Castara Retreats & Tobago With Young Children

[David Lewis]

Hi, We have just returned from staying at Castara Retreats with our two young children, aged 3 and 5.

We stayed on the second floor unit (Rainforest Lodge) and found it perfect for us. It was simple but adequately equipped and very clean with everthing in good condition. It consists of a double room that opens out onto an enormous balcony overlooking the bay with an additional smaller room with 2 bunks and a kitchen. During our stay we had many visitors and they all commented on the spaciousness of the accomodation and the views and being perched up the hill it also captures some of the sea breezes which were very welcome. We were about 3 minutes from the closest section of the beach and the expedition to Little (Paradise) Beach was about 10 minutes (walking a 3 year old's pace).

From what we saw I feel that the Rainforest Lodge was amongst the best accomodation in Castara and, having spent a few days exploring the island, Castara was the most picturesque and freindly village on the island.

I would have no hesitation recommending Castara Retreat, and in particular the Rainforest Lodge, as accomodation.

A couple of comments about young children. Generally, the swimming was wonderful but on a couple of days the seas picked up a bit and, since our children are only just learning to swim, we were a bit reluctant to let them play in the sea. On those days we went to Pigeon Point where the protecting reef guarantees calmer seas or toured the island.

Our children were not keen on the hot spicy food and unless you cook the food yourself this is the only option available in most restraunts in Castara. We eventually got one of the bars to prepare food without hot spices but is was quite difficult, not because they were uncooperative but the concept of chili free food appeared to be alien to them. A little chili would be added because 'surely they can't mean [b]no[/b] chili' or extra pepper would be added to replace the missing chili. We got there in the end.

Our children loved 'Bago (our 3 year old was convinced we were going 'to Bago') and the Rainforest Lodge was the icing on the cake.

David Lewis

PS I never want to drive a Suzuki jeep again as long as I live.

[Steve Wooler]

Hi David

Such a lovely post deserves to be a full topic within its own right, so excuse me for transferring it.

Poor Suzuki jeeps - mind you, I don't think even Suzuki expects anyone to take them seriously.