4 Self-Catering Apartments
Colin Ramdeholl, the owner of Blue Mango Cottages, passed away in 2018. The legalities concerning his estate are complex and will take time to resolve. The heirs to the estate have ceased trading and no longer accept bookings for Blue Mango whilst the legal formalities are sorted and future plans clarified. In the meantime, visitors should be aware that accommodation offered at the property is without the knowledge or permission of the executors/heirs to the estate and property. It is a highly complicated situation and one that gives us serious concern. We would strongly advise visitors to avoid this property rather than run the risk of committing trespass.
Provided by the property, or taken from their website
The Blue Mango Cottages nestled between Castara's Big and Little Bays are unlike anything you've experienced before .... gloriously eclectic and extraordinary, combining the natural experiences of a tropical rainforest with a Caribbean beach in one go.
Each of the 3 apartments has at least one balcony overlooking the sea from which to read, to watch the end of the day, to see the stars, the setting moon, the misty mornings, the fishing boats, the soaring birds, the fireflies, the sweeping rain and the double rainbows.
With names that conjure up an image - Sweet Point and Sea Steps - these delightful apartments, located along the edge of a cliff, capture wonderful views of the Caribbean with its sunsets and moonlit nights - be it from a balcony or bed. Sea Steps even has its own access directly onto it 'own' little beach.
The apartments are surrounded by many exotic species of bird life and fireflies and trees. There's no TV or air conditioning - just fans, while the Queensized four poster beds have mosquito canopies. There's hot and cold water and all bed and bath linen is supplied, plus daily housekeeping service. Each apartment has a well equipped kitchen and hammocks are provided. The apartments are also child proofed.
Natalie S. visited in July 2006
Hi, I'm planning a romantic vacation for my boyfriend, and I want to go somewhere other than Crown Point area. I had decided on Castara Retreats, and then I saw the Blue Mango Cottages website. The Sweet Point cottage, either level is actually cheaper per night than the Osprey or Pelican at Castara Retreats. But they don't have any really good pictures of the cottage. Can someone give me a comparison? I like the idea of having a separate bedroom, as opposed to a studio and that is what would sell Blue Mango for me over Osprey, which is what I was going to go with.
Steve Wooler replied...
Hello Natalie Welcome aboard!
:lol: The Blue Mango cottages are very close to the sea, whereas Castara Retreats is a little further away, on a hillside overlooking the bay. You get spectacular views from Castara Retreats at the cost of having to walk a few minutes more to the beach.
Both offer a "back to basics" type experience. The difference is - and I'm struggling to put this politely - that the newer Catara Retreats properties have been built to the highest standards with the clear aim of providing a certain ambience and level of accommodation, whereas Blue Mango achieves 'rustic' by being in serious need of refurbishment.
Anonymous replied...
I very much support what Steve says but would be a bit less polite about Blue Mango. We didn't stay in either but visited friends who were. While Castara Retreats is well equipped and very attractive Blue Mango looks very tired and in my view does not represent good value for money. We stayed at Castara Beach House Coconut Heights apartment which you might consider as an alternative. It is right on the beach, spacious and ideal as a romantic hideaway.
Anonymous replied...
Thank you very much for your quick replies and for your candor. That was exactly the type of comparison I was looking for. I'm willing to pay slightly more for Castara Retreats if I get better value for my money. I will also look into the Coconut Heights apartment as you suggested John.
Kat Blomfeld replied...
Hello Natalie The Blue Mango cottages are for sale (at rip-off prices, like their rates). They can't compete against so much newer, higher quality accommodation, some with better locations, and against owners who offer good service at realistic prices. They can't even con the Americans any more so they're selling up. We went round Blue Mango in January. The buildings are wooden shacks in a dire state of repair. They need knocking down.
Anonymous replied...
