Guest Report

[Caroline Brookes]

We stayed in Palm Corner at the Beach House, Castara from 14 – 21 February 2008. The previous reviews say it all. It is a lovely location. We met Carol and Graham, the owners of the Beach House who happened to be staying in the top floor apartment. Their presence made our stay even happier. They are fun people to be with, and we shared good times with them. They laid on a BBQ for us and we shared a taxi to go to Sunday School. Everyone from Beach House went out in Porridge’s boat to Cotton Beach, where we had a BBQ, and fed the remains to a huge visiting sting ray. It is worth going to the Boathouse next to the Beach House on a Wednesday night for a meal and to listen to the steel band, followed by an African drumming band. We went on the night of the full eclipse of the moon. We were able to listen to the great music, and then drop out on to the beach to watch the eclipse. Carol and Graham introduced us to Steve Wooler. It is good to have met you face to face, Steve.

The only negatives to our stay in Castara was the two lots of building work that were ongoing in Heavenly Bay, and the loud music from neighbours (not from the Boathouse I must stress), both of these shattering the peace of the Bay. One lot of building work is being undertaken right next door and on the cliff above and to the side of the Beach House. Carol had managed to get an undertaking that they would only work from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and we came to value the hour’s lunch break when peace prevailed. I must also say that the building work consisted mostly of hammering on wood, with the occasional circular saw being used. Nobody could understand why the neighbours played music with heavy base notes all day long, even though they appeared not to be at home. The noise affected all the surrounding homes. I do hope they will find it in their hearts to respect their neighbours.

The fruit and veg. stall in Big Bay is great with a good selection. How the lettice can be kept so fresh in the heat, I find amazing. We enjoyed roti at D’Almond Tree, and an evening meal at the very busy and popular Marguarite’s. Our favourite was Jemma’s at Speyside (closed on Saturdays)

Caroline