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Northside Road, Castara Tobago
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Room & Suite (194)
Pool & Beach (65)
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About

#1 of 22 villas in Tobago
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Travellers' Choice
Castara Retreats is a small Tobago eco resort superbly located overlooking the Bay of Castara, with stunning views of the Caribbean and mountains. For those seeking holidays in Tobago the seven tropical hardwood accommodations are built to the highest standards and are set right above Castara beach in lush tropical gardens. Backed by the deep green of the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere and framed by mango trees and bamboo, Castara Retreats offers Caribbean vacations in a lush tropical paradise where guests can relax and live in the landscape around them. The lodge accommodation offers 17 separately available areas, each with wonderful privacy and exclusive terraces, which can be rented individually by couples, or together for larger groups and families. The accommodation is specially designed to create open, spacious living areas that allow uninterrupted views of the beach and rainforest, cool sea breezes and the natural sights and sounds of the ocean, rainforest and village. Each lodge or apartment is constructed of red cedar, a local hardwood, and is from sustainable sources. The bedrooms, each with en suite showers and either queen size or twin beds all have full size mosquito nets on suspended wooden frames. The spacious living areas have panoramic views of the two beaches looking north-west and also to the coastline looking south-west, and stunning sunsets over the Caribbean. Each accommodation has the advantage of free Wi-Fi internet access. There is comfortable and stylish seating with both indoor and outdoor dining and all three areas are equipped to a very high standard for self-catering. We have recently completed open-decked Pavilion Bar and Restaurant - already receiving excellent ratings - perfect for a romantic dinner for two or for family groups and events.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool / beach towels
Yoga classes
Bar / lounge
Beach
Boating
Airport transportation
Wifi
Yoga room
Restaurant
Happy hour
Kids' meals
Snack bar
Special diet menus
Diving
Hiking
Snorkelling
Fishing
Car hire
Couples massage
Full body massage
Head massage
Massage
Baggage storage
Mosquito net
Non-smoking hotel
Sun terrace
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
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Room features
Air conditioning
Dining area
Private balcony
Safe
Seating area
Coffee / tea maker
Kitchenette
iPod docking station
Sofa
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Iron
Private bathrooms
Oven
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Kitchenware
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Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Great View
631Reviews8Q+A100Room tips

Reviews
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Kiley C wrote a review Nov 2023
Los Angeles, California, United States6 contributions3 helpful votes
We booked our last three nights in Tobago here after a family wedding last-minute to experience Castara bay. It was amazing. The accommodations, service and amenities were top-notch. I only wish we had been able to stay longer. The restaurant at the resort is delicious, as were the drinks. Definitely higher in price compared to most hotels/restaurants in Tobago but worth every penny. We also loved having Carol, the resident resort cat, join us to hang out and sleep (yes, we are crazy animal lovers). I hope to come back soon!
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Don’t miss this place
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Scrabble12 wrote a review Oct 2023
Vancouver Island, Canada9 contributions2 helpful votes
+1
We stayed for three nights in Coco Palm at Castara Retreats and loved every moment, from the time Janell welcomed us to the moment we said goodbye. We loved the view from Coco Palm and the open space was very private. The air conditioner in the bedroom was a relief amidst the heat wave, and the shower was perfect. There is something her special and peaceful about this setting despite the sound of cars and music at night, which I think we were more prone to by the location of our room. That being said, it wasn’t overly bothersome, and we actually loved when the megaphone car went driving through town announcing The Blue Food Festival. Jeanell and Porridge are the nicest people. They brought us homemade bread and acquainted us with our suite, the facilities, the area, and the potential excursions. We did opt for the snorkelling / boat ride to Englishman Bay, and it was excellent. We even caught a King Mackerel along the way! Meantime we did happy hour and dined in the restaurant and got to know the ladies who were working, as all were friendly and kind, not to mention, the meals were amazing! Do not miss the homemade pasta! Lastly, if you get a chance to interact with Judha, make sure you do. I had a relaxing massage as dat turned to night in the stunning wellness area, and also did yoga in the morning. Be sure to say hi to Carol the resident cat! We will definitely be back to visit Castara again, hopefully sooner than later!