Hi Natalie, You will have a fantastic time in Castara wherever you stay. If I could go back tomorrow I would be willing to stay in a cardboard box, but seeing that you don't have to I would go for anything in Castara Retreats. Sweet Point is in a lovely location but as Steve said it is in need of some tender love and care. Castara Retreats is a little further from the beach but that means unbeatable views. We have stayed there 4 times and each time somewhere different. Pelican and Osprey are very similar, Osprey has a much bigger covered deck and a paved area to sunbathe on, and of the two I would say it's a little more private, Pelican is in a more social location and in my opinion better access to the rest of the garden. I would find it difficult to choose my favorite, All the accommodation is beautifully maintained, very clean and equipped to a high standard. Wherever you stay in Castara Retreats you will fall in love with the views and the gardens, I would recommend any of it wholeheartedly
Have a fantastic time
Sioned
Only 36 days to go and it's all I can think about
Anonymous replied...
Most people on this website dont go to tobago in search of 5 star accomodation.They go to escape and relax.We stayed at the blue mango sea steps cottage and loved it.Yes it was rustic, which made a nice change from the marriot and movenpick chains that we usually stay at.Its location is superb and you have use of your own private bay.Rebecca and her family were helpful and friendly hosts and the meals from the attached clay kitchen were lovely. And at $150 per night, hardly breaks the bank but is a lovely, romantic alternative to sharing a small pool with 200 other guests for $280 p/n at Coco Reef. I say try it!It will do your soul good to get back to basics and the location alone is worth a million dollars!
Christine D visited in March 2006
Hi All!! I'm just putting the finishing touches on a Tobago vacation in May. I haven't seen any posts regarding the Blue Mango and specifically the "Cliffhanger" cottage so I thought I would inquire. We are almost certain this is where we will stay. Looks like a nice rustic cottage on the edge of the rainforest with a beach just a short stroll away...and the town itself comes highly recommended. Does anyone have any experience with this place? I've read many reviews, almost all good, and they have been very nice and helpful via email so far. Any insights or comments would be appreciated.
Cheers, Christine
Julia C. replied...
Hi Christine If you click the "Search" button, up there /, the one with the magnifying glass, and type in "Cliff Hanger" or "Blue Mango" you'll find quite a few posts.
Here are links to 2:
http://www.mytobago.info/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1264&highlight=cliff+hanger
http://www.mytobago.info/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1679&highlight=cliff+hanger We returned, since those reviews were written, in April 2005 and stayed at Sweet Point, but we did notice that Colin had added a sundeck to Cliff Hanger and it's situated down some steps below the veranda that you can see in the picture posted by Tony Taylor. Of course Colin may have made some more changes since - I don't know.
Anonymous replied...
Good advice, thanks...I had done a search but strangely enough didn't come up with the 2 posts you have directed me to...they are very helpful and make me think I have made the right decision...now the waiting begins!!
Julia C. replied...
Glad to help. It's not long until May - say "Hi" to Colin from Simon and Julia. I hope you enjoy Tobago as much as we did.
:D
Gisela Grell replied...
Hi Christine, sorry I haven't been to the Blue Mango but to Castara and I hope you dont expect a "city" because it is a beautiful little fishermens village.
In between couple of new guesthouses came up but it's still far away from something we would call city.
Enjoy your stay and maybe we will meet in in May because I plan to go there again around this time.
:lol: Cheers
Anonymous replied...
Yes, looks like about 7 weeks before we hit the tropics. I am looking forward to this treasure of an island, off the beaten path and not ruined by a bundle of tourists...definately aware that it's no city which is exactly why we've decided to give it a try!! Hiking, exploring, kayaking, snorkling and maybe having a beer with the locals is how I want to spend my time. I'll be sure to extend your hello to Colin, Julia. Gisela, I'll be there with a girl friend (we've known each other since the 7th grade so it will be nice to spend some "girl time" with her) from May 14-21...keep your eyes out for me, I'm a shorty too!!
Cheers!
David Watkins replied...
Christine,If you meet up with Shorty you are bound to have a drink with the locals-------the lady apparenly spends most of her time at Coddries!!!!!
