Location & Services
Castara is recognised as one of the most attractive places in Tobago being a small fishing village facing the beach and ocean and backing into the hills of the surrounding rainforest. The views are wonderful and the people are friendly and helpful. The village faces west so the sunsets present a daily light show of ever-changing colours and textures.
Tobago is a 15 minute flight from Trinidad, which is a much busier place and has flights to a wide range of destinations. Castara is about 20 miles from the airport at Crown Point where there are three airlines offering direct flights from Britain to Tobago (see Notes for Visitors). We recommend that clients are met at the airport by Porridge who manages the property with his wife, Jeanell, and who charges TT$250 (approximately £23) for meeting our guests and seeing them and their bags into Castara Retreat. Car hire is easy to arrange, either from the airport or from Porridge on a day by day basis in Castara. Porridge is a great source of information and help on all such matters, including guided tours, boat trips, and rainforest tours.
The Mount Irvine 18 hole Par-72 Golf Course, considered by many to be the finest in the Caribbean, is half an hour away by car.
At Castara Retreats there are several options should you want somebody to cook a meal at home for you. Marieta (who lives in the house just below Castara Retreats) is a very good cook and often cooks your meal on arrival if you have requested it. Marieta or Veronica (another good local cook) will come in any time if you send a message via Porridge, who also organises very good barbeques. As with everything you do on Tobago, make sure you agree a price ahead of time to avoid misunderstandings.
Porridge and Sherwin offer boat trips to our clients - have a look at our Boat Trips section in Notes for Visitors in your accommodation, which gives all the options and prices.
For food shopping, L&H Supermarket has a surprisingly good range of basics but it’s best to shop on your way from the airport to make sure you get everything you want. Similarly, DJ’s has fruit and vegetables on a daily basis but for a wider range you need to go to Scarborough.
The Village Bakery on the green by the school, is run by wonderful ladies who do really good bread, rock cakes and coconut cakes twice a week. They are just getting used to their new white customers and are a bit shy. They also put most of their attention on their baking rather than on western style customer service. It is a privilege to be able to witness them in this traditional village role. The best time to call is between 11am and 1 pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Jeanell (Porridge’s wife), and her team of helpers clean and look after the place. If you want extra cleaning or your bed linen changed more frequently or your laundry looking after, then Jeanell will help for a reasonable charge. Talk to her when you see her or arrange via Porridge.
Porridge has a minibus which he uses to collect people from the airport. It has lots of room for luggage as well as groceries. It is also good for tours round the island. He also has jeeps and cars for hire which are mainly used by Castara Retreats’ guests. Porridge is really happy to oblige and his fees are competitive with island rates.
You may also come across Carrington, our gardener. Carrington knows a lot about local traditions and history and is usually up for a chat.
In our “Notes for Visitors”, we have written in much more detail about services and many other topics. Jean sends a copy when you book. If you haven’t received your copy please ask her to send one. Please read these, as you will find the answer to most of your questions regarding a stay at Castara Retreats.
