Winner:SILVER Best Eco Family Resort
Who:Castara Retreats - Castara, Trinidad and Tobago
What:A boutique eco retreat on Tobago’s north west coas
Why:
Perched on a lush hillside overlooking Castara Bay, Castara Retreats is a boutique eco-retreat designed for families seeking tranquillity, connection, and a touch of adventure. Its seventeen handcrafted treehouse-style cottages feature open-air living, wide decks, and sweeping views, inviting children to watch hummingbirds, spot lizards, or chase fireflies at dusk.
Days are spent at a relaxed pace: families snorkel vibrant reefs, explore coastal trails, or visit waterfalls framed by rainforest. Children can wander safely to the beach, while parents soak up the serenity of the surrounding landscape. Guests can also step into the nearby village to meet bakers at the clay oven or watch fishermen bring in their catch, creating simple, authentic memories together.
Certified by Green Key International, the retreat is committed to sustainability and low-impact living, combining luxury with respect for nature. Evenings gather families at Caribbean Kitchen, perched high above the bay, to enjoy fresh, local cuisine and unforgettable sunset views. Our judges loved the sense of complete immersion in nature here and felt this would be an unforgettable and magical trip for families who love wildlife and a touch of rustic luxury.
“A true family holiday gem! The natural setting is wonderful, and I love the open, no-fence approach. Championing local services and thoughtful sustainability, this hotel ticks all the boxes. With something for all ages, it’s a place where families can relax, explore, and feel good about their stay.”
“So much incredible nature, stunning beaches, and activities that keep children constantly entertained. The location is absolutely amazing, with gorgeous, pristine shores and a sense of tranquility that makes it feel like a truly relaxing holiday. Families can enjoy a perfect balance of adventure and downtime, surrounded by natural beauty that appeals to all ages.”
“A dreamy resort with something for everyone - kids are entertained with activities grouped by age, while parents can truly relax. I love how the wonders of the natural habitat are central to the experience, making it perfect for families who want to escape, reconnect with nature, and enjoy a fun yet peaceful holiday.”
“You had me at treehouse-style wooden cottages! Beautifully designed for open-air living, with wide decks and far-reaching views - what more could you wish for? I love the calm atmosphere and the sense of authenticity, paired with eco-credentials that are truly inspiring.”
What makes it Special...
Castara Retreats offers families a holiday shaped by curiosity, nature, and community. Children can watch hummingbirds at balcony feeders, spot lizards and crabs, or chase butterflies, while fireflies at dusk create moments of magic and mindful connection. Older children explore reefs by snorkel or paddleboard, watch dolphins, and trek rainforest trails to see iguanas, agoutis, and tropical birds. Bioluminescent lagoon trips and waterfall visits provide adventure and independence.
The resort’s ethos centres on four guiding values: Keep it Real, Love What You Do, Do the Right Thing, and Daring to Share. Hospitality is rooted in the people, landscape, and traditions of Castara. With a no-fences approach, staff are treated as stakeholders, local services are championed, and guests are invited to engage meaningfully with nature and village life. Every stay strengthens community connections while creating lasting family memories in an eco-conscious environment.
Ideal for
Castara Retreats is ideal for nature-loving individuals, couples, and families, as well as multi-generational groups seeking destinations with character and authenticity. Its guests are thoughtful travellers who value discovery, open-air living, and meaningful engagement with local culture.
The retreat attracts visitors from around the world who are willing to journey to Tobago for an experience that feels enriching and laid back. Guests visit throughout the year — summer, autumn, late winter, and school holidays — drawn by calm surroundings, space to unwind, and an atmosphere that is warm, genuine, and unpretentious. Castara Retreats offers a rare combination of eco-conscious design, immersive local connection, and family-friendly adventure, making it an unforgettable destination.
Junior Fact File
Accommodation at Castara Retreats starts at £135 per night for studios. One-bedroom lodges, accommodating cots on request, range from £156 to £329 per night, while two-bedroom lodges for families start at £259 to £408 per night. All lodgings feature open-air design, sea views, and self-catering facilities, ideal for relaxed family stays.
Getