Beach House - Trinidad and Tobago

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We got back to nature for rest and relaxation. Visited: January 2005 Posted by cheryl_lambert We were looking for something special, somewhere to relax and unwind, and we didn’t want to get stuck in a tourist trap. We found all that and more at the Beach House in Castara Bay. When we first found the Beach House on the internet and read all the reviews, it sounded too good to be true. Now we know better. And like another reviewer wrote, we would prefer to keep this place a secret so it’s available to us again, because there’s no doubt that we will be going back! Castara Bay was a beautiful "back to nature" retreat, where we were able to mingle with the local people and feel very welcome. Coconut Heights made us relax. There were no TVs, no phones, and no radios. They were replaced by the sounds of waves on the beach, songbirds in the lush foliage, roosters that didn’t know what time of day it is. Also, the beautiful beach was at our doorstep, and we enjoyed the most spectacular sunsets we’ve ever seen. It was very well equipped and it felt very homey, thanks to owners Carole and Graham, whom we met during our stay. They were wonderful people. Thanks to them for sharing their home with us. We ate at the restaurants on the beach, where we could get a very good meal for an excellent price, or sometimes we’d just stay put and have wine and snacks while watching the sun go down. We could also buy fresh fish on the beach when the fishermen came in with their daily catch. We took a one-day boat tour with Marvin and Duck (highly recommended) and toured other parts of the island with Porridge. It was always great to return to Castara Bay. We met other tourists and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with them. We met for dinner, and dined and danced to soca music at the Boat House Restaurant, just steps away from the Beach House. Porridge and Jeanell made sure we had everything we needed. Porridge stopped by daily and could arrange trips for groceries, to the bank, for car rentals, tours, or the drug store to pick some repellent for the small sand fly-like insects that seemed to enjoy my husband in the evenings, but never bothered me at all (must be a male thing). If he picks you up at the airport, he will stop for groceries on the way if you wish. There were a few local “shops” within walking distance of the Beach House where you can pick up the basics. It was also a treat to buy baked goods from the local ladies. Jeanell came by every few days to change the linens, and made sure we had clean towels. Thank you to everyone who made our vacation so enjoyable. We truly felt welcomed, cared for, and relaxed at the Beach House. We’ll be back. 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? We had an amazing, chilled out experience. Visited: September 2004 Posted by ruthmarcantonio We had seen the pictures on the internet so many times, but nothing could compare to first seeing the view when we arrived at the Beach House. "WOW" was all we could say. It was such a fantastic setting and location. We stayed at Coconut Heights. The balcony/living/dining area was lovely, with low slung, comfy chairs and cushions. There were lamps and candle holders for evenings, and a hammock guests can hang out in. We were surrounded by mobiles, wind chimes and birdfeeders - the atmosphere was truly the most relaxing and chilled out I have ever experienced - like an indoor outside room. There were so many little touches, probably because the owners holiday here, too. The kitchen was well stocked and many a night one of the locals would come and cook for us the most delicious fish meals caught fresh that day. We also ate fresh, tasty meals in the village. The bedroom was cool and airy, and we slept in a four poster wooden bed which we could cover with a mosquito net. We even had warm showers. Porridge and Jeanell looked after the place, and they are truly wonderful people (as was everyone we met in Tobago), so genuinely friendly and welcoming. The snorkeling in Little Bay never ceased to amaze us. The abundance of fish we could see just metres from the shore was always a delight. We saw a baby turtle, squid, barracuda and everyday we would see the rays that feed in the bay - an awesome sight, so graceful. We even had two dophins visit us one morning. Castara had a lovely little waterfall which you can trek up to quite easily. We had the place to ourselves and the water was so fresh our skin tingled when we got out. It was bliss! We had such a fantastic time and a truly wonderful experience of a beautiful country. Thank you to the owners for creating such a beautiful home in a fabulous setting and sharing it with others. 