Any info on Castara Cottage?

[Linda A]

We are planning a two week stay here in early Jan. It looks and sounds nice on the web site. Does anyone have 1st hand information about this cottage? I think it used to be called Mango house. This will be our first visit to Tobago, and we want mainly to hike, birdwatch, and snorkle. Thanks, Linda

[Roland Siebenhorn]

Hi Linda,

I guess you're talking about the Blue Mango. Use the search facility on
the top of this page and you will find plenty of information about it.
Castara is an excellent base for your holiday interests. Enjoy your stay!

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Linda

Welcome aboard!

You're both right and wrong, Roland.

Castara Cottage was originally called Mango House, until it was sold and renamed late last year. However, Mango House was previously owned by the daughter of the owner of Blue Mango and is effectively located on the same plot of land.

I'm afraid I can't tell you much, Linda. The only comments I've ever heard relate to possible noise, given the location of the property. There's been neglible comment in the forums over the years. The only report I can find is here - http://www.mytobago.info/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2394 - but in fairness I should add that this report is more than three years old and the property is now under new management. I believe the new owners may have done work to the property.

[Tricia T.]

Hi, All!
My friends and I will be staying at Castara Cotteges this coming weekend (can't wait!). This will be our first trip down and, Steve, this website has been an AMAZING help in my planning and research and I will gladly post a report for the cottages hopefully by this time next week.
Linda, be sure to tune in!

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Tricia

Howdy! Welcome aboard

Have a great trip and be sure to let us know how you get on.

[Steve Wooler]

Hello all

Yvonne and Ann Rhodes, the new owners of Castara Cottage, have sent me the following comments. I feel it appropriate to post them here in balance to the old post from the Moorhead family which I refered to above.

We are Yvonne and Ann, the new owners Castara Cottage (formerly known as Mango House), which we bought in January 2006.

We note the comments contained in the review by the Moorhead family in 2002.

Whilst it is inappropriate and unnecessary to respond to this historical event (so long ago and under different ownership), we wish to ‘put the record straight’ by providing updated information.

As Steve Wooler stated in his response, that review was written a long time ago, since when, there have been numerous changes and adaptations to the accommodation.
For example, internal and external re-decoration, new outside decking for Saffron studio apartment, and general development to create a separate identity for the Cottage.

We have continued to receive guests and some of their more recent comments / reviews of the cottage, can be found on various websites including ‘Where To Stay’ and the main Castara Cottage website at http://www.castaracottage.com.

One of the unique features of Castara Cottage is that it is a wooden building, in a traditional Caribbean style. It has large shuttered windows and open fretwork - creating a light, airy interior space, which is in harmony with the natural environment. Many visitors choose to come to the Cottage for the closeness to nature and the natural, unpretentiousness of the cottage.

Although located near the road, the cottage is surrounded by a lush tropical shrubs and bushes - adding to the peacefulness, privacy and seclusion. None of our recent guests have expressed concerns about traffic noise, or a lack of privacy.

In terms of space, the Moorheads describe a situation that we find it hard to imagine. Obviously Mango House did not meet their particular requirements, but most people agree with our description of the cottage as spacious, light and airy.

We agree that the second bedrooms in the upper and lower apartments (Tamarind and Cinnamon) are smaller and do not have the same outlooks as the main bedrooms, but we do make this clear to people who request detailed information. We will suggest that those rooms may be more appropriate for children and young people and we never encourage overcrowding. On several occasions, we have recommended other local accommodation, if our arrangements are clearly not suitable.

Even so, the entire Cottage comfortably sleeps up to 11 people. Each apartment is private and can be used individually, or in any combination, to meet the needs of individuals, couples or groups. In addition, we have a childs bed in Saffron, a portable baby-cot and a sofa-bed, all which add to the flexible use of the accommodation.

The apartments have well-equipped kitchens, including large fridge freezers, full-size four-burner cookers with ovens, coffee making machines, a range of kitchen equipment, crockery and glasses. A laundry room is in the sub-basement.

Our exceptional manager, Brigitte, makes every effort to ensure that guests are comfortable.

Of course, we love Castara Cottage - but we do recognise that it may not be the ideal holiday for everyone. We aspire to give all our guests a memorable holiday experience, and actively encourage / welcome feedback, which will help us to achieve this.


Yvonne Joseph & Ann Rhodes

[Barrett]

Hi-
I had the pleasure of meeting and eating and drinking with Yyvonne and Ann who bought the mango house and transformed it into castara cottage-
I did not stay with them, as they were under rennovation, but i am sure the place will be reflective of both of them-
gracious, warm, and laughter all around!
I am planning a trip soon and would definately stay with them!
Barrett