Porridge's Place, Castara

[Melanie & Amanda]

We arrived at Porridge’s place just as the sun was setting. The traditional house, nestled into the hillside and surrounded by flowers and trees, was wonderfully peaceful, the quietness only broken by the sounds of birds and singing frogs.

The accommodation is spacious, immaculately clean and really comfortable. The kitchen had everything we could need and there was a comfy bed (with good mosi net), small sofa and a fan. We loved the wooden louver windows and the seating area outside. We had a lovely welcome…the kids carried our bags and Jeanelle – Porridge’s wife – greeted us warmly, putting a cold beer into our hands and cooking us a great, meal – freshly caught fish plus rice and salad – prepared Tobagan style. We saw amazing birds from right outside our door – including masses of humming birds – and we loved the peace of our countryside retreat. With Castara village, the beach and the ocean only 5 mins walk away we knew we had found a gem of a place - comfortable, pretty, quiet - and at a great price. It was great staying with a local family.

Porridge and Jeanell gave us plenty of space and privacy but were always ready to share a laugh, a chat or a beer and it was really useful knowing we could ask them for information or advice if we needed it. Not that Castara needs much in the way of explanation…it’s an easy place to stay and an easy place to fall in love with! The village, the beach and the ocean couldn’t be more beautiful (surely?) and the people are warm, helpful and welcoming. We have never felt more embraced by a place in all our travels and our conversations with local people are as part of our happy memories as are the fabulous birds, forest, food, weather, sea and feel of the village and the island as a whole.

Thanks Porridge and Jeanell for a wonderful holiday!