Cuffie River Nature Retreat - Reader Reports & Opinion

Guest Report   

Marija Bryant from U.S.A. visited in April 2002 and awarded  Five out of Five

We stayed there some time ago -- close to when the place was just built -- and loved it. The comments from recent stays warmed my heart becuase it sounds like it's still the same welcoming, personal experience we had. Thankfully, it also sounds as if the road has gotten better. When we were there, I wasn't sure if it was a road or an eroded river bed! Cuffie River was the highlight of a wonderful Tobago trip.

Cuffie River Nature Resort- Ok   13 Sep 2007

Jay Walker from Trinidad

My Husband and I stayed at Cuffie River for one night in August. The rooms were ok, the bathrooms need some work, the grout and toilet seat were stained. I suspect the seat was stained with urine. The rest of the room was fine. Breakfast and dinner was delicious but lunch was not very substantial, we brought crackers with us, so we had them in our room to make up for the hunger. The difference in price between half board (Breakfast and dinner) and whole board (3 meals) was pretty high, so you could guess my anger at having shelled out money and resorting to crackers! Lunch was soup, coleslaw and wantons, not worth the price at all. :shock:

The environment was great, especially the birds.

Just a note, hotel managers dont dish out the same treatment to locals as foreigners, I guess they see $$$.

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Cuffie River Nature Retreat   29 Jun 2005

B G Adams from USA

I recently returned from a fabulous birding trip to Trinidad and Tobago. For the Tobago leg of the trip our group opted to stay at the Cuffie River Nature Retreat in lieu of the traditional Blue Waters Inn. We all agree that it was and inspired decision. What a perfect place for birders. Birds were up close and personal, and a few even zipped through the lobby. The quiet and serenity of this jungle location is attractive to the birds, the birders, and those who just want to relax. Unfortunately, due to the days we were there, we were unable to experience a walk with Desmond, the resident guide and this was a major disappointment. However the grounds were a joy to explore on our own. As someone mentioned in one of their reviews it perhaps is not the cheapest place on the island, but it is far from the most expensive. And it is certainly comfortable and quiet. We were a group of 12 and were the only guests for the 3 nights we were there. The beds were comfortable, the rooms were clean and the staff friendly and accommodating. We found the lack of air conditioning was not a problem with a fan and our open windows. Being there just on the edge of the green season, there was certainly heat and humidity during the day, but the inn was comfortable even during the heat of the day. Bugs were, surprisingly, not a problem either here or in Trinidad. The food was supurb. Fish was served as the main dish more frequently than I, a non fish eater, would have liked, but the soups and vegetables were delicious and certainly sufficient. I can not blame the inn for my tastes in food, but now know to make note of my preferances on a future visit, and I'm sure Regina will accommodate the preferance. Others in the group who like fish, were thrilled. The soups and vegetables prepared in traditional island fashion were tasty and we appreciated the fact that we were able to sample the local flavor and were not served up french fries or overcooked broccoli. Regina has shared her Callaloo recipe with me so I can enjoy a taste of the islands here at home and savor the memories of Cuffie River meals.

We thoroughly enjoyed visiting with Regina when she could take a break from her duties seeing that the inn runs smootly. She is a lovely, spunky lady with a vision. Treat yourself to a visit to this very special lodge which tucks itself as unobtursively as possible into the surrounding rainforest.

I do hope to return to Tobago some day and I hope the the Cuffie River Nature Retreat is still there to welcome me.

Cuffie River Retreat   27 Jun 2005

Y Rolston from Essex, England

After reading the mytobago review. I booked my parents on a long overdue but well deserved holiday at Cuffie River.

I popped in on them a few times during their stay and I can say that Cuffie River is truly paradise on earth. The accommodation is welcoming, and the owner friendly and accommodating.

The natural surroundings, including the birds helped to make their stay an enjoyable one. Prior to this holiday my father's favourite quote had been " I'm old and ready to die now". Since the holiday it has been "I can't wait to go back to that lovely place I stayed in Tobago".

My parents have only positive things to say about the place and the owner, so now I'm recommending Cuffie River to all of my friends who are looking for a nice relaxing holiday in Tobago.

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Cuffie River Nature Retreat   08 Dec 2003

Rochelle R. from USA

:D

We spent two nights at the Cuffie River Nature Retreat, located slightly south and inland from Castara. It was the most amazing experience! The hosts, Regina and Anthony, have built a gem of an inn directly in the rainforest. It is a very unique building with ten rooms - open air, and designed in such a way that you catch all the breezes but no rain. We also didn't have a problem with insects. This place is fabulous and any nature lover must check it out! Also, the delicious food at the inn was lovingly prepared by local food "artists". I'm serious about this! The cooks did a phenominal job of preparing wonderful food with local spices and ingredients. We felt totally relaxed and pampered. Also, Desmond, an employee of the inn, is a wonderful rainforest guide and is also a very friendly fellow. He was very knowledgable. We went on a four hour hike and saw all sorts of plants, animals, and birds. Additionally, every morning, Regina feeds the birds. So, you will see lots of birds up close. There is also a swimming pool on site which is lovely and relaxing. We had such a wonderful time here. It was totally relaxing, safe, and enjoyable. I will definitely visit Cuffie River on my next visit to Tobago.

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