Accommodation Options

Hummingbird Apartment

Hummingbird is available from Thursday April 3rd 2008 and is a newly renovated apartment that integrates and upgrades the original two studio apartments.  Located below Rainforest it has easy access into the gardens and has wonderful views of the beach and the whole of Castara Bay.  It also looks east across the garden to the village beyond and to the rainforest ridge in the distance, where the sun rises.  In August 2007 we took the opportunity to extend and upgrade one of the original studio apartments into a one bedroom accommodation with new hardwood windows and doors and much more space to relax, dine, read or absorb the ever changing landscape of ocean, beach, garden and rainforest.  In the process of renovation we completely upgraded the bathroom and have added a new and spacious kitchen.

In March 2008 we have scheduled to upgrade the second studio apartment and to then integrate it into Hummingbird.  This work entails the removal of the original kitchen and general upgrading of this area into a large double bedroom with en-suite shower room.  We have sourced local red cedar for new doors and windows and wardrobe.   At this stage Hummingbird will be presented as a two bedroom and two shower room apartment, completely refurbished and renovated to a very good standard.

Hummingbird is designed as a quiet and secluded apartment surrounded by lush tropical gardens.  It will have a spacious 32 foot terrace that spans the whole front of this accommodation with comfortable seating and dining options.  This covered terrace has lovely views to the north west to the beach and ocean and also to the east where it looks onto the tropical gardens that attract a profusion of birds including hummingbirds which are constantly in view.  There is a family size hammock for those seriously intent on relaxing. 

Outside we have created a private terrace (20 x 12 feet) on the eastern side that is partly covered and also open to the sun and stars and is an additional ideal place to sit and look at the views, or to lounge in the sun.     

On the eastern side, and enjoying the morning sun is a large double bedroom with fitted hardwood wardrobe, a queen size bed with good quality mattress, pillows, white cotton sheets and bed cover. The bed is covered by a very large mosquito on a rectangular wooden frame that allows lots of space underneath and there is discreet spot lighting controlled by dimmer switches.  The bed looks directly out to the ocean and beach and the atmosphere is enhanced by the carved sun panels that are featured above all the windows and doors and allow the breeze to flow throughout the day and night.

Adjoining this is a good sized shower room and toilet that is beautifully tiled and lit by flush spot lights with dimmer switch.

On the western side is the second bedroom with a private en suite shower room.  There are twin beds with mosquito frames which can be converted into a very large double bed.  This room also has views directly across to the ocean and beach and has similar carved sun panels above the doors and windows.  Bed linen and furnishings are to the same high standard as the other bedroom. 

The all new kitchen area is beautifully finished with hardwood windows, doors and cabinets, all made by local craftsmen.  The kitchen has the same spectacular views as the terrace and looks to the ocean and beach as well as to the garden and is located to allow ease of access and socialising with both the indoor and outdoor terraces which makes serving meals and drinks easy and relaxing.  It is well equipped with a new top of the range cooker and full size fridge and has quality utensils, pans, coffee and teapots, glasses and china plates and bowls. 

The whole area, including the terrace, is illuminated by spotlights with dimmer controls, which are perfect for creating soft low lighting for a romantic atmosphere, with the added benefit of avoiding the tropical insects that are attracted by bright light.

As with all the accommodations there is a hair dryer, security safe, and ventilation fan for each of the bedrooms.

Hummingbird is also blessed with the best of the breezes at Castara Retreats and is noticeably cooler on a hot day than all of the other accommodations.  We have as usual designed doors and windows with wooden louvers that allow the breeze through at all times that they are open.

Hummingbird is a lovely space for families or indeed for two couples or a group of friends.  The space is designed to allow privacy within a shared environment and has lots of options for lounging in comfort and for dining,  The wall between the bedrooms is of concrete and ensures excellent sound proofing.  Likewise the ceiling above is concrete (although with a wood board finish) and hence there is rarely a problem in hearing clients in the accommodation above.

At the time of writing (October 2007), we are able to offer these photos taken by a guest, to give you a taste of the new look Hummingbird. We will put up a full portfolio of photos on the site as soon as possible.

Castara Retreats’ main house (top left) from the beach
Dining area with door to outside terrace		Spacious bedroom facing the ocean
Ocean view to North from dining area		Views to rainforest and village to East
Space to relax		Views to the Little Beach
Dining area with dropdown shutters for inclement weather		Bay below Castara Retreats
Shower room		Corner of kitchen
Osprey outside terrace

Rainforest  |  Osprey  |  Pelican  |  Fisherman's Lodge  |  Coasthanger  |  Birdsong  |  Hummingbird