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 It is the perfect getaway. Visited: February 2008 |
| Posted by rolandandsigrid |
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Castara truly was a wonderful, peaceful fishing village, which hopefully will stay like this. The people of Castara were very helpful and friendly, and made our stay a very pleasant one.
The boat trips are highly recommended (thanks to Duck and Loadi). We were lucky to swim with some dolphins.
Castara Cottage was right in the middle of this little paradise. We stayed five days in Saffron, a very nice and clean apartment. We watched a variety of birds and lizards every morning on our patio. A hummingbird´s nest was right below in a banana plant. Just keep in mind, don´t store bread or fruits on the cupboard because some feathered visitors could surprise you!
From Castara Cottage, everything was in walking distance -including the two beautiful beaches. The smaller beach was also a good place for snorkeling.
If you are a light sleeper, don´t forget to bring your ear-plugs, since the cocks can really be annoying.
It was definitely a very laid-back vacation in a perfect surrounding. It is just a pity that Castara is so far away!
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| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
 This was a great place to stay! Visited: February 2008 |
| Posted by familyklinger |
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We`ve been to a lot of places around the world, but this is one of the best.
We stayed 14 days at Castara Cottage. It was a wonderful time.
We enjoyed our apartment (Tamarind), and got a fantastic view over both (Big Castara Bay & Heavenly Bay) beaches.
The wooden house was full of good vibes. It was decorated beautifully, and we could find everything we needed for a fully relaxing stay.
Our kids enjoyed feeding the birds and swimming at the two beaches.
It was just two minutes to Heavenly Bay, one minute to Big Bay and 30 seconds to the Rum Shop. Everything was in perfect reach. Castara Cottage is just located perfectly!
The people of Castara were very friendly and helpful (just like all the people of Tobago we met). We made great boat trips (thanks to Duck!) and bushwalks (thanks to Carlloyd!).
And, of course, thanks to Brigitte. She was a very nice and helpful manager of the house.
Sounds of Castara included the cocks starting their work at four o' clock in the morning; a steel drum band that couldn't stop playing; and sometimes reggae music all over the village. But that`s just the way it should be in a Caribbean village like this!
We just hope that tourism will not get to strong at Castara in the next years, and it will stay a nice and peaceful place like it is.
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| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| These are fantastic accommodations. Visited: January 2008 |
| Posted by carolynboston |
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Our family of five stayed very comfortably in Cinnamon, and my mother-in-law and father-in-law stayed in Saffron.
All of the apartments were gorgeous, airy, open, clean and nicely decorated. The kitchen invited us to do some cooking. One day when it rained, we were very content reading in the living room with the shutters open.
We had a great time snorkeling in a number of reefs. Our best snorkeling trip was with Duck and Loadi. Their boat trip was well worth the time and money.
If you need a taxi, talk to Cheeno. He is very helpful. If you are lucky, Ann and Yvonne (owners) will be there to connect you with the people you need to know and to go "limin'" with in the evening. We did not make any trips into the rainforest. The birds visited us every day, and we were really there for the ocean.
All in all, Castara Cottage was one of the nicest places I've ever stayed. |
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| 3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| I enjoyed breakfast with the birds at Castara Cottage. Visited: October 2007 |
| Posted by hogie |
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Castara cottage is a very special place, given its simple beauty, practicality and stunning setting.
I went looking for beach and birds, armed with my cameras, and found the perfect place at Castara Cottage. The two beaches below the cottage were as beautiful as any in the world. It was only a stone's throw away, with easy walking access by the roads on each side of the ridge. The site also had tantalizing views of the Caribbean, through lush foliage.
I enjoyed the bats, birds and chickens that visited me in the house. I pulled in a huge variety of birds on the porch railings outside, with cracker crumbs, etc., and shot many dozens of still photos and miles of video footage.
I had the opportunity to snorkel (nice coral and fish on the north end of the beach), swim, laze, people-watch and film at the beach - including the famous fishermen's take from the beach with their nets. One catch captured a ray and that provided considerable excitement when the net reached shore! I befriended a large local family on the beach as they routinely came to swim near the end of each day.