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Date of stay: October 2023
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Tips: Coco Palm is a great suite because you it’s in the middle, so you can walk down to the...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Lorna A wrote a review Oct 2023
3 contributions1 helpful vote
My first solo trip. As a female it could be daunting but I arrived at Castara Retreats as a guest and left as a friend. I just love it there. Every single member of staff cared and were always there. I can only thank them from the bottom of my heart for everything. Plus Porridge and Jenelle ….. the beating heart of the Retreats. Thank you. I stayed in the lovely Fiddle Tree which was perfect for me. Wonderful accommodations with everything you could possibly need. I watched and fed the birds, walked to the beach, swam, listened to music and relaxed. It was wonderful in every way. I used the Restaurant many times…. They worried if I did not appear and sent someone to make sure I was OK, with cake, when I didn’t appear for 2 days. 😄 I will do a separate review for the Restaurant. However I was there at a time of development and change at Caribbean Kitchen…. and I got lucky I became chief taster. All of the food lunch and dinner was excellent. Especially the catch of the day, tomato and aubergine choka and the lamb curry. The staff also kindly put food up for me to take to my room, and by the way the cocktails are indeed awesome. If you enjoy a cardiovascular workout then the Retreats is for you. I loved it and of course the views from everywhere are breathtaking. In my opinion Castara is unique and there are many reasons for this….. to many to describe here. However, if you get the ‘vibe’ there really is no need for explanation it is all around you. Finally, Porridge was great. I had volunteered to help at the TSPCA, along with 11 vets from Trinidad, Vets from Tobago and Europe at animal shelter they were doing a neutering and spaying weekend charitably. The vets had to be fed and I was volunteered to provide some food. Porridge organised it and delivered it for me. It was received with grateful thanks. It was a long day but worth it. He also guided me as I scattered some of my husbands ashes.. he was such a help. Plus all the time I was there the weather was hot. I had 1 issue with my air conditioner when I first arrived and I really would have been happy with the fans. However it was sorted and replaced within 12 hours. Porridge and the maintenance team were ace … especially Marvin who always checked it was OK. Thank you again. All in all I had a wonderful time at a beautiful place in beautiful lovely Tobago a place I love and have done for years. With thanks and love to you all Lorna (from Shropshire) I will be back in April 2024.
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip: Take an open heart and mind and remember you are on ‘island’ time.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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Donna R wrote a review Oct 2023
4 contributions
+1
Castara retreats is a magical place very sensitively put together to blend in with the natural surroundings. Having spent 10 days here I really can find no fault whatsoever. I have stayed in many eco lodges around the world and this is favourably comparable. Going to sleep to the sound of the waves waking up to the sound of the birds it is truly idyllic. You’ll need some stamina going up and down the stairs and inclines but it’s so worth it. (Probably not best if you have mobility or accessibility issues). Porridge and Jeanell are great they’re both lovely souls along with the rest of the team. Judha gave me a quality massage and was wonderful to chat to. I had the perfect combination of R&R combined with interesting trips and experiences. Chatting to the locals in the beach they’ll take you out fishing for a nominal charge very reasonable, and even cook what you catch. The Caribbean kitchen was nice but a bit pricey. The food was good but the menu somewhat limited. Walking into town to the other eateries was fab but…. You need to find out what they’re cooking that day😀a great way to chat to everyone. Food was good everywhere Ducks is particularly lovely. I found the price point a little confusing as some things are more expensive than others so one probably should do a bit of research . Eg boat snorkelling out from Castara was great but quite expensive for a couple of hours, compared to a couple of hours out at Bucoo (solo) taking in several magnificent spots. The reef with the turtles, the coral garden, Blue mango hole, Nylon pool, and lunch afterwards on the beach for much lower cost. If you’re into birds try trip with Newton George a fascinating character. Again very reasonably priced. Next time I visit I will probably hire a car as transport from Castara is also expensive compared to a trip or excursion from Castara as it costs almost the same as a two hour snorkel from Castara itself, however having said that one can happily snorkel from the beach without going anywhere else. I loved it, would recommend it, and happily return again. Thank you to all at Castara a very good positive energy!