:wink: I can't be alone with a reputation,Gisella!!:D Cheers David
Gisela Grell replied...
Dear all (and especially David), I feel a little bit ashamed
:oops: because it seems I'm very well kown around... but David, this sounds like I spend day and night at the bar and this is not right. I'm not an alcoholic but I love Carib and I never started drinking Carib before noon (11 am is already noon, isn't it???):? Christine, your will love Tobago and especially Castara because it does have everything you are expecting.
See you for a Carib!
:oops: Sh.... there it was again, I can't help... I love Carib.And David, next year I will try to meet you in Castara, maybe we can make a lack of Carib in Castara that time
:-) Cheers
Anonymous replied...
Good morning Christine! I hope you are still planning to stay at the Blue Mango/Cliff Hanger. We just returned from a trip to Tobago, staying at the Cliff Hanger for 4 days.
I'm sure you are well aware the accomodations are a bit rustic for some but they were great for us. It has a "summer camp" feel that allows you to get in touch with real Tobago-especially the wonderful people. Despite the look a passerby may give you, a nice "Good morning" takes you a long way.
Be sure to stock up on some supplies after leaving the airport-most likely at the Penny Savers. It would have been beneficial if we had changed a portion of our money to TT dollars in advance-trying to do the exchange rate math can be a bit frustrating at times.
Just staying in Castara would have been enough for us but we decided to take the trip to Little Tobago (with snorkeling) and then an island tour the next day with King David-just down the street from Blue Mango. Both trips were well worth any cost and everyone (throughout the whole trip) was honest in most things involving money-a change from here in the US!
Here are a few photos!
http://www.socasys.com/gallery2 More will be posted later. Let me know if I can help in ANY way!
P.S. Carib is the best!
Anonymous replied...
Wow Michael, thanks so much for posting the photos...it looks unbelievable! It's only 5 days now before I head to paradise. I have to admit I was a little nervous about the rustic nature of the cottage but it's exactly what we wanted, as opposed to a resort or typical hotel...I know it will be worth it and I really can't wait. How were the bugs/geckos in the cottage? Any bats?
Thanks again for your tips!
Anonymous replied...
We didn't see or hear anything that resembled a bat but there are plenty of lizards-both small and large. A stroll down the local road certainly offers plenty of opportunities to see a variety of wildlife. We often saw parrots hanging out and flying over our heads as we walked. Again, if you love nature, try to get to Little Tobago. Our guide (required) was Farley and he did a great job. The sights and especially the thundering sound of crashing waves on LT's Atlantic side, won't quickly leave your memory!
To view a detailed interactive map showing the location of this property relative to restaurants, shops and sightseeing features, click this link
| Property Type: | Self-Catering Apartments |
| Apartments: | 4 |
| Bedrooms: | 3 |
| Maximum Guests: | 10 |
| Air-Conditioning: | None |
| Children: | Children welcome |
| Hair Dryers: | None |
| Telephone: | No |
| Internet Access: | Yes |
| Television: | No |
| Safety Deposit: | No |
| Wheelchair Access: | No |
| Swimming Pool: | None |
| Catering Options: |
| Housekeeping: | 3 times per week |
| Baby-Sitting: | No |
| Personal Laundry: | Basic laundry service |
| Personal Cooking: | No |
| Location: | Castara |
| Region: | Upper Caribbean |
| Location Type: | Village |
| Airport: | 50 minutes |
| Beach: | 1-2 minute Walk |
Colin Ramdeholl, the owner of Blue Mango Cottages, passed away in 2018. The legalities concerning his estate are complex and will take time to resolve. The heirs... to the estate have ceased trading and no longer accept bookings for Blue Mango whilst the legal formalities are sorted and future plans clarified. In the meantime, visitors should be aware that accommodation offered at the property is without the knowledge or permission of the executors/heirs to the estate and property. It is a highly complicated situation and one that gives us serious concern. We would strongly advise visitors to avoid this property rather than run the risk of committing trespass. [read more]