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Wow - this place was fantastic. Visited: September 2004 Posted by ruthmarcantonio We had looked at the pictures on the internet so many times, but nothing could compare to first seeing the view when we arrived at Beach House. "Wow" was all we could say! It was such a fantastic setting and location. We were in Coconut Heights. The balcony/living/dining area was large, with low slung comfy chairs and cushions. There were lamps and candle holders for evenings and a hammock guests could hang out in. We were surrounded by mobiles, wind chimes and birdfeeders - the atmosphere was truly the most relaxing and chilled out I have ever experienced - like an indoor/outside room. There were so many little touches, probably because the owners holiday here, too. The kitchen was well stocked and many a night one of the locals would come and cook the most delicious fish meals caught fresh that day. We also ate fresh, tasty meals in the village. The bedroom was cool and airy and we slept in a four poster wooden bed which we could cover with a mosquito net. We even had warm showers. Porridge and Jeanell looked after the place and they were truly wonderful people as was everyone we met in Tobago, so genuinely friendly and welcoming. The snorkeling in Little Bay never ceased to amaze us. The abundance of fish we could see just metres from the shore was always a delight. We saw a baby turtle, squid, barracuda and everyday we would see the rays that fed in the bay - an awesome sight, so graceful. We even had two dolphins visit us one morning. Castara had a lovely little waterfall which you could trek up to quite easily. We had the place to ourselves and the water was so fresh your skin tingled when you got out. It was bliss! We had such a fantastic time and a truly wonderful experience of a beautiful country. Thank you to the owners for creating such a beautiful home in a fabulous setting and sharing it with others. 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? WOW - what a place!! Visited: September 2004 Posted by ruthmercantonio We had looked at the pictures on the website so many times but we both said "WOW" when we arrived. The location and the setting were gorgeous . The atmosphere created in Coconut Heights is so chilled and relaxing and everything exceeded our expectations. We met lots of fantastic people who were genuinely friendly and welcoming and what a superb guy Porridge is! We had fantastic snorkelling right on our doorstep. We spotted rays nearly every day. they even came to the water's edge. We saw a baby turtle, so many varieties of fish and even baracuda. Some dolphins came in one day too. We had a fantastic holiday and hope to return someday. Thank you for creating such a beautiful home in a fabulous setting in a wonderful country and sharing it with others 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? It met and surpassed all expectations! Visited: September 2004 Posted by chloe_nb We arrived in the dark to the sound of gentle waves, crickets and frogs croaking. The next morning, we leapt out of bed at dawn to see the view. It did not disappoint! Castara Bay is one of the most beautiful places on what is a stunning island. At the Beach House we could step down a few steps onto the perfect, and often deserted beach and into the warm, clear sea where a huge variety of fish, stingrays, corals and even a moray eel entertained us. The apartment was superbly located, the bed was extremely comfortable and we had wonderful hosts in Carol, Graham and Porridge. Castara is a beautiful, friendly place to stay, and the local boat trips can take you to see dolphins and all variety of snorkeling. Plus, you can trek in the rainforest which drips down from the hills in the centre of the island to the beautiful bays and clifftops. We'll never forget our time here! 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? The Beach House was a natural place with only one bad thing Visited: August 2004 Posted by michael_palmanshofer We rented the whole Beach House (all three apartments) because we got married here and the whole family stayed with us for two weeks. The house was very beautiful. We could feel the nature everywhere. The beach in the front of the house was mostly very deserted. If it was raining, there came a river down from the street and it brought garbage to the beach. The snorkeling in front of the Beach House was perfect with many stingers, corals, colorful fish, and crabs. The trips with Porridge were very funny. We also made many tours with Marvin (a friend of Porridge). But the best of our holiday was the wedding on the beach. 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Natural Place only one bad thing Visited: August 2004 Posted by michael_palmanshofer www.hochzeit2004.at.tt The Beachhouse, Tobago, Wedding Austrian wedding ritulals... We rent the hole Beachhouse, all 3 appartments, because we got married there and the hole family stay with us for 2 weeks. The house is very beautiful. You can feel the nature everytime. The beach in the front of the house was mostly very deserted. If it is raining there comes a river down from the street and brings garbage to the beach. The snorkeling in front of the beachhouse is perfect: many stingers, corals, coloure fishes, crabs... The trips with Porridge where very funny. We also made many tours with Marvin (a friend of Porridge) www.goldenmarvin.at.tt But the best of our holiday was the wedding on the Beach. If you want to see some photos from our Home, Tobago,the beachhoues or more go to: www.hochzeit2004.at.tt If you have more questions send us a mail 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Wedding + Honymoon + The Beachhouse + Castara Visited: August 2004 Posted by michael_palmanshofer We rent the whole Beachhouse for 2 weeks... we got married on the Englishmansbay... If you are interrested of our story, come to us www.hochzeit2004.at.tt Michael & Sabrina 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? It was heaven on earth! Visited: June 2004 Posted by williambss We have recently returned from an idyllic fortnight staying at The Beach House in the Palm Corner apartment - I can only reiterate the reviews already received from guests who