I also thoroughly experienced Englishman's, Parletuvier and Bloody Bays, and drove through the forest reserve on my way back to Crown Point. Back to the Castara and the Cottage - a utilitarian cottage, but nothing was missing.
The fans were essential, but did the job. Mosquitoes were not a problem. I slept like a baby. I had much sun, and little rain. There was wonderful music from around town, including a live band and singers at the church up the way on Sunday.
Ninety-nine percent of the people I encountered were friendly. There were few other tourists, but I talked with some really nice Brits.
I am sorry that Castara is "growing" -apartments and the like - as the character and mood will eventually erode, I think. I was aware of neighbors upstairs, but we co-existed just fine. I enjoyed the outside shower.
I believe the rates here are appropriate. Housekeeper Brigitte was unobtrusive and accommodating.
The mood and character of Castara are rare and precious in our fast-paced, complex, and often difficult world. You are fortunate to have a place at one of the few remaining oases on earth.
I have no doubt I will make every effort to return as soon as possible, and bewail the fact that northern Canada is so far away from Tobago! |
| 3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| This was a fantastic holiday in a treehouse. Visited: April 2006 |
| Posted by acarley |
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We had a lovely time at Castara Cottage - a great holiday and great accommodation. The whole holiday was fantastic. Castara Cottage was delightful - and importantly, our 18 month old daughter loved it! We've described it as a holiday in a treehouse and for that reason alone it was memorable.
Tobago is delightful giving the impression that tourism has barely touched it (although I would imagine this is changing rapidly). Castara is beautiful. I don't think I have come across such a stunning location.
We found that one of the grocery shops on the main road sold fresh bread every day, which was excellent. A book that allows guests to make comments is sometimes useful for newcomers and great to browse through five years of guests' stays!
It is definitely worth stocking on provisions if you plan to go fully self catered, as supplies in Castara are limited (especially if don't have a car).
Tobago itself is so easy to get around by car, although sign posts can sometimes be a bit few and far between. We didn't go on any tours, so we couldn't make any comments.
The new web site looks great and emphasizes all the unique qualities. Thanks for helping make our holiday in Tobago so memorable.
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| 4 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| I can't wait to go back!! Visited: February 2006 |
| Posted by claudette_forbes |
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Utterly wonderful, natural, unpretentious and charming! Just a few of the adjectives that describe Castara cottage.
Nestled within what I can only describe as a miniature rainforest, staying here means being greeted daily by a dawn chorus of a wide variety of Tobagonian birds.
Perhaps best of all is the brief walk to the great beach.
Friendly locals and tourists alike made the stay all the better. Castara Bay, where the cottage is located is an untypical tourist resort, in as much
as the locals live there too.
I stayed for just 7 nights and very quickly chilled out, the setting completely removing me from the hectic life I lead in London.
The rooms are very comfortable and the amenities very satisfactory, but if you're looking for 5* luxury, this is not the place for you.
In my opinion, the discerning tourist will completely appreciate the cottage's natural charm, and the opportunity to immerse themselves in Tobagonian culture.
Can't wait to go back!
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| 3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| I can't wait to go back! Visited: February 2006 |
| Posted by claudette_forbes |
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Utterly wonderful, natural, unpretentious and charming are just a few of the adjectives that describe Castara Cottage.
Nestled within what I can only describe as a miniature rainforest, staying here means being greeted daily by a dawn chorus of a wide variety of Tobagonian birds.
Perhaps best of all is the brief walk to the great beach.
Friendly locals and tourists alike make the stay all the better. Castara Bay, where the cottage is located is an untypical tourist resort, in as much as the locals live there, too.
I stayed for just seven nights and very quickly chilled out, the setting completely removing me from the hectic life I lead in London.
The rooms are very comfortable, and the amenities very satisfactory. However, if you're looking for five-star luxury, this is not the place for you.
In my opinion, the discerning tourist will completely appreciate the cottage's natural charm, and the opportunity to immerse themselves in Tobagonian culture.
