Travel Matters Insight

Castara Retreats

Spectacular Sunsets from Birdsong Lodge at Castara Retreats.jpg

About…

Castara Retreat is an idyllic sanctuary that is nuzzled in & amongst the picturesque rainforest of Castara, Tobago.

Guests are invited to choose from a selection of 17 eco-lodges, all of which are beautifully cladded with local materials and furnishings. The real highlight of these accommodations is the striking views…and when we say ‘striking’, we really mean it! Imagine waking to the sound of tropical birds chirping and the gentle ebb & flow of the tide, but not knowing which direction to look in!

All rooms are self-catered and treehouse in style, so you will be rewarded with that Tarzan-esque ‘King of the Jungle’ feeling! Each room has a spacious & panoramic living area, complementing those ‘striking’ views. Whilst feeling suspended amongst the rainforest, sip on that morning coffee (or afternoon cocktail) and embrace Tobago!

Castata Retreats is really a destination for those who find luxury through the beauty of nature & community. If you are searching for an accredited 5-Star experience, we have other options! However, if you desire a natural and more subtle style of 5-Star Service, look no further than the exotic spirit of Tobago, which radiates an intimate, friendly, creative and stylish atmosphere.

Key Sustainable Features…

With 16 years of experience under their belt, Castara Retreats takes humungous pride in its Sustainability principles. Their vision is to lead by example, so that other Caribbean islands can use their blueprint for preserving the surrounding environment and local culture.

We believe these to be Castara Retreats Key components:

  • Community-Led Tourism

  • Local Construction

  • A One Family Culture

  • Recycling, Composting, Grey Water Soakways & Energy Awareness

  • Sensitive Architecture, symbiotic with the environment

  • Wildlife & Land Conservation

Features & Experiences…


•Bird Watching & Nature Trails
•Boat Trips •The Caribbean Kitchen Restaurant
•Dry Cleaning •Hiking Trails •Honeymoon Packages
•On-site Parking •The Rum and Reggae Bar
•Shuttle Bus Service •Weddings
•Wellness Massage  
•Yoga

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Travel Matters Highlights…

When Travel Matters thinks of Castara Retreats, 3 words come to mind – ‘Sanctuary’, ‘Enhancement’ and ‘Vibes’!

‘Sanctuary’ - The last 15 years of Castara Retreats business has been devoted to creating a refuge for wildlife & the landscape. The once endangered Agouti is now an island regular; along with their buddy, the Iguana and the island is home to over 260 species of birds!

‘Enhancement’ - Castara Retreats has been enriching the life of its most important Stakeholders…its Staff! We defy you to find a ‘family run Eco-Resort’ that inspires, enhances & empowers it local community the same way that Castara Retreats does! Many of the ‘Family’ have found satellite services, which include airport transfers, laundry, bread making and boat trips. And guess what? Castara Retreats takes no commission on any of these services!

‘Vibes’ - Travel Matters is absolutely enchanted by Castata Retreats Core Pillars; Keep it Real, Love What You Do, Do the Right Thing and Daring to Share. You’ll just have to visit to truly appreciate their meanings!

Map & Location…

 

Ask any Tobagonian where the best place is in the world and you will get a three-syllable answer – To-Ba-Go!

The island of Tobago can be found just off mainland South America, with a diverse history of identities, some of which can be traced to African, European and Indian descents’. This melting pot of cultures has given way to truly unique customs and a special way of life! Natural beaches, unspoiled coves, delightful wildlife, an effervescent populous, chocolate, carnival and coconut rum are just a handful of what you can expect from day-to-day life in Tobago!

Castara is located on a quieter western part of the island. Guests will be pleased to know that the buzzing Crown Point is only a 45 minute drive from Castara, where a further selection of fun activities, restaurants and bars can be enjoyed!

The island itself is pleasantly warm all year round, but do expect it to be humid, with average temperatures in the high twenties. Like most of its Caribbean counterparts, Peak Season runs roughly between December and May, so make sure to secure your booking with Travel Matters sooner rather than later!

 

Reviews…

Castara Retreats Reviews

“The self-contained cabins / apartments are set in beautiful tropical grounds, each with fine views, privacy and comfort. Service is simple, but staff are very helpful when needed. It's a short walk down to the fine, unspoilt beach.”

- Mark

“So cozy accommodation, nice and fun staff!

We stayed here for a week and enjoyed the fish in the water! We ate a few times at Castara Retreats but also cooked our own food in the fine kitchen in the house we lived in. Cannon good with kitchen equipment, fridge and freezer.

Good food at the restaurant but wish there were a few dishes to choose from. The location is fantastic, beautiful views of the sea, quiet accommodation, nice and helpful staff.”

- Christer

“I’ve stayed at many places in Tobago, but Castara Retreats was by far the most impressive all-round. The lodge was exceptionally clean and seemed as if it was newly built. There was everything we needed: fully equipped kitchen, air-conditioned bedroom, clean bathroom, and plenty of lounging space to bask in the beauty of Castara. The longer you stay here, the more you appreciate it, and the less you want to return home! My fiancée and I thoroughly enjoyed the getaway we’ve wanted for a long time. We can’t wait until we can return for another home away from home experience.”

- Charles

“The rooms have a rustic yet modern feel with tons of space. The ocean is very close the views are amazing. If you are into yoga the yoga platform is great spot to do yoga and that's where the massage treatments take place which is also very relaxing. The terrain is a physical to traverse but I like being physical so I enjoyed it.”

- Rachel

“Being a local from the island of Tobago, Castara Retreats was a still such a refreshing experience. The unique treehouse aesthetic gives an energy of inhabiting a space that has been untouched but is just as comfortable as home dwelling. My wife to be and I arrived at the resort in the evening when it was already dark and the ambiance was breath-taking and although we could not see the ocean, we were greeted by the soothing sound of the waves that was background music for the duration of our stay. We were not prepared for the view after sunrise and the views at the wellness studio where we did morning yoga and full body massage. This paradise away from home was a sublime getaway that made me forget that I hadn't even left the country. Castara Retreats was the perfect place to create memories that will last us a lifetime.”

- Heagan