found it to be 'heaven on earth'. We had chosen Tobago on the recommendation of a friend who was impressed with the beauty of the island. And we are not 'hotel type' people, so we searched the internet for self-catering accommodation that would fulfill all our criteria. The minute we saw the Beach House, we knew it was the place for us. We arrived at night, but immediately felt at home as the interior seemed so familiar from the photographs and description on the website. Like so many people before us, we could not wait until daybreak to see the view. It truly exceeded all our expectations when we opened the stable door and walked onto the verandah. The beauty of the bay, the lush foliage of the tropical panorama, the clear water lapping on the sand, the pelicans diving, frigate birds soaring in the sky, humming birds collecting morning moisture - were all just a few things on an endless list. We hired a car for the entire fortnight and toured the island in its entirety from Pigeon Point to Charlotteville (and every accessible bay along the way). None of them matched the beauty of Castara and we were always pleased to return back to our little bay. The snorkeling in the bay was a magical experience, but it was well worth a swim around the corner to a deserted Horseshoe Bay where the water was crystal clear with tropical fish in abundance (even turtles). Palm Corner had everything that we required, well equipped for self-catering from roast dinners to cooking the fresh lobsters that were delivered to our door by the local fishermen. The furnishing was comfortable and Jeanell looked after us superbly. We have no reservations in highly recommending a stay at The Beach House for a truly relaxing and tranquil holiday. 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Beach perfection is found at the Beach House! Visited: March 2004 Posted by mkl After a hectic Carnival week in Trinidad, we needed a time out chilling out by the beach - and certainly got all we hoped for, and more. It was away from the touristy crowds, right at the beach in a gorgeous unspoiled place, surrounded with lush tropical vegetation. I couldn't think of anything more relaxing than swinging on a hammock at the porch, gazing over the sun setting over the crashing waves! We were made to feel very welcome by our helpful hosts Carole and Graham, and by Porridge and Jeannelle, who looked after the day-to-day things of the property (and through whom we very easily arranged such things as car hire). There was a fully fitted kitchen with all the utensils, a safe, a mosquito net over the double bed, and a toilet with a shower (where you mostly got warmish water - not a huge problem though considering the hot climate). There was also a self-standing fan, but a gentle sea breeze through the wooden blinds usually sufficed for air-conditioning. Our studio flat (Breadfruit Grove) was simple, but done very nicely in a rustic style to blend in with the surrounding tropics. The flat was kept clean and tidy, but of course being at the beach you're bound to bring some sand in, and with the windows having no glass you might find some insects about. It would not be for hygiene-freaks and creepy-crawlie-phobics then. Everyone else should be able to adapt easily to the natural lifestyle. The Beach House was next to a village that had a couple of little shops where we could buy water bottles and other very basic things. For a supermarket, and a bigger selection of shops (shopping in Tobago wasn't that great anyway), restaurants, bars and any services whatsoever (including gas), you'll have to drive at least half an hour. It would be feasible to arrange lifts and taxis to take you out elsewhere for a night out for example, and car-hiring wasn't expensive (though the roads were quite demanding). And there were few relaxed bars and restaurants in the Castara village, and locals were really welcoming and friendly - we had some very enjoyable nights out while at Castara. In other words, if you must be in the middle of the action, Castara isn't the best spot. But if you're looking for a paradisical super-relaxing hideaway, we highly recommend this place! 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? This is the ultimate chill-out. Visited: March 2004 Posted by steveandmary Our second visit here started with 'We're home'. It was dark, but the comforting sound of the waves on the beach only yards away brought back memories of the beautiful views we would see in the morning. We were greeted with smiles and hugs and 'How are you?' and 'Welcome back!' (and that was just in immigration - no, I'm kidding). And to be awakened by waves and a rooster in the morning is special - you can swim at 6:30 and watch the fish having breakfast. Then, you can have breakfast yourself and watch a variety of beautiful tropical birds feeding on the fruit you have left in the bird feeders - great photo opportunities (at night you might even catch a bat sneaking a feed). For photographers and artists, the morning and evening light is amazing, and at night, you will see more stars than you have ever seen. The well-equipped accommodation was set in a lovely tropical garden and was kept spotless and well maintained by Porridge and Jeannelle (try her bread, it's gorgeous!), and if you need transport somewhere, a fishing trip or a rain forest trek, Porridge is your man. We're coming back again next year for the third time, it has become the best stress-buster we know - you'll love it! 0 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? This