Guest Report

1 and 2 bedroom apartments in Castara village (listing)
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Mike Lloyd

Guest Report

Post by Mike Lloyd »

Our 4th visit to Tobago and 3rd to Carpe Diem, Castara (which probably says it all really). Once again we were not disappointed notwithstanding the somewhat unseasonal rain showers. Chris and Yvonne are exceptional hosts and on this occasion we were privileged to have the green room and share more of our time with them. We were joined on this occasion by our Son and his fiancé who also had an apartment themselves, so hired a car for a week so we could show them the sights and sounds of Tobago (Englishman’s Bay, Pirate Bay up in Charlottesville, the East Coast including Argyle Waterfall, Sunday School at Bucco, the Nylon Pool and surfing at Mount Irvine). The reality on which we later all agreed was that Castara actually provided everything we wanted. Castara has beautiful clean beaches and great snorkelling off Little Bay over the coral reef, which is such a short walk from the apartment. Although the sea was a little rough and the snorkelling not as good as we have previously experienced, we came home with great pictures of turtles and sting rays which let us swim with them. We find Castara gives us everything we want within a short walk from the accommodation including Coddrington’s off-licence, Bingy’s for fruit and veg, the Boat House down on the beach for meals, Sunday Pizza and drummers and stilt dancer on a Wednesday. Chinos’ for a lovely breakfast, Shirma’s for a wonderful Friday night takeaway and de Lime (although recently changed its name) for an evening cool one.
Above all we love the overall ambience that Carpe Diem, Chris and Yvonne allow us to enjoy. Yes the wild village cockerels start to crow early in the morning. Yes the village dogs usually join them. Yes, the music can occasionally be loud and not necessarily to our taste, but this is far and away offset by all the positives, all of which I have included in earlier reviews and are simply the prolific wildlife, birdlife, snorkelling, friendly hospitality everywhere and the enjoyment of observing life in a traditional fishing village. Tobagans call it ‘liming’ and in Castara, you can do it very well.
Chris does an excellent job of keeping the mosquito numbers down with simple good housekeeping. Previous reviews mention the sand flies which you will find on all the beaches. We find usual insect repellent does not deter them, although if you understand they bury themselves in the day to avoid the heat, then by staying off the beach at night, early morning, or just after a downpour, then they can be avoided.,
Thanks again Chris and Yvonne for allowing us to share your space for a memorable 2 ½ weeks and we would love to come back for a 4th visit sometime, if indeed you would have us back.

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