Reviews
Eva, Johnny, Yvonne, Sarah & David Germany February 2008
We had a wonderful holiday on Tobago ! We really enjoyed staying at Castara Cottage !! It was a great time - the only thing that we didn`t like was the fact that we had to go back to Austria...... - your house was one of the best accommodations we`ve ever stayed in on our journeys - Castara is a really nice place - the people of Castara are very friendly - we met a lot of nice people there - Brigitte is just the right person to take care of your house and the guests - she is very helpful & nice - we went on a great rainforest/bush walk - many thanks ! - the cocks did a great job every morning - we miss them! - driving around the island with our car was great - in the first days we wouldn`t have found our way back to Castara without all those friendly people along the roads - many, many thanks to them..... - we also met the owners of KCNN car rental service - thanks also to them for their help - we went on some exiting boat-trips, and even caught a Kingsfish for lunch - the kids loved to play on the beaches ....
We are sure that one day(not far away) we will come back to Tobago(Castara Cottage) .... perhaps with some other friends......
Many thanks - it was a wonderful time
Tony, Katrin & Tom -Berlin, Germany January 2008
Tobago is one of those special places that continue to resonate in mind and heart long after the journey is over and the pictures, tastes and sounds of this precious island retreat have been savoured and stored in memory. It is a relatively small corner of paradise lodged in a perfect setting, where there is an abundance of exciting things to do and countless unique experiences waiting to be discovered by the discerning traveler, who is prepared to seek out authentic and exceptional experiences which have disappeared from our ever more packaged, superficial, global "reality".
We as a family wanted a winter escape from dreary winter Berlin and had heard about the charm and simplicity of this emerald isle of the Caribbean from friends who had discovered Tobago many years before and continue to relive it when allowed the privilege. I was then lucky enough to Google my way to charming Castara discovering it to be a peaceful and relatively tourist-free fishing-village situated on the lush west coast that dips down into the placid and torquoise Caribbean. After finding Castara it was again a case of serendipity that led me to Castara Cottage, a truly magical and unpretentious niche where nature greets the outsider with all the excitement and colour that the Tobagian rain forest has to offer.
The Cottages' website can hardly do justice to the splendor of the location, the power and feelings evoked by being so intimately a part of one of the last truly shining and thankfully not as yet polished gems of Mother Nature cannot be expressed in pictures or words alone. You have to be there, surrounded in the tree tops by a host of chattering multi -coloured birds, the sounds of waves below rolling onto the sands of the two secluded bays, minutes away from your very own 'captain's deck' and all the comforts of your private nest in the thick of it all.
The sights are among the most memorable settings that I have ever witnessed, whether the deep verdant shades of the rain forest draped in creepers and vines over the hardwoods, the fiery reds and golden yellows peeking through the canopy or the Atlantic and Caribbean blues and greens splashed around the palette of Robinson Crusoe's incomparable though no longer quite deserted Island. Here are secret bays and sun splashed parrot squawking Alpine like tropical hills where I know I will return again and again, both in my dreams and soon again I hope in body.
The people were gracious and in all my dealings whether it was with the car rental company KCNN, our highly informative "Indiana Jones" rain forest guide Fitzroy, or Duck, "the pirate" of my son's imagination, and the boatman that gave us a magnificent tour of the coast, reef and Nylon Pool, everyone was prepared to go that bit extra and help make our moment in Tobago something that we will never forget and always appreciate.
It was a pleasure from start to finish and Ann, one of the owners of the Cottage, was informative, patient and always obliging, taking more time than one would expect in answering all my queries while offering insightful and helpful tips and advice on getting the best out of our trip.
So from us to all of you in Tobago please accept our many sincere and heartfelt thanks for the time of our lives.
Carolyn Massachusetts, US January 2008
It was nice to see a note from you after our return home. We had a fantastic time. I am really glad we were able to connect up with you before you left.
The guys - Duck, Loady, and Chino - really do a good job making the whole thing really special. We had a BBQ with Duck and the other Castara guests the night after you left, I think. It was a nice way to hang out with him (plus our limin' the previous night with you guys and him). He took the others out on the boat the next day. They really wanted to fish and we really wanted snorkelling so we decided to make it a different day for our group. (Actually Tony was adamant that we go separate. That was fine and probably for the best.) The day we went out, Duck, Loady, Brother and Jay were there. There were two other tourists that we didn't know but enjoyed. After they caught a giant barracuda, Duck called up a couple of other buddies that we picked up on the way to No Mans Land after we went snorkelling at Arnos Vale. We dropped Duck and Loady off to cook and went snorkelling at Buccoo Bay. It was pretty rough there and when I reached Kirt, Jarydd and Mikaela, we realized we had no idea where Liam was. We all swam back to the boat in a panic and found out that Jay was with him from the beginning and staying right with him the whole time. Liam had the best time since his whole swim was all about enjoying the reef. No Man's Land was great fun. Good food. Dancing on the beach. We finished with Nylon Pool. The very best snorkelling was Arnos Vale.