is the place to stay on Tobago! Visited: March 2004 Posted by ingeborgbink It is Paradise! We stayed in three different cottages on the island and the Beach House is our favorite, by far. It was actually located on the beach and the first night you probably have to get used to the sound of the crashing waves. The studios were well equipped, clean, romantic and tropical. We stayed in the Breadfruit Cove, the porch was hidden in the Breadfruit tree with a wonderful view of the ocean. From here we could see the pelicans catching fish during sunset and if we were lucky, sting rays floating through the water like the shadow of clouds. With snorkel gear, we could swim above them. Graham and Carol were the best hosts we could wish for, very very, kind and helpful. Castara was a charming little fishing town with two wonderful beaches, the beach house was located on the little bay side where we found the nicest swimming waters. This was the perfect place to remember, and an excellent value for the money! 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Beach House was blissful, beautiful and beyond! Visited: March 2004 Posted by gohanley My three friends and I have just returned from a great week in Castata, highlighted by our stay at the Beach House. I knew as soon as I saw the handpainted sign, weathered by the sun and covered in welcoming hearts, that we had found the best place to stay in Tobago. Graham and Carole were there to welcome us, and proved to be great hosts. We occupied both Palm Corner and Breadfruit Grove, made easily accessible by opening the verandah divider. The view was spectacular. We arrived at night and were so curious about what it would look like in the morning, and we were not dissapointed. Lush vegetation, green waves crashing on our doorstep, mountains dropping into the sea. It was all we had hoped. We also enjoyed some extras, like roosters crowing every morning so we would not miss a minute of the day, and locals who did more than show us the sights; they welcomed us into their lives. We snorkeled, shopped at the local stalls, bought fresh fish and cooked up a curry in the well appointed kitchen. But most of all we laughed - a lot. I just got my pictures back and will tape one above my desk to remind me of the week in paradise. I will return. 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? What an absolutely gorgeous and unspoiled place to vacation. Visited: December 2003 Posted by jlclaire My new husband and I spent an incredible 12 days at the Beach House. We were in Palm Corner (studio apartment downstairs). The view was fantastic and the apartment was clean and well appointed. It was not "luxury", but it's not like we were going to stay inside much anyway. If you want a relaxing time with real interaction with locals (Porridge was a fantastic host and Duck gave wonderful boat tours), go to Castara. I thought the Beach House was in the best location in town. There were very few rentals right on the beach--and you really can't get any closer than this! The waves literally lulled me to sleep and the snorkeling was fantastic right on the beach. Being from New York, it took us a few days to slow down and get used to the roosters (one chicken even started laying eggs on our porch!), but I can't recommend it highly enough. There was a lovely bar and restaurant right next to the Beach House...always good for fun. But watch out for mosquitoes--be sure to bring lots of Skin So Soft or other repellent. 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? This place is fantastic. Visited: November 2003 Posted by victor12 My family and I have traveled all over Belize, Costa Rica and Peru, including the Amazon. We are always looking for that perfect, laid back place that is not over run with tourists. Castara is not laid back, it is almost all the way down! This is the most relaxing place that we have been to in all of our travels. Actually, there are plenty of things to do and see, if you so desire. You can snorkel and swim just right in front of your cottage. You can go fishing with the locals. You can wander the small village and buy fresh coconut bread from the local ladies, or shop for your basic cooking essentials from the very small stores! The Beach House is so fantastic that you really do not wish to get off the veranda with the spectacular view out over the Caribbean. The sunsets are awesome! You are surrounded by lush green vegetation. Get some cornflakes to crush up and put them in the bird feeders on the verenda for the 100s of birds, which include finches, tanagers, doves and the Mot Mots. At night, the small bats would like a banana. All three of the apartments in the Beach House are very clean and comfortable, with perfect views. A few years back, my wife and I kind of agreed that there is too much world out there to see to go back to the same place twice, but I believe we have changed our minds and will probably go back to Castara and the Beach House next year! 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Beach House was truly heavenly! Visited: July 2003 Posted by nbatson After reading previous reviews, I realized there wasn't really much more to add! The review from "A Traveler from Washington, D.C., USA" summed it all up perfectly! Everyone else had said it all - dream location on the beach, beautiful rustic decor, amazingly equipped kitchen, friendly locals, yummy Tobagonian food! My boyfriend and I stayed here and really it surpassed our expectations! A truly relaxing Caribbean vacation spot for those who don't want the typical touristy stuff. We can't wait to go back. 