Guest Report
Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2012 7:58 pm
This was my first visit to Tobago for a long, long time and I was slightly concerned that the sheer beauty and unspoilt nature of the island would have disappeared.
Whereas there has been some development in the south as we headed up the coast road toward Castara it was as beautiful as I remembered.
Castara Retreats fit in so well to the landscape and community and can be thoroughly recommended.
First impression (from the car park) is rather OK but doesn't do justice to the fantastic views at the lodge level. We stayed in Fisherman's. Everything about the apartment was A1 - spotlessly clean, well furnished, lots of space, everything worked, all the things to hand to ensure a comfortable stay.
There are a couple of British plug sockets in the living room for those of UK origin - check with Castara if the load rating is OK if you intend to use them.
Large efficient fridge (and very quiet!) in the kitchen plus a selection of very sharp knives with pots/pans for those who want to cook.
We didn't find mosquitos any more of a problem than you would find sitting outside an English pub on a summer's eve. But the visits from a huge selection of brightly coloured birds, including a friendly hen and regular waddle pasts by the Agoutis only added to the pleasure.
The walk up and down to the beach is no trouble at all - yes it's a bit steep in parts but even the averagely fit person can be settled on the beach inside a couple of minutes.
Special mention must be made of Porridge who was a joy to encounter.
Heads up a top notch team (woke up at 6 one morning to find someone quietly brushing fallen leaves off the outside deck) and provides a wealth of knowledge as well as being great to just stand and chat with.
He also has a sense of a guest's well-being and a concern that everything is as it should be!
So in conclusion a big recommendation as a place to stay with beautiful surroundings and great customer service.
Just a couple of notes for those of sensitive hearing!
The apartments are totally open the the outside and though there are shutters that can be closed doing so would rather spoil the experience.
Sound propagates up the valley from both the waves on the beach and from any parties in the village - there were a couple that went on to around 2 in the morning when we were there (Castara Retreat's website mentions possible parties so is both informative and honest) - also the ever present waves soundtrack for most will be a lovely backdrop but it isn't a tranquil environment.
Castara are developing a Pagoda that is directly below Fisherman's into a restaurant. Conversations from the Pagoda can be clearly heard inside Fisherman's so if this was to become a busy venue then there could be some localised noise disturbance.
I am sensitive to noise so these comments are qualified and yes I will return to Castara if the opportunity arises!
Finally if I can make a small observation - wine from the honesty fridge in the Pagoda was TT200 a bottle - we paid TT 160/ bottle for the same wine at the Tobago hotel we stayed at before moving to Castara and Poundsavers do sell the same wine for TT85. So it is a bit of a premium.
Final word - if you do get a chance to visit Tobago then Castara Retreats is a fantastic place to go.
Whereas there has been some development in the south as we headed up the coast road toward Castara it was as beautiful as I remembered.
Castara Retreats fit in so well to the landscape and community and can be thoroughly recommended.
First impression (from the car park) is rather OK but doesn't do justice to the fantastic views at the lodge level. We stayed in Fisherman's. Everything about the apartment was A1 - spotlessly clean, well furnished, lots of space, everything worked, all the things to hand to ensure a comfortable stay.
There are a couple of British plug sockets in the living room for those of UK origin - check with Castara if the load rating is OK if you intend to use them.
Large efficient fridge (and very quiet!) in the kitchen plus a selection of very sharp knives with pots/pans for those who want to cook.
We didn't find mosquitos any more of a problem than you would find sitting outside an English pub on a summer's eve. But the visits from a huge selection of brightly coloured birds, including a friendly hen and regular waddle pasts by the Agoutis only added to the pleasure.
The walk up and down to the beach is no trouble at all - yes it's a bit steep in parts but even the averagely fit person can be settled on the beach inside a couple of minutes.
Special mention must be made of Porridge who was a joy to encounter.
Heads up a top notch team (woke up at 6 one morning to find someone quietly brushing fallen leaves off the outside deck) and provides a wealth of knowledge as well as being great to just stand and chat with.
He also has a sense of a guest's well-being and a concern that everything is as it should be!
So in conclusion a big recommendation as a place to stay with beautiful surroundings and great customer service.
Just a couple of notes for those of sensitive hearing!
The apartments are totally open the the outside and though there are shutters that can be closed doing so would rather spoil the experience.
Sound propagates up the valley from both the waves on the beach and from any parties in the village - there were a couple that went on to around 2 in the morning when we were there (Castara Retreat's website mentions possible parties so is both informative and honest) - also the ever present waves soundtrack for most will be a lovely backdrop but it isn't a tranquil environment.
Castara are developing a Pagoda that is directly below Fisherman's into a restaurant. Conversations from the Pagoda can be clearly heard inside Fisherman's so if this was to become a busy venue then there could be some localised noise disturbance.
I am sensitive to noise so these comments are qualified and yes I will return to Castara if the opportunity arises!
Finally if I can make a small observation - wine from the honesty fridge in the Pagoda was TT200 a bottle - we paid TT 160/ bottle for the same wine at the Tobago hotel we stayed at before moving to Castara and Poundsavers do sell the same wine for TT85. So it is a bit of a premium.
Final word - if you do get a chance to visit Tobago then Castara Retreats is a fantastic place to go.