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip: Bring your own toiletries
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Jane M wrote a review Oct 2023
London, United Kingdom6 contributions
Just about everything was perfect during our two night escape to Castara Retreats. Communication with Porridge pre arrival was easy and our arrival was met with a warm welcome. Our cottage was just perfect. Clean, well equipped and beautiful with provision of some basics for breakfast including the five fingers fruit which we were able to pick straight off the tree. Our meals at the restaurant were delicious and the staff were both friendly and professional. We took up the option for yoga, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Not only were we constantly talking about how wonderful the hotel and the location in Castara was, we spent hours in the water talking about spreading the word to all our family and friends. We slept well and the thunderstorm on our second night was thrilling. We loved it all!
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: This is a tranquil hotel for a peaceful holiday although the village itself can be noisy at...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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katrina K wrote a review Aug 2023
Manchester, United Kingdom39 contributions7 helpful votes
We had a very relaxing , peaceful holiday at Castara Retreats . Our family of 4 stayed in Birdsong apartment that exceeded all our expectations . Its layout, size and comfort made our stay so wonderful . we woke up to bird song and sea waves each morning , a lovely way to start each day
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Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: The whole team at Castara could not have done more to make our holiday so fabulous .
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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Response from Sue Plumb, Marketing at Castara Retreats
Responded 10 Oct 2023
Birdsong is a beauty - so pleased it exceeded all expectations and you enjoyed the birdsong and the sound of the sea. Hope to see you again soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Harsh Patel wrote a review Aug 2023
Herndon, Virginia1 contribution
This is my most relaxing and beautiful stay ever. The hosts, Jeanelle and Porridge, were really warm and accommodating. Their cook, Tia, is also very good at seafood and cocktails! Would definitely recommend this resort to everyone!
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Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Sue Plumb, Marketing at Castara Retreats
Responded 10 Oct 2023
Thank you for your review - I will pass on to Tia, she will be chuffed! We aspire to create an environment for 'the most relaxing and beautiful stays' - so it's such a joy for us to hear this. Thank you and hope to see you again!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gavin S wrote a review Jul 2023
Bracknell, United Kingdom39 contributions23 helpful votes
Our ten day stay was great. An eco-friendly lodge, sympathetically built into the hillside. Porridge, Jeanell and the rest of the team are there to assist with whatever you may need. Their drivers are great for taking you the extra mile, literally, regardless of your initial plan, if you want to explore. Yes the lodges are a little weather beaten but that’s to be expected, but that adds to the charm. Perhaps a little more clothes storage would help and a bit of a refresh in the bathroom, but since the focus is all about the environment I can understand not wanting to spend in that way. As for Castara, during the off season it is a joy. A handful of tourists and the friendly locals. Businesses are not necessarily open their normal hours but I’d take that over crowds any day. Every single meal we had was not short of outstanding. Do not miss lunch at Duck’s. For a slightly more up market ambiance, try d’Almond Tree. But to be honest, every eatery was great. Don’t expect menus in some places, just what they have available that day - but it will be excellent regardless. And the beach bar Cascreol is a must on Thursday evenings as it is SO loud until the early hours, no point trying to sleep through it. Might as well party with the locals. All in all, a wonderful place to stay but quiet, rustic and laid back. If you want a tourist resort this is not it!