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? It was perfect - better than we could have dreamt. Visited: May 2003 Posted by conang We could not believe our luck when we arrived. Everything they said was true, and more! It was an excellent accommodation with everything we could have needed, without any fuss. It was very clean, comfortable and breathtakingly beautiful. We felt truly relaxed and were well looked after by Porridge and Jannelle who were very lovely and helpful! The local people were welcoming, the food was excellent and the location was stunning. I was five months pregnant during our visit and felt we had made the right choice without a doubt. We cannot wait to return and show our new daughter our new friends and paradise. 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? The Beach House is a special spot. Visited: March 2003 Posted by fermata44 We stayed in Coconut Heights (the upper floor unit) for a wonderful week. This was definitely the sort of place you want to keep secret, but obviously the word's already out. Coconut Heights had perfect ambiance It was a three-room unit: well-equipped kitched, living/dining room that extended as a porch across the entire beachfront, and comfortable bedroom with bug net (which we didn't seem to need but found enhanced the ambiance). It was cleverly designed with various shutters, doors, and blinds so you could "open up" during the day and be surrounded by the jungle, but also close various sections for privacy when desired. The proprietors actually vacation in Coconut Heights when guests aren't there and it shows in the lovely furniture and decorations they've chosen (even including some pictures of their family). The living room/dining room/patio was just yards from the waves and superb snorkeling in the bay and has a panoramic view of Castara Bay. Bird feeders that were hung around the perimeter attracted a number of colorful birds who entertained us for hours with their antics. Carole, the proprietor, was very hospitable and checked every day to see how our stay was going. Porridge (who guided a good rainforest tour) and Janelle helped Carole and her husband take care of Beach House (and presumably were the primary hosts when the proprietors are in England). They were also perfect hosts. Some extras we appreciated in Coconut Heights were a comfy hammock in the living room and a safe in the bedroom (not that we ever saw any signs of crime, but as a foreign visitor in a remote area this was a good means to ease one's mind about where to keep the passport, etc.). No place is perfect...you'll have to settle for warm water for showers (though we've now stayed on the beach in Moorea, St. John, and Tobago and never found more than warm water...even for $400/night at the Sofitel). You will need to adjust to hearing small waves crash at night (but then, isn't that a good problem?). Also, the unit did not have a phone (there was a pay phone down the street), and we were in the middle of a vibrant fishing village and on occasion could hear late-night noise (in our case, somebody doing some midnight construction one night). That said, we couldn't possibly have hoped for a more idyllic beachside condo. It would have been easy to spend the whole week without leaving the cove (there was even a super little restraunt/bar right next door). FYI-Castara was a bit isolated (10 miles from Scarborough=45 minute, attention-requiring drive) and definitely not "touristy". Bring local currency with you and realize time will be required to get to town for banks, gas stations, supermarkets. 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? It was a life altering experience. Visited: March 2003 Posted by omarnelson_1 Its simplicity was ubiquitous. The small fishing village of Castara had many loving people - genuine people. In addition, the environment was pristine. On a scale of 1-10, I gave it a 10. People looked out for you, food was cheap, and the house was clean. The village was far removed from popular culture. Living and working in New York City, it was a life altering experience. Enjoy yourself and remain humble. If you go around offering everyone drinks, and act in an extraverted obnoxious manner - the local people will still be friendly to you, though that’s about it. Just be yourself and you’ll feel the love. Not to sound corny…. I’m just telling the truth. It was the closest thing I’ve experienced to heaven on earth. If you like to be sheltered – go to an all-inclusive hotel. If you want reality – come here. 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? It was the best wedding in our lives. Visited: February 2003 Posted by heidi_windmolders If you're looking for a stunning location, a beautiful house with a very cozy and homy interior, a magnificent view on the bay and beach, a close contact with nature (you almost live outside), and most of all the company of absolutely fabulous people - come to this place! We did, stayed at Coconut Heights, and got married on the beach in front of the house. It was our most romantic experience ever and we especially would like to thank Porridge and Janelle, without who the wedding party never could have been realized. Thank you Carole and Graham for creating this place and for being so friendly with us. 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful?

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