Castara Retreats Lodges - Review Page 2
Coasthanger Lodge
This accommodation opened in December 2005 and offers a wonderfully open space made up of a large bedroom (14x14ft) with en-suite shower room, a 20x14ft open plan living/dining area with vaulted roof, a spacious kitchen with a very high standard of equipment and a 14x8ft porch area. The bedroom currently opens onto a small balcony, but this is due to be extended to a 14x10ft sundeck in May 2006.
This description of the accommodation can in no way prepare one for the experience of entering this beautiful building. Constructed of local red cedar it radiates a warmth and harmony with the floors and walls glowing and the light reflecting through the hand carved patterns at the top of all the internal and external walls. A faint smell of cedar permeates the property and the high vaulted ceilings give a sense of space as well as allowing the air to move up and out of the building.
It takes a while for the quality to be fully assimilated because whilst the craftsmanship and finish is of high order, one’s attention on entering is immediately draw outside to the spectacular views of the beach and ocean, both up and down the coast. The wooden louvered windows incorporate simple pulley systems that enable them to be hoisted up out of the way so there is a 180 degree of unhindered view of the garden as well as the bay and ocean. Hummingbirds harvest the nectar of the ornamental banana plants that fringe the lodge.
The furniture included a comfortable wicker sofa and two chairs with colourful cushions. Dining for four is provided around a circular glass table. The porch has two very comfortable low chairs for reading, taking in the view or for dozing. A large mature mango tree is situated against the porch offering shade and the occasional bounty of fresh fruit.
Everything was available that one would expect: a large cooker and fridge/freezer, white bed linen, framed mosquito net, fresh towels, hair drier, security safe, cafetiere and espresso pots, sharp kitchen knives, white china, quality pots and pans. There are discrete spot lights in the bathroom and kitchen and double spotlights everywhere, all on dimmer switches to allow the light to be adjusted to suit the need or mood.
Outside is a private area of garden with lawn and shrubs that will quickly mature and blossom in the months ahead.
Coasthanger was clearly designed with the intention of offering a perfect retreat for couples looking for an idyllic holiday in the Caribbean. It offers a simple yet luxurious level of accommodation within a graceful and innovative design and its natural wood finish and openness to nature and the surrounding environment creates a sense of harmony and simplicity. It is tucked into the hill just above the bay of Castara and is a few minutes walk from the beach and five or six minutes from the amenities of the village. This is close enough to feel convenient and yet is just far enough away to allow a quietness and privacy that is not available to places immediately on the beach.
Birdsong Lodge
This lodge sits on wooden pillars some 20 feet above the ground. It provides panoramic views of the Bay of Castara and the little and big beaches to the north, and the rocky coastline with its dramatic inlets and cliffs and rainforest behind to the west. Birdsong is the sister to Coasthanger Lodge and is constructed to the same design and configuration except that it has a second bedroom and bathroom under the main floor.
This second bedroom is very large and measures 17x15 feet with a store cupboard and fitted wardrobe. It is furnished with two single beds which can be arranged to make one king-size bed, together with a wicker chest of drawers, large mirror and security safe.
Birdsong features double doors that lead onto an outside deck area measuring 17x10 feet and which offers an additional space for chilling out, sunbathing or taking in the views. This downstairs bedroom and deck are some six feet above ground level and have superb views across the gardens to the ocean.
Upstairs is furnished and equipped to the same high standard as Coasthanger. In addition there is a catwalk across to a promontory in the garden and a private viewing deck for relaxing in the daytime or watching fireflies and star gazing in the evening.
With its height above ground, Birdsong offers a special sense of tranquility and privacy that will work well for a romantic holiday for two, or for small groups of friends or family who want some shared space and yet keep a level of independence.
Conclusion
Castara Retreats undoubtedly offers something unusual and special. It is clear that many people have been attracted by the property and subsequently captivated by what is on offer. Success usually breeds its own challenges and before our visit we did wonder if the expansion of the accommodation and construction of the road would have impacted negatively on the original vision to create a simple retreat in harmony with nature and within the local culture. We need not have been concerned. The new lodges harmonise well with their surroundings and offer a luxurious level of accommodation without losing a sense of simplicity and natural beauty. The gardens have been extended and lavished with love and are a pleasure to wander through. The team that has been brought together clearly enjoy their work, and the opportunity to meet the guests, and to introduce them to a local Caribbean experience.
The past three years appears to have generated a good deal of learning and somehow Castara Retreats has managed to harvest this and put it to good use. The expansion, together with the other changes and improvements, has enabled them to more fully establish themselves as a small eco-resort that is honestly endeavouring to operate a sustainable approach to tourism in Castara. They not only offer guests a high quality of accommodation that is in harmony with and respects the surrounding environment, but also attend to how best they can support and sustain the local population and culture whilst at the same time achieve a reasonable level of commercial viability. In talking to Sue and Steve it is apparent that, three years ago, they had a quite hazy idea of what they wanted to achieve. This now appears to have crystallised into a quite passionate determination to play their part in balancing the needs of guests, with those of the community and the local environment. I totally endorse these aims and Steve and Sue can therefore fully count on our support in commending the property to the visiting public.
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