Castara Retreats

Coming with no less than 800 square foot of open living space, Coasthanger is a gorgeous accommodation which offers sensational vistas from every angle. Its attractive, elegant comforts male Coasthanger an ideal choice for those looking for pure relaxation. Couples can spend romantic evenings watching the sun set into Castara Bay in the double hammock on the terrace. Extra amenities include an iPod docking station, free Wi-Fi and a queen-size bed.

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Full of history and character, the Fisherman’s room was originally a genuine fisherman’s shack and despite the renovations, it retains its original charm. Hidden away in the tropical gardens, this is the perfect place if you’re looking for an intimate and secluded hideaway. Featuring one bedroom with a queen-size bed, Fisherman’s also includes air-conditioning, a shower room and an open living space with a sofa and chair, plus a fully-equipped kitchen.

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Hummingbird 2 is a delightful room that really sets the tone for a calming and relaxing tropical getaway. The wooden styling and deep tones evoke a sense of Caribbean authenticity, allowing you to really indulge in your holiday. The ne bedroom comes with a queen-size bed, air-conditioning and an en-suite shower room. The terrace, with sun loungers and beach chairs, is a lovely place to hang out in the evening or enjoy a light snack. On request, Hummingbird 2 can adjoin with Hummingbird 1, making it possible for two couples travelling together to stay closer whilst enjoying the retreat.

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Boasting two floors of pure luxury, Birdsong’s great wooden architecture is a feast for the eyes, inspired by the Japanese Haiku House. The upper floor features the master bedroom, complete with an en-suite shower room. The lower level houses the second bedroom, with the option of king or twin beds. Large double doors open out onto the sophisticated sun deck, with two loungers and beach chairs to view the landscape from. The upper level also has a viewing deck, with a hammock for lounging and dining furniture.

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Rainforest is one of Castara Retreats’ originals, a veteran accommodation that showcases the best of what the hotel has to offer. It promotes the ideals of ‘living in the landscape’, featuring spectacular views of the ocean, beach and the rainforest that surrounds it, all from the perfectly placed hammock. A two bedroom accommodation, both bedrooms have queen-size beds and air-conditioning, plus acess to a shared shower room and a great open plan living space including sofas, dining area and a fully-equipped kitchen. The garden terrace is fully furnished with sun loungers, beach chairs and table.

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The calm and affable bar serves a broad range of delicious cocktails, cold beers and wines, as well as fresh juices of organic fruits recently picked from the onsite trees. In addition, you can savour exquisite rums from Trinidad and Tobago alongside award-winning chocolate from the local Tobago Cocoa Plantation.

Stunning beaches, spectacular rainforest, diverse birdlife and friendly locals all come together to make up the island of Tobago. It may be small in size but there is plenty, including boat trips that explore the pristine coastline, visits to the Cocoa Plantations or Scuba Diving that allows you to see the underwater world. The island’s mountainous spine makes it a naturist’s heaven, with many walks and mountain bike trails that take you through the tropical rainforest landscape and give you the opportunity to jump into one of the great hidden waterfalls.

There are a great number of tourist services in Tobago that offer amazing trips and activities. Many of these services have become more closely associated with Castara Retreats over the past few years and are now a part of the aspiration to develop a sustainable model of adventure tourism.

Activities available:

• Birdwatching
• Scuba Diving
• Stand-up Paddleboarding
• Tobago Cocoa Plantation
• Rainforest exploration

Those looking for a truly relaxing time need not worry, as the purpose-built Wellness Studio offers a suitable location and a range of methods to truly relieve your mind and body. The caring and experienced wellness practitioners will help you relax the mind, strengthen the body, and uplift the spirit, with options including a Tobago yoga class, a Thai Yoga massage or a classic healing and relaxation massage. Make the most of your holiday by booking your wellness treat here.

The hotel’s owners employed local people to build and create Castara Retreats, providing them with a source of income in the process. Whilst the style of the accommodations is truly unique, the construction process was derived from local labour, materials and practice. Some 40 people from Castara helped build Castara Retreats, and they take pride in what they achieved.

Over 30 village stakeholders came together in 2015 to create the Castara Tourist Development Association (CTDA), a non-profit organisation that works to protect Castara’s local culture and surrounding environment. CTDA is now seen as an exemplar for community-led tourism.

Castara Retreats have spent 15 years creating a lush sanctuary for wildlife within the tropical gardens. The endangered Agouti is now a common sight, along with Iguana and a nesting Armadillo that was first sighted in 2016. Over 70 species of birds have been documented locally as well.

Castara Retreats have undertaken extensive tree and shrub planting to maximise soil retention and avoid the risk of soil erosion and landslides. Pathways with drainage systems have been built to ensure the safe run-off of water from the land to the road below.

Composting areas are used by both guests and the restaurant staff for disposing of vegetable and plant waste. This compost is then used for feeding the tropical garden plants and trees, aiding and nurturing their growth and development.

In 2015, the hotel constructed grey water soakaways to ensure that the beach, bay and reefs are protected from the waste water from the premises. Previously, the hotel had not understood the negative impact of such waste and they are pleased to have now rectified this.

Significant attention is given to the hotel’s electricity consumption and the implementation of measures to reduce carbon footprint. Some initiatives include LED lighting, roof and wall insulation and low-energy air conditioning systems. Guests are also invited to be mindful in their energy usage whilst staying at the resort.