We went to Pirate's Bay once but according to Duck we snorkelled on the wrong side of the bay. It was still pretty good. We hit the market in Scarborough. I found sorrel, cinnamon and cloves so I could make a drink for the kids.
Chino took my father-in-law, Jarydd, Mikaela and me on a trip around the island to solve all of our problems. We got the money from Blue Waters Inn and the car key in Scarborough. He checked in a few times and just hung out. He was making sure we were doing alright. Loady invited us to the Beach House on our last night where we heard some nice music.
I got to know more people on this trip than any other. It was really nice. Your apartments are absolutely beautiful. It felt really good being there. You have not only decorated them so nicely, but just their openness and cleanliness made the stay absolutely delightful. Between that and the people, I would consider going to Tobago again (I have this idea that one should never go back to a place - too many new places to explore). We were really able to relax. The surf was a little rough but great fun for playing in the waves. It was hard getting Liam out of the ocean.
Hogie Alberta, Canada October 2007
Breakfast With the Birds at Castara Cottage
Castara cottage is a very special place, given its simple beauty, practicality and stunning setting. I went looking for beach and birds, armed with my cameras, and found the perfect place at Castara Cottage. The two beaches below the cottage are as beautiful as any in the world, and only a stone's throw away, with easy walking access by the roads on each side of the ridge.
The site also has tantalizing views of the Caribbean, through lush foliage. I enjoyed the bats, birds and chickens that visited me in the house. I pulled in a huge variety of birds on the porch railings outside, with cracker crumbs, etc., and shot many dozens of still photos and miles of video footage. I had the opportunity to snorkel (nice coral and fish on the north end of the beach), swim, laze, people-watch and film at the beach - including the famous fishermen's take from the beach with their nets - one catch captured a ray and that provided considerable excitement when the net reached shore! I befriended a large local family on the beach as they routinely came to swim near the end of each day.
I also thoroughly experienced Englishman's, Parlatuvier and Bloody Bays, and drove through the forest reserve on my way back to Crown Point.
Met Fitzroy, the guide - he kept popping up like an old friend - at the cottage, at Englishman's Bay - he even flagged me down on the reserve road as I motored to Roxborough ! I enjoyed our encounters.
Back to the Castara and the Cottage.........utilitarian cottage but nothing was missing. The fans are essential but did the job. Mosquitoes were not a problem. Slept like a baby. Much sun, little rain. Wonderful music from around town, including live band and singers at the church up the way on Sunday. Ninety-nine percent friendly people. Few other tourists but talked with some really nice Brits. Sorry that Castara is "growing" - apartments and the like - as the character and mood will eventually erode, I think. Was aware of neighbours upstairs but we co-existed just fine. I enjoyed the outside shower.
I believe rates are appropriate. Housekeeper Brigitte was unobtrusive and accommodating. When I first arrived I was surprised to discover the road below so close - but it was not a problem - little travelled by vehicles. (I quickly discovered the short-cut through the railing).
The mood and character of Castara are rare and precious in our fast paced complex and often difficult world. Castarians are fortunate to live at one of the few remaining oases on earth.
I have no doubt that I will make every effort to return as soon as possible, and bewail the fact that northern Canada is SO far away from Tobago.
Marion and Marcus Bonn, Germany October 2007
First of all: You were right! Oh my god, you were so right! To drive all the way to Castara on a rainy night (and how it rained that night!) after a nine-hours-flight must be as close to hell as one can get in this life! I certainly would not recommend it and personally would NOT DO IT AGAIN (you are welcome to quote me to future clients of yours!).
Although - what a reward the cottage was! We loved it from the first instant and always remember that exhilarating moment we first unlocked the door and entered..........What an enchanted place! Thanks a million, Ann, for enabling us to spend a few days (and nights) in such a wonderful place!
And please, please pass on our regards to Brigitte, the most charming "janitor" in the world! We would have loved to see more of her and Doris (Who showed us the way , when we were really desperate that first night in the rain!), but alas, the "Big Fish" remained closed for the rest of our stay.
Anyway, we loved Castara and especially "Castara Cottages" and especially our apartment (best view, most birds) and are pretty sure to come back for longer one day very soon.
For the time being, all the best from Germany and a very successful season (has probably started by now).
Sarah MacLennan Wiltshire, UK Aug 2007
Comfortable and Highly recommended
We spent two wonderful weeks at Castara Cottage in August 2007. The accommodation is simple yet very well equipped and totally authentic, and the apartments are managed to a high standard by extremely friendly and helpful people.
