round.

Paul

Airbnb, Sept 202

Fantastic Stay on Zen Dog

Spotless,luxurious and so many little touches which made it extra special.Mike the owner,really is helpful and nothing is too much trouble.Highly recommend!

Sarah

Beds on Board, March 2020

Amazing weekend on Zen Dog!!

The owner Mike – truly made our family weekend on of the best ever. He is an amazing host, arranged reservations at the trendy Hut, had a great charter trip to The Hut and back. Mike provided us with a SUP and just great hospitality! We highly recommend Mike and a weekend on the Zen Dog! Thank You

Talbot

Beds on Board, July 2020

Lovely boat. Such Fun.

Loved it. Compact and bejoux and so nice to sit upstairs with the sun roof open. Mike the owner goes above and beyond to make sure you know what to do. Great location for walks and bike rides. I would highly recommend .

Nicky

Beds on Board, Oct 2020

Would return to Zen Dog in a heartbeat

We couldn’t have asked for a better experience on a yacht for the night. It was perfect and so cosy. . It was the perfect surprise for my boyfriend, we had a great time- thank you. Would highly recommend and would return to Zen Dog in a heartbeat. Thank you so much Mike.

Beth

Beds on Board Oct 2020

Exceptional

Wow! Could hotel rooms be a thing of the past? What an amazing way to spend the weekend! Zen Dog is a beautiful vessel and extremely comfortable for myself my wife and my two sons. What better way to spend the evening than sitting on the top deck drinking a wine whilst watching the other craft come in and out of the port. Zen dog has everything you need on board, however the shower block really is 5 star and I enjoyed my morning stroll along the pontoon speaking to other crews to get my shower(and pick up a few breakfast rolls from the club house on the way) I would highly recommend this as a viable accommodation option to anyone and really made our weekend away extra special.

Simon

booking.com, July 2019

Absolutely amazing

Our stay was fantastic, children have never been so excited and asked to come back before even boarding!!! Mike was fab, so were all staff at the marina. Definitely one of the best bookings I have ever made.

Jo

booking.com, July 2019

Exceptional

This boat was absolutely amazing in every way will def book again and recommend it to all our friends

Janella

booking.com, Aug 2019