Alibaba's Sea Breeze - Review Page 2
Bedroom Area
The main area of our apartment is dominated by a large double bed with a four-poster arrangement of bamboo poles. This supports an attractive mosquito net edged in blue and tied back with blue ribbons to match the bed linen. The overall effect is as attractive as I have seen.
At first I thought the net was purely decorative. On closer examination I realised that it could easily be released and brought into operation. However, mosquitoes have been almost conspicuous by their absence during our current trip to Castara, so we didn’t feel any necessity to use the net.
The bed is fitted with two very firm 3-foot back-support mattresses which should ensure that guests do not suffer any stiffness. The bed is 31 inches high, so much higher than normal. Elderly visitors or those with back problems will probably appreciate this feature. The extra space beneath the bed has created a really useful storage space; more than large enough to store our three large cases and assorted paraphernalia.
Both sides of the bed are furnished with large bedside tables and usable and attractive reading lamps. Sadly, the soporific effect of Tobago has taken its toll on me every night and the excellence of the reading lamps has been of little avail. After three nights I have still read only 15 pages of a very gripping novel.
Adjacent to the bed is a large and practical open wardrobe with storage shelves. The wardrobe provides 34-inches of full-length hanging space and more than enough shelf space for our clothing.
One slight downside to the apartment layout is that it is not possible to lie in bed and enjoy the spectacular view over the beach or bay. Light is marginally blocked by the kitchen partition, but the main bedroom area remains reasonably bright and fairly breezy. A wall mirror, colourful wall prints, pictures and other decorative features enhance the atmosphere and combine to make a highly pleasing and homely room.
Bathroom
The spacious bathroom is equipped with the usual combination of washbasin, toilet and shower. The only hot water in the apartment is to the shower, which has a rather erratic instantaneous hot water heater giving shower of indeterminate temperature.
The bathroom is fitted with a double 110v shaver/electricity point. An electric hair dryer and a small security safe are also provided. All fittings were serviceable and in good condition, as one might expect from such a relatively new establishment.
Kitchen
Moving to the front of the apartment, the kitchen is well laid out, well equipped and everything immaculately clean – something that many small accommodation properties on Tobago could learn from.
Fittings included a small four-ring propane gas oven/stove, a medium-sized fridge with small (ice cube) freezer section, an electric coffee filter machine, thermos flask, kettle for the stove and a toaster. There is a small collection of cookery, crockery, glassware and cooking and kitchen utensils. Considerately, small plastic containers of salt and sugar are provided, together with a roll of kitchen foil.
A small dining table with two chairs completes the picture. A third chair, located in the bedroom area, could easily be brought into service at the table if required.
Balcony
From the kitchen, glazed doors the full width of the apartment lead onto a spacious balcony furnished with a cushioned armchair and a fascinating canvas and bamboo ‘swinging chair’. Washing lines are hung discreetly over the front of the balustrade, enabling guests to dry any wet items (if somewhat detrimental to the public view and impression of the property). The private balconies are separated by decorative wooden partitions. Although fully occupied at the moment, we never heard any sounds from other apartments. Mind you, the noise of the surf breaking immediately beneath the apartments would mask most sounds, so honeymoon couples need have no fear of embarrassment.
The views from the balcony can only be described as stunning. There are perfect views of both beaches and the entire bay, backed by the green, lush hills surrounding the village. A tall tree in front of the apartment provides some shade, although each balcony does have a roll-down rattan sun blind that can be used to block the setting sun.
NEXT PAGE: Ventilation & Insects, Family Apartment, Servicing, Conclusion
Review Page Links: Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3
Return to the search listing page
The buttons above present articles sequentially, in the order shown in the menu bar
at the top of the page. You are currently on the Property Review page in the Accommodation menu.