I can't wait to go back!
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| 3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| This was a unique tropical experience - a holiday to remember. Visited: February 2004 |
| Posted by hstrangelove |
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I just got back from a fantastic week, staying at Mango House in Castara. Not wanting to stay in an ordinary package hotel, we wanted something special that evoked a tropical paradise-romantic vibe, and we found it!
Mango House was like a comfortable tree house, surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers. The apartment was clean, entirely made of wood with simple furniture and a comfortable bed complete with mosquito net.
Although overall its design was basic, it fit perfectly into its environment. We loved sitting on the deck watching the various birds finishing off our breakfast or polishing off a rum as the sun went down. But we had to watch out for the cheeky white chicken who tried to get in!
It was also situated between two paths which lead to two different beaches, which were just like picture postcard paradises. It was great walking down to the main beach each morning to help the fishermen pull in their nets, and then taking fresh fish home to cook for breakfast - you can't get fresher than that!
There were bars on both beaches, one offering local entertainment some nights as well as local food, and even a waterfall that you can walk to through the rainforest and swim in. There was even good snorkeling - we saw a manta ray!
All the local wildlife was totally harmless - and we didn't even have a problem with mosquitos as the sea breeze seemed to keep them away.
Castara was also in a handy position for some marvelous walks be it in the rainforest or along the road to such places as Englishmans Bay.
All in all, it was just what we were looking for and we recommend Mango House to anyone who is looking for a chilled out, nature-filled holiday by the sea with the rainforest on your doorstep. It was kid-friendly too! |
| 6 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| We loved Castara and the Mango House. Visited: February 2004 |
| Posted by eshore |
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We just returned from two wonderful weeks in Castara with our five-month-old baby. The Mango House was the perfect place to stay - great location between the two amazing beaches and close to the village for all our supplies.
Most importantly, the studio was very airy and cool for our baby. It was not too hot at night and was nice during the day. The high ceiling and large windows kept the place cool. We thought Sara under sold the place - it was much nicer and bigger than we expected.
Sara and Rebecca were very accommodating - providing a crib and large tub for our daughter.
We were lucky to hire a wonderful nanny (Melissa) during our stay. Sara can arrange this for you. She was wonderful and very affordable.
The only thing to watch out for in Castara is the price of restaurant food - always ask how much. Do not eat at Margarite's (ripped us off!). Definitely eat at L & H - the only place to charge local prices - tell Max we sent you!
We hired a car for one day only - there was no need to leave Castara - it was the best beach in Tobago!
If you're looking for a very relaxing place, where locals are friendly and the sea and rain forest are pristine, Castara is for you. Don't miss the local waterfall. |
| 5 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| It doesn't get better than this! Visited: January 2004 |
| Posted by familyre |
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We have just come back from a lovely vacation spent at Mango House. The house was really organically designed, with big deck areas and open spaces so we could see the sea, a huge mango tree and a papaya growing just within reach.
We loved to feed the birds - we left fruit for them on the balcony rail and some of the bolder ones came right up and stole our breakfast crumbs!
Our teenage daughter really enjoyed being in the studio as it gave her lots of space and privacy while being right next door. Our younger boy made lots of friends down on the beach and we all enjoyed snorkeling on the little bay. |
| 3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Owners reply to review by Mark Popp Visited: January 2004 |
| Posted by mangohouse |
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We were happy to accommodate Mr. Popp's departure as our natural
house in the rainforest is not for everyone and we refunded his deposit.
The studio is the more basic of the 3 apartments, as the others have outside decks, separate kitchens and hot water. We often offer it as the third bedroom to the upstairs apartment and it is especially a big hit with families with teenagers.
The studio's large windows (with wooden shutters)offer a lovely view of the surrounding greenery and a glimpse of the sea. The road through the village is to the back of a solid wall of the apartment with banana trees growing in between and to our knowledge has never before been a problem with our other guests.
Mangohouse is for guests looking for a natural place with both rainforest and lovely beaches and an experience of village life Caribbean style.
