Castara Retreats Lodges - Summary Description

3 Cottages. Reader Satisfaction Rating    

The lodges at Castara Retreats include three self-contained detached units. Fisherman's Lodge is a wooden fisherman's cabin which has recently been renovated and extended and now offers unique and comfortable accommodation. Two new  Haiku lodges (one with one bedroom, the other with two) were added in late 2005. In addition to the lodges, Castara Retreats also offers a large and very distinctive wooden house split into three self-contained  apartments (two studios and one with two bedrooms). The property is set in lush grounds on the hillside above beautiful Castara bay and has very rapidly achieved a truly excellent reputation.

We started our 2005 visit to Tobago with 5 days at Castara Retreats. We now fully understand why the property attracts such regular and highly positive comment in our forum. This accommodation offers a truly unique experience.

This listing details information about the three detached lodges at Castara Retreats - Coasthanger Lodge, Birdsong Lodge and Fisherman's Lodge. Details of the three apartments in the main haiku house are listed in our 'Apartment' section and can be seen by clicking here

Detailed Description

Website extracts and/or information supplied by Castara Retreats Lodges

Haiku Lodges and Fisherman's Lodge

The accommodation consists of two new haiku lodges and a renovated fisherman's shack. The one and two bedroom lodges are constructed from hardwoods harvested from local sustainable sources and are specially designed to create open, spacious living areas that enjoy unhindered views and the natural sights and sounds of the ocean, bay, garden, rainforest and village. Also available is Fisherman's Lodge, a one bedroom renovated shack that offers similar spacious accommodation within a romantic Caribbean structure.

These three lodges are furnished and equipped to a very good standard. The general style of the interiors is open and spacious and this is further enhanced by windows that can be pulled up and out of the way, thus offering panoramic views of the bay and ocean. There are polished hardwood floors, wicker furniture, discreet lighting, and well equipped kitchens. Also good quality mattresses, mosquito nets, white bed linen, hammocks and security safes. The total floor area is 800 square feet in the one bedroom lodges and 950 square feet in the two bedroom lodge.

In addition to the lodges there are three apartments and these form the main house with a penthouse apartment (Rainforest) spanning the whole of the upper floor and two studio apartments (Osprey & Pelican) below. These accommodations also enjoy spectacular views of the bay and ocean and are all equipped to a high standard.

Outside is an acre of gardens with sun terraces and shady spots where you can relax and listen to the birdsong, the sound of the ocean, and to the daily rhythms of the village. Purpose designed deck areas in each accommodation are as perfect for bird watching as they are for viewing the manta rays in the bay below or the spectacular Caribbean sunsets. Last year, a wooden Pagoda was constructed on the hillside below Fisherman's Lodge which offers wonderful views to the west and available to guests as a place to meet, to relax, or to shelter from the sun or the rain whilst enjoying the gardens. Mango trees fringe the gardens with bananas and bamboo below and orchards of citrus, avocado, paw paw, and plantain above. Shrubs and flowers blossom everywhere and attract constant visits from humming birds.

The basic principle is looking after yourselves in well resourced self catering accommodation with good local back-up and support and free from the constraints and protocols of hotels.

If you are looking for informal, relaxing accommodation surrounded by nature then Castara Retreats is an excellent option for your holiday destination.

We would point out to readers that the accommodations are located on a hillside overlooking the beach and hence access on a daily basis involves a 75 yard walk up a scenic concrete path. Consequently Castara Retreats may not be suitable for those with walking difficulties or who get easily out of breath. New access has recently been completed in the form of a driveway up to the two haiku lodges so this has eased the problem for those staying in the lodges.