What to Expect at Castara Retreats

Our vision for Castara Retreats is to create a Tobago accommodation and Caribbean destination that offers something different to the traditional hotel experience. With a unique form of rustic luxury underpinned by excellent value, our aim is to create a balance between the support on offer in a hotel with the freedom and independence of self-catering.

Rustic Luxury & Friendly Service

The authenticity, charm and character of an intimate, family-run eco-resort, perched on the hillside above a friendly fishing village.

A warm and friendly atmosphere – great service, but at the same time relaxed and laid-back.

Excellent personal support through daily visits from our local manager Porridge, who will stop by to say hello.

Quality & Care

High quality, intimate and practical self-catering accommodation with well-equipped kitchens, spacious living areas, Wi-Fi, and iPod docks. Room cleaning every three to four days.

A commitment within the team to responsible tourism, with polices in place to ensure a sustainable approach that benefits the local economy.

A relaxed restaurant; not fine-dining or white table cloths, but freshly prepared, creative food influenced by the flavours of the Caribbean. Service always comes with a smile.

What won't I find?

A formal, traditional 5 star hotel experience. Our team do not live in residence, but someone is on hand every day from 9am to 10pm

Some of the features of a luxury hotel such as daily room service, 24 hour reception, and TVs are not provided.

You can find out lots more about Castara Retreats browsing the website or reading our most frequently asked questions below.

Frequently Asked Questions
Getting to Castara Retreats
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  • Which airport do I fly into?
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    There is one airport on Tobago – A N Robinson at Crown Point/Scarborough.

    From the UK –  BA fly from Gatwick twice a week on Friday and Tuesday (via St Lucia).

    From the US – Caribbean Airlines fly once a week on a Thursday from JFK, New York.

    From Germany – Condor flies once a week on Tuesdays from Frankfurt.

    From other countries – A greater number of international flights fly into Port of Spain on Trinidad.  From there take the Caribbean Airlines flight to Tobago.  There are several flights a day, and it takes around 25 minutes.  We strongly recommend booking the local flight at the same time as booking the international flight, as the local flights can often become full.

    There is also a ferry service between Trinidad and Tobago.

  • How far is Castara Retreats from the airport/ferry?
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    Both routes take approximately 45 minutes to an hour by car, taxi or hire car.  There is no public transport service.

  • How can I get a taxi to Castara Retreats?
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    Our local manager Porridge runs a taxi service. The drivers are all known to us. The taxi can be booked via our reservations team, to include a stop at the supermarket and/or ATM if you wish.

  • How much does the taxi cost?
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    The price varies depending on the time of day and how many guests there are.  The cost is from TT$330 or US$55.  Please note, that this price will rise to TT$340 or US$58 from January 2025. More information will be provided by the reservations team once your booking is confirmed.  Payment is in cash to the driver, who retains that payment. We take no commission.

Castara Retreats Accommodations
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  • What is the main difference between your accommodations?
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    All of our accommodations are built and furnished to the same high standard, have a view of the ocean and sunset.  However, they are differently sized, some have external terraces, and some have a view over a wider horizon, the beach and village.  A few lodges also have a view of the rainforest. Our pricing structure reflects the variations in quality of space, views, and privacy.

    For more details on each accommodation please click here.

  • I have mobility issues. Is staying at Castara Retreats possible?
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    Our collection of accommodations spread across our tropical gardens above the beach and are located on the hillside. There are stepped footpaths with handrails to each accommodation, the restaurant and wellness pavilion. Some accommodations have fewer steps and are less steep than others, for example Coasthanger and Tamarind.  If mobility is of concern, please call our reservations team to discuss whether staying at Castara Retreats is possible for you, and if so, which accommodation will most suit your needs.

  • What fitting and furniture are included in each accommodation?
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    All but one of our accommodations have a fully equipped kitchen, with oven and hob, fridge with large icebox, crockery, cutlery, utensils etc. The exception is Firefly, our studio apartment, which has a two-ring hob and small fridge only.

    All living areas have a sofa and table and chairs for eating.  Any terrace will have seating to allow you to enjoy the view and a bird feeder so you can welcome the beautiful birdlife. Some terraces have loungers – where space allows.  All accommodations have a hammock.

  • Do you have twin beds in the accommodations?
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    Yes, some of our accommodations have the option of having either a US king-size bed or 2 x twin beds in the bedroom.  These are Birdsong, Treetops, Rainforest, River Breeze, Fiddle Tree, Coco Palm and Shady Mango.  In all other accommodations each bedroom has one US queen-size bed.

  • How many guests can each accommodation accommodate?
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    Our studio and 1-bedroom accommodations sleep 2 guests, whilst our 2 bedroom accommodations accommodate up to 4 guests.  In most of our accommodations it is possible to add a make-you-up bed for a child or adult and the additional occupancy is charged at £30 per person per night.  Ask the reservations team for more information.

  • Do the accommodations have air conditioning?
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    Yes, all of the bedrooms and the studio apartment have air conditioning and tall fans. As the living areas of the accommodations are partially open to nature, they are not air conditioned. Fans can be moved from the bedroom into the living area to create a breeze if required.

  • Do you have en-suite bathrooms?
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    All of the accommodations have an ensuite shower-room off each bedroom with shower, toilet and hand basin, save for Fisherman’s where the shower-room is located off the living area.

  • Are there any accommodations with outdoor showers?
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    Birdsong, Coasthanger, Fisherman’s and River Breeze each has a private outside shower – as well as an inside shower room.

  • Which accommodations would you recommend for honeymooners?
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    Coasthanger, Beachscape and Fisherman’s are our most popular accommodations for honeymooners.  For a more budget-friendly option the Hummingbirds have a particularly stunning view.

  • Are you child friendly?
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    Yes! We welcome children of all ages to Castara Retreats.  They will enjoy getting up close to nature and living in the outdoors.  We can add a complimentary travel cot for a child under 2 to most accommodations. If you would like more information, please call our reservations team.

    You may like to read the article written by Edmund De Waal who stayed at Castara Retreats with his family. The link is here.

  • I'm on a budget, what room type would you suggest?
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    Firefly and Tamarind are our most budget friendly accommodation for 2 guests.  For 4 guests on a budget, Ginger Lily is a great option.

  • Do the accommodations have Wi-Fi?
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    All of the accommodations have complimentary Wi-Fi, which is available in the restaurant too.  Guests should be aware that while our Wi-Fi is amongst the best available on the island, it is not as reliable as it may be at home and service interruptions are not unusual.

  • Do the accommodations have a TV?
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    No, as part of the living in nature we do not offer televisions in any accommodation at Castara Retreats.

  • Do the accommodations have a security safe?
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    Yes, each accommodation has a safe in the bedroom for you to lock your valuables away.