Holiday Reviews
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same trip can have different views!
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Tobago beach accommodation, independent reviews
 Reviewed 31 Oct 2006 by Gudrun Freese |  |
We had a wonderful honeymoon. Tobago is still in the pre-blood-sucker stage of tourism so we were able to really relax and have an authentic experience.
The best bit was staying in this accommodation - because we interacted with local people and we were in self-catering accommodation, so we didn't feel locked into buying expensive restaurant and hotel food.
I felt that the local people there benefited from our holiday and the whole thing just felt right. You were able to buy services from neighbours (like washing, cooking or cooking lessons, trips into Scarborough, etc) at a fair price and people were obviously benefiting directly. Guests were expected to accept their responsibilities as tourists as well, so there wasn't that awful dynamic that often develops in tourist areas, where tourists feel entitled to everything and anything and locals become resentful and cynical.
The best bit was staying in this accommodation - because we interacted with local people and we were in self-catering accommodation, so we didn't feel locked into buying expensive restaurant and hotel food.
I felt that the local people there benefited from our holiday and the whole thing just felt right. You were able to buy services from neighbours (like washing, cooking or cooking lessons, trips into Scarborough, etc) at a fair price and people were obviously benefiting directly. Guests were expected to accept their responsibilities as tourists as well, so there wasn't that awful dynamic that often develops in tourist areas, where tourists feel entitled to everything and anything and locals become resentful and cynical.
| Reviewed 24 Jun 2009 by Donald Dunlop | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Arriving at the accommodation which was exactly as advertised and superb in a magnificent location. Swimming in the sea before breakfast with Sting Rays in the bay and finally Castara Village itself.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take plenty of insect repellent and histamine tablets to reduce irritation after being bitten. Relax in a beautiful location.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Absolutely as within Castara village there is the opportunity to buy in the local stores, fish market etc. There is no real need to hire a car (we did only for 1 day). If we went north or south we used the local bus.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
One of the best.
| Reviewed 1 Sep 2008 by Monique Smith | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Going on a rainforest/bird watching walk with King David. Going out on a fishing boat to check the fish pots (cages) with Porridge.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take earplugs to make sure you get some sleep and don't get too disturbed by the cockerels and chachlacas because they wake up early! Take plenty of mosquito repellent with DEET if you have a tendency to get bitten. In August (wet season) you have sandflies and mosquitoes feasting on you all day! Consider carefully whether you are going to be comfortable without air conditioning in 32 degree C temperatures. It's very hot and sticky, even with the coastal breezes! Hire a car for a few days and go to Argyle Falls before 10 am (when all the coach loads start arriving). Don't go if you need constant activity/entertainment because there are not loads of things to do. Do go if you need a relaxing holiday, away from it all, in a village atmosphere, and are interested in wildlife (eg birds).
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. Many local people are employed or have been helped by the owners in some way. Having said this, the owners are careful not to dominate the village and are very aware that they don't want to become too prominent within the area even though they have a lot of ideas for improvements.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
8/10.
| Reviewed 12 May 2008 by Christine Mohamed | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
This isn't an exciting place to go! The beauty of the place is its wonderful tranquility and lack of urgency. Most memorable moments included learning to play steel pan on the beach with Kenneth and then being invited to hear how the professionals do it later that day. Other than that, the abiding memory is of relaxing in comfy chairs and watching the view - much better than telly!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Arrange the airport pick-up - it's very good value and they will take you to the best local supermarkets and fruit / veg shops - ask for help if you don't know what the funny looking veg is. Write a shopping list before you set off as your brain might not be entirely 'with it' after the flight. If you are exploring on your own and want to refuse offers of guides, trips, taxis etc. just say you have already arranged it with Porridge - this works on the whole of the Island - the man is a local legend.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes - lots of involvement with the community and a lot less 'hassle' on the beach etc. as a result.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent - the perfect setting for a well earned rest
| Reviewed 25 Jan 2008 by Sue Vernon | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
All of it - particularly realising the accommodation was better than anticipated.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
To stay longer than one week!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes - we ate at local restaurants, bought fish from the fishermen and bought products from the shops.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely excellent - highly recommended.
| Reviewed 19 Aug 2006 by Rosemary Brooke | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The highlight of the holiday was the bird-life on Tobago. We also found the people courteous and charming. There were a few attempts to hustle us, but they were the exception.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
One tip - our mobile phones didn't work on Tobago. Normally our phones simply switch to the local network. One possibility is to hire a phone or you can make an arrangement with the Trinidad and Tobago phone company for which you pay.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
We also stayed at Runnemede. In many ways this provided more employment for local people and was an excellent way to visit the rain forest.
4. Any other comments?
We had a relaxing time in Tobago. It was slightly pricey but worth it - the views over the bay were fantastic and we were surrounded by a beautiful garden with many close up views of birds.