Guest Report

15 open-plan lodges and apartments on a steep hillside (listing)
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Mike & Sue Bailey

Guest Report

Post by Mike & Sue Bailey »

We stayed at Castara Retreats in Jan/Feb 2009 and 2010 and found our holiday, comfortable, relaxing and delightful.
We loved the houses, so very airy and versatile and perfect for the climate. They are as described, well equipped and comfortable and beautifully positioned on a hill overlooking the bay; wonderful for birds, seascape and sunsets.
Porridge and his wife Jeanell organise the running of the Retreats; they are around most days and they go out of their way to meet the needs of each of the guests. And they are excellent mentors and guides with regard to all things Tobagan. Nothing seems to be too much trouble and they make a big contribution to the feeling of security and ease when staying at the Retreats.
All the people who work at the retreats are friendly and helpful. It’s of interest to us anyway that many of them have worked at the Retreats for many years.
Some of the things we loved: fireflies over the bed, the evening perfume of the flowers, sharing breakfast with the birds,
Some of the small things we appreciated – the kitchen equipment included a very good garlic crusher and a stove top coffee pot. The knives were sharp and there was a knife sharpener. There was a hammock.
We found Castara village untroubled by the excesses of modern tourism and local people friendly and accepting of visitors. There was none of the constant hustling to buy that can beset tourists in so many places.
The bay was fine for swimming. When we were there visibility for snorkelling was not great. The showers and changing facilities on the beach make going for a swim more comfortable. Castara does lack a good beachside bar for local people and visitors. There was, and maybe again we gather, a beachside restaurant, and there are a handful of places to eat around the village. The village shops can provide for basic provisions.
And fish, fresh every day at the market on the beach, a joy.

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