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| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| We spent a glorious week at one of the best beaches possible. Visited: December 2003 |
| Posted by burnlamche |
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We visited Mango House in December 2003 with our son Luca, who was 15 months old. It was one of the best weeks of our lives.
Castara was just an exceptional place and for me, preferring the little bay, Mango House was situated in pretty much the best location you could ask for in Castara. It was a quite dramatic spot, raised above a small hill that led directly to the beach [which was about 100 yards away].
And when I say "beach", think of one like that one in 'Man With The Golden Gun' or something, it was a truly exceptional beach, more sheltered than the big bay. It was cozy, amazingly underused, with a gentle sand incline, bathwater swimming, and it had hidden nooks and crannies for chilling out. And perhaps best of all, there was a significant reef area right there, in easy swimming distance.
At Mango House, we stayed in the slightly larger one on the ground floor. I was a bit "iffy" in the first instance about the location because the house was set onto a hill and Luca was pretty mobile.
But having checked the place out I was satisfied that there was literally no risk areas whatsoever and as long as we were diligent when using the path that led to the beach. Luca was free to zoom around causing his chaos without any worries.
The accommodation was cozy. It kind of had a homey feel about it, but not downmarket at all - and spotless. The main bed was comfortable and I'm known to be fussy. The owner was extremely friendly and we received help when we first arrived, although after the first day we had no worries at all.
There were stunning views all around and to the ocean which we could hear at night, and the evenings were something special. One thing I would recommend would be to bring an extra pillow if you can. I like them to pack a bit more "oomph" myself, but this was also the case at the other place we stayed in.
Also, if you go to Castara, make sure you take a decent snorkel because the reef really entertained me more than I thought possible.
Lastly, I would recommend Castara as the kind of quality location that doesn't require a car. You really are so happy to remain right there, and we saved a couple of days money by returning our car early. So, all round we found this almost the best place we had ever stayed in our lives. |
| 3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
 I felt like I was staying in substandard housing. Visited: December 2003 |
| Posted by markpopp |
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I thought the Mango House seemed more like a primitive wooden shack (studio apartment). There was no warm water, a badly equipped kitchen, no glass in the windows, no view and no outside space (balcony or patio).
Also, the main street was literally next to the bed I slept in, where it was noisy and smelly from 6:00 am on.
After I vacated my room first thing in the morning, I tried to get my deposit back from the owner, who seemed to have been less than honest to me about the shortcomings of the place. Above all, the price she was asking was far too high for the accommodations I received.
Property Response:
We were happy to accommodate Mr. Popp's departure as our natural house in the rainforest is not for everyone. Mr Popp received the refund of his deposit. |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
 This is a great place on a paradise island! Visited: July 2003 |
| Posted by ellemieke |
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The Mango House is beautifully situated on top of a hill, between a wonderful smelling rain forest and with a seaside view.
I especially like the place because there are not too many tourists and the hospitality of the locals is great! |
| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Paradise Visited: June 2001 |
| Posted by jalasue1 |
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We spent 2 weeks in Tobago at the Mango house and everything was exactly how we pictured it, with a beautiful beach and snorkeling just steps from the amazing house we stayed in.
Sarah Thorp was very sweet. When she picked us up from the airport we were greeted with 2 cold Carib's, the local beer. She was very helpful with places we should go and restaurants that we should eat at.
I recommend renting a jeep for buzzing around the island. Just a 5-minute drive away was the beautiful Englishman's Bay, with amazing snorkeling and total seclusion from people. We had "Jemma," a fantastic cook in Castara. For $10pp she would come over and prepare these incredible fresh fish, chicken, breadfruit, dinners.
All in all, we had such a perfect holiday and can't wait to go back.
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| 3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
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| Formerly Mango house, now Castara Cotttage - holiday apartments Castara Cottage is an open, natural style house overlooking the 2 beautiful bays of Castara. Just 1 minutes walk from both beaches and surrounded by rainforest covered hills, the house is divided into 3 self-catering apartments and can sleep... |
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Contemporary design, ocean views and unequalled amenities.