Guest Report

[J & k Brunger]

We stayed for 7 nights in the top floor of Angel Apartments before moving on to Castara Retreats (Coasthanger) for a final 3 nights.

Overall we really enjoyed our time relaxing in Angel Apartments, which was good value for money and provided everything we needed to explore Castara and Tobago.

Staying in Castara village (it is a short walk to the main part of the village and Castara's large beach) and so close to Heavenly bay beach (Castara's little beach) was fantastic (although you do pay for this slightly with the occasional loud local and his/her music and the very early morning calls from the cockrals). As mentioned in other reports, there are restaurants in Castara but do not expect too much from them despite the UK prices. We felt very safe in the village. Although the locals are not generally overly welcoming at first (with a few noticable very welcoming exceptions), they are very friendly once they get to know you - beer and rum helps with this!

Angel Apartments - Positives:
1. the apartment was large and spacious;
2. the Castara beach and coastline view from the balcony was very good and although the view from Coasthanger was better, you obviously pay a lot more for Coasthanger;
3. very, very close to Heavenly bay beach and the Boathouse restaurant (which serves drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and ok food and has a good party each Wednesday night).
4. the bedroom had effective air conditioning;
5. Steve (the only member of staff we saw) was friendly and, whilst not around 24hrs, was when asked helpful, provided useful local information and sorted out the few minor queries we had with the apartment (no tin opener!) without hassle;
6. the picture of local birds (including their names) in the main room of the apartment, which was v. useful to identify the many birds that landed on our balcony!; and
7. only a handful of tourists around.

Angel Apartments - Negatives:
1. whilst everything (almost - see 2.) was in working order the apartment, the decoration felt a little tacky. A minor refurbishment would be good - i.e. a bit of paint, removing plastic flowers and replacing/repositioning the odd wall hangings, etc.
2. the pool was out of order (however a new pump had arrived by the time we left and it looked like Steve would have it up and running shortly) but we did not miss it given how close the beach was; and
3. the apartment could have done with a more thorough clean for our arrival but the mid-week clean was fine.

The road (Depot Road) leading down to Heavenly bay, and all of the accomodation around it, was v steep with pot holes. Whilst our rented nissan sunny coped, it was a bit hairy on the highest corner by the junction with the main road - particularly on the way up!