Guest Report

15 open-plan lodges and apartments on a steep hillside (listing)
Post Reply
Julian

Guest Report

Post by Julian »

This was a return visit to Castara Retreats and so good was the first visit that we brought our two sons and partners to enjoy Castara staying in both Fisherman’s and Rainforest.

The accommodations and surrounding areas have been well covered in previous reviews so just a few observations from this visit.

The “youth” side of our party had a great time and found Castara a delight to spend time in both in the apartment and on the verandas plus down on the beach. My eldest son was in heaven when on his first day he was able to watch his team, Liverpool, live from the local bar with beer at 70p/bottle and they won!).

The management team are top notch, laundry change and clean every 3 days, both apartments presented and kept in immaculate condition. Porridge, Castara Retreats’ manager, does deserve special note – a daily visit when any problems are immediately resolved – a wealth a local knowledge – a friend more than a manager – the jewel in Retreats’ crown. Also of note was our welcome and interaction with all the staff at Castara was full of smiles – not always a given on Tobago.

The restaurant, a relatively new addition, is a welcome facility – excellent cooking, reasonable prices.

Just a note on the “steep path” to the beach; we have never found this difficult or much of an exertion even in midday heat – however there is an alternative route using the main drive that is more gentle for those who might be worried about steep inclines.

Downsides? Well on a couple of occasions we had extended bouts of noisy strimming (one day commencing at 6 o’clock in the morning) and our final meal in the restaurant was enjoyed with the rather strong whiff of diesel! – this had been sprayed around the property to keep sand flies at bay. I guess this is all part of maintaining the gardens and protecting the guests.

Also since we were last there the restaurant has been extended further (now on 3 levels) somewhat restricting the wonderful views from Fisherman’s and there was on-going construction of a large new apartment along with mention of further plans for development of further accommodation. There is a possibility that with all the new building the hillside is becoming over developed and by virtue loosing some of it’s magic but the owners do have a respect for nature and the environment so hopefully this will be managed carefully.

So to sum up a top recommendation.

Julian

Post Reply

Return to “Castara Retreats”