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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Response from Sue Plumb, Marketing at Castara Retreats
Responded 10 Oct 2023
Thank for your detailed review - we really appreciate the feedback and it helps us plan for the future. We couldn't agree more - we are proud to be set apart from a tourist resort. We're a 17-accommodation small eco resort with an onsite restaurant and yoga pavilion. We are quiet, serene, and encourage guests to immerse themselves in the nature that's all around. Re. accommodation - all are made from wood as you saw and being in the tropics they do get weathered. We do our absolute best to keep them as lovely as possible and allocate budget every year to make upgrades. We describe ourselves as 'rustic' or 'laid-back' luxury, and we want our guests to have their expectations managed on this front - we're about being in nature and slowing down. Our accommodations blend in, are gorgeous, and all handmade, with quaint features, by local craftspeople, but they aren't fancy. Great that you've included recommendations for places to eat in the village - we really care about sharing the benefits that tourism brings to the island and the village, and there are so many wonderful experiences and cuisine to try. We hope to welcome you again one day soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dorthe U wrote a review Jul 2023
1 contribution
+1
Dear Sue I have tried to post this review, but didnt suceed Maybe You can post it? Castara Retreats - a wonderful experience My husband and I had one of the best vacations ever at Castara retreats. Staying in the flat Tamarind with the view to rainforest, humming birds and the great Caribbean sea was the best. Jeanelle & Poridge, our hosts at Castara Retreats, were so helpful and kind and did all they could to make our vacation the best. We felt SO welcome. There are so much to experience on Tobago. The nature and the culture is overwhelming. Among other exiting things we experienced: - Biolumuniscence kayaking in the dark - Newton George birdwatching in the reserve rainforrest - Newton George Little Tobago birdwatching - Snorklingtrip at Buccoo reef to Nylon Bay - Hiking to Castara waterfall swimming in the lake in the middle of the rainforest - Snorkling trip to Englishmans Bay with Sunarise from Castara Beach We also had the chance to attend a gospelservice at a Castara churh and visited the local school. Experiencing the daily life in the town of Castara was awesome and of course swimming in the beautiful waters of Castara Bay, where we saw the amazing stingrays. We can only recommend Castara Retreats. It was such a good experience and we send all our love to Jeanell & Porridge once again. We loved our holidays at Tobago. Yours sincerely Dorthe & Jens, Denmark
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Date of stay: July 2023
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Sue Plumb, Marketing at Castara Retreats
Responded 10 Oct 2023
Dorthe and Jens - thanks for your incredible review. Sounds like you had a wonderful time, which is what we love to hear! Thanks for sharing those recommendations for trips too - great for potential guests to hear first hand what's great on the island. For those visiting us soon - we have lots more information on the above activities in our welcome pack when you arrive. You can book activities once you're hear - things move a little slower on Tobago and there's no need to book up trips and tours weeks and months in advance. I will of course send on your love and well wishes to P & J. All the best, and we really hope to welcome you again one day.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kamau H wrote a review Jul 2023
New York City, New York2 contributions
Firstly, what a genuinely lovely and cozy place to stay. We stayed in the Fisherman apartment and the views were even better than in the pictures. Waking up to such a serene, quiet scene was just the restorative stay we needed. The staff was on top of every detail and made us feel at home; they gave us great recommendations in the area and answered promptly with any inquiries we had. We look forward to staying again in the future. Incredible experience!
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Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Location
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Sue Plumb, Marketing at Castara Retreats
Responded 10 Oct 2023
What a fab review! Glad Fishermans was to your liking - the view is stunning! Restoration is definitely what we want our guests to experience, so this makes us delighted to hear. I'll pass on your well wishes and thanks to our staff - almost 100% local to the village and the island, our staff have so much to share about what to do and see. A real font of knowledge! We look forward to welcoming you again.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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PRICE RANGE
US$144 - US$225 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
castara retreats hotel tobago
LOCATION
CaribbeanTrinidad and TobagoTobagoCastara
NUMBER OF ROOMS
17
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CASTARA RETREATS - Updated 2023 (Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago)

Frequently Asked Questions about Castara Retreats
Which popular attractions are close to Castara Retreats?
Nearby attractions include Castara Bay (0.2 miles) and Castara Waterfall (0.2 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Castara Retreats?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
Which room amenities are available at Castara Retreats?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at Castara Retreats?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and a snack bar during their stay.
Is parking available at Castara Retreats?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Castara Retreats?
Conveniently located restaurants include Caribbean Kitchen at Castara Retreats, The Coffee Shop, and The Boat House Restaurant.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Castara Retreats?
Yes, guests have access to yoga classes during their stay.
Does Castara Retreats have airport transportation?
Yes, Castara Retreats offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are there any historical sites close to Castara Retreats?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Fort King George (7.1 miles), Fort James (7.0 miles), and Courlander Monument (6.9 miles).
Does Castara Retreats have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the harbour view available here.