The village of Castara is unspoilt and un-developed and very beautiful, with two beaches both within a minute's walk from the Cottage and with simple restaurants and shops. The apartments are airy and open to the natural sights and sounds of the surrounding rainforest, sea and village.
If you want a holiday which is completely relaxing, informal and unpressured but which allows you to participate in local Caribbean culture then Castara Cottage is highly recommended.
Gavin Nicol York, UK May 2007
A Great Place to Stay
We had a lovely week staying in the Cinnamon apartment at Castara Cottage. The location is great, very close to the beaches. The apartment is well maintained by Brigitte, who pops in every day or so to check all is ok.
One thing to watch was the mosquitoes - our kids suffered a lot of bites before we really noticed anything. Best to use repellent, nets, coils and spray from the first evening you're there (mosquitoes had a habit of creeping inside the nets from under the beds!).
Apart from this, an idyllic place with the right balance of peace and quiet with the chance to socialise on the beaches - most of the locals very friendly.
Veronica White Somerset, UK April 2007
Very relaxing and highly recommended
We had a wonderful two weeks at Castara Cottage. The apartment was simple but comfortable with everything you needed, including a hot water shower, which many other local apartments lacked. We were fortunate enough to be there at the same time as the owners who were charming and very helpful. They also had useful information available in the apartment on good rain forest tour guides, boat trips etc for when they were not there to help! A two minute saunter down the hill brought you to 'Heavenly Bay' and the name says it all! Excellent swimming, snorkelling and a beach side bar for drinks and tasty meals. At the end of our two weeks we were so relaxed we were practically horizontal and can't wait to return.
Ronald, Marleen & Kids February 2007 Middelburg, Netherlands
Beautiful and Practical
We stayed in Cinnamon apartment from Castara Cottage for 10 days. We had a wonderful time! The cottage is just near the beach. While eating breakfast at the patio, the beautiful colored birds eat fruit from the fence, hummingbirds fly just along your head! Inside the cottage you'll find everything you need, a large fridge with a freezer, towels (and even beach towels) and bed linen changed every other day!
Everyone in the little village is very friendly, the beach is beautiful and the seawater just the right temperature. The kids just loved to play on the beach and in the water from morning till evening.
Paul Young Colchester, UK February/March 2007
We have just had possibly the best holiday ever at Castara Cottage everything was perfect just as described on the website. We watched the fishermen bring in the fish, bought what we wanted then took it home for tea. We bought Fresh bread from the clay oven cooked in banana leaves. Our children played in the surf everyday. The restaurants were excellent (it was almost like going to a friend's house for dinner!) we all loved trying the local food it's part of the magic of Castara. We fully recommend a days boat trip with Duck up the Island. This made Jake's holiday. Also recommend a trek in the rainforest with Fitzroy(Guide). Everyone in Castara is so friendly and everything is so natural we only hope it can stay this way.
We are definitely coming back - can't wait.
We saw a lot of beautiful birds in the surrounding trees and they even came very close when we fed them with small pieces of bread. We really enjoyed our stay and the very friendly local people.
We did an amazing tour in the rainforest with the most friendly guide named Fitchroy from Charlottevill and had a wonderful boat trip to the Nylon Pool just off the cost at Pigeon Point. Here our daughter Natalia caught a couple of Barracudas that our skipper Duck prepared for us at the beach. Can not wait to do that again.
All in all really a holiday to remember.
Arne Denmark March 2007
Great Accomodation
We had a wonderful week at Castara Cottage. The apartment is in bright colors, well equipped and has an outstanding view over the cliffs and the sea and there is just a minute's walk to the most beautiful beach ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
We saw a lot of beautiful birds in the surrounding trees and they even came very close when we fed them with small pieces of bread. We really enjoyed our stay and the very friendly local people.
We did an amazing tour in the rainforest with the most friendly guide named Fitchroy from Charlottevill and had a wonderful boat trip to the Nylon Pool just off the cost at Pigeon Point. Here our daughter Natalia caught a couple of Barracudas that our skipper Duck prepared for us at the beach. Can not wait to do that again.
All in all really a holiday to remember.
Penny, Steve and Anna Searley Birmingham, UK December 2006
We just loved Castara Cottage and had a wonderful week in Castara, quite the best place on the island as far as we are concerned. We ate at Marguerites, Vera at Under D'Almond Tree and had a wonderful English Christmas lunch with Sharon at the Beach House.
We took a whole day boat trip with Duck and his nephew and he gave us a brilliant day snorkelling and barbecuing.
We loved waking up surrounded by the birds and bats and yes, even the cockerels, so thanks again for letting us share your magical place.
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Many thanks