Hanging Garden Villa - Reader Reports & Opinion
Fabulous Accommodation With Spectacular Views
Tom & Laura Quilt from U.K. visited in April 2006 and awarded 
We stayed at Paradise Point & Hanging Gardens Villas for our wedding in April 2006. My parents & sister stayed in Paradise Point and we stayed in Hanging Gardens with Laura's parents & sister. The whole place can only be described as magically romantic whilst giving us the flexibility to hold our wedding reception on The Great Deck.
LOCATION
The villa is set on the hillside above the village of Castara with the rainforest below home to a variety of tropical birds. Hummingbirds regularly visited us whilst we sat with my parents having breakfast on the villa's balcony. In addition to the spectacular views, the mountain location meant that there was a constant breeze to cool us from the tropical sun. Set next to the official viewing point, the views of the ocean, rainforest and the beautiful fishing village of Castara were spectacular!
Yes it was a 5-minute drive to the beach (so too far for most to walk back up the long hill from the beach), but you don't get those views, rainforest, wildlife and cooling breeze when you are down in the village. We loved it and could not think of a more perfect location!!
THE ACCOMMODATION
Paradise Point is a fabulous villa that has been built with a passion for the outdoors and fabulous views. The villa is set under the Great Deck with two large air-conditioned double bedrooms with a small seating area in each. Between the bedrooms is the very functional kitchen that opens up onto deck area in front. It was perfectly clean, cosy and comfortable accommodation that could be air-conditioned or opened up to enjoy the cool mountain breeze.
The main seating area is set on a semi-circle area of deck giving plenty of room our families and friends (8+ people) to relax over dinner and enjoy a bottle or two of ice cold rum & ginger.
[We have added a review for the truly romantic Hanging Gardens under Hanging Gardens Accommodation in this section of the site]
THE GREAT DECK
The Great Deck is large enough for our 50 guests, BBQ buffet, bar, steel band, DJ & dance floor yet intimate enough for the family to sunbath or hold yoga sessions for a small group of people.
THE WATERFALL
A short but slightly challenging walk down the nature path (or hillside) below Paradise Point leads you to the secluded waterfall. The unusually dry weather in 2006 meant that we can´t comment on whether you can swim in the pool, but it was very romantic indeed. If you continue to follow the stream for a short distance, you reach the top of a spectacular waterfall that drops down to the ocean below. Although there is no access to the sea, it is worth the walk – but be careful as it would be a long fall!!
CASTARA VILLAGE
Castara is a small fishing village with 2-bays and all the basic facilities you need. By this I mean several restaurants & bars, a corner shop, a rum shop and a few locals (including the famous Porridge and Duck) who can offer all kinds of trips and activities. Don´t expect a huge choice on the menu, but when you go to the restaurant the food is fresh and tastes home cooked and you often feel like you have joined the family for dinner – which we loved!! For anything more than the basics, such as petrol or supermarkets, you will have to travel to one of the main towns.
All the locals were very friendly and made us feel welcome. We made it clear to all our friends that it is a small fishing village so it is basic in what it provides – but that means it is filled with the charm and friendliness of village life. ALL of our 40+ friends and family staying in Castara fell in love with the place!
Castara is in the mountainous rainforest area of the Island and away from all the big hotels and package holiday goers. Holiday accommodation in the village is hidden away or part of a family home so you are always surprised to see other holiday makers their. But the water is crystal clear and full of tropical fish and coral; the mountains are full of wildlife and waterfalls to explore; and each village in the Northern section of Tobago has its own charm and beauty to explore. To us this is what makes Tobago and Castara Village such a perfect location!!
Absolutely Outstanding!
Lisa Richards from U.S.A. visited in March 2006 and awarded
Paradise Point Villa is truly a spectacular and magical place. I co-lead a yoga retret from March 23-30, 2006 and can't wait to bring a group of people back next year. Unlike most villas or resorts, the accomdations are BETTER than they are in pictures. --much better than any retreat place I've been to. Practicing yoga on the 2000 square foot deck is like being a part of paradise. David and his staff were so attentive and helpful that we immediately felt relaxed and at home. No request was too small. I highly recommend this as a retreat destination or as a simple get-away for any one interested in emerging themselves in a bit of island paradise.
Paradise Point Villa Is A True Island Haven.
Kimberly Wilson from U.S.A. visited in March 2005 and awarded
Paradise Point Villa is a true island haven. From the amazing gardens to the waterfall to the fabulous accommodations, this place served as a picturesque backdrop for a week-long yoga retreat that I will never forget. A lot of my time was spent on the huge hammock overlooking the Caribbean sea while reading a book. The villa has everything you will need to escape – kitchens in the rooms, indoor and outdoor showers, verandas overlookng rainforest and the sea. Many visitors stopped at an overlook above the villa savoring the amazing view that the villa stayers experience 24/7. David, the owner of the villa, is an amazing resource on Tobago and goes out of his way to make participants' experience special. Bring earplugs because the sounds of city life are replaced with chriping birds and the ocean which can be a bit discombobulating if you're used to sirens. The nearby town of Castara has great restaurants, beaches, and night life. The lovely Englishman's Bay is a bit further down from Castara and offers an amazing afternoon beach retreat. Be sure to make time for Sunday School--an island delight filled with dancing, vendors, shopping, and drums. I highly recommend travelers checking out this villa for celebrations, getaways, and hammock time.
Paradise Point And Hanging Gardens Villa 06 May 2005
Kayla Aspinall from High Wycombe, England
Has anyone stayed at either of these villas which are also rented as smaller apartments? They look lovely on the owners website and are quite pricey as far as Castara accomodations go, just wondered if anyone could share any information on them.
Thanks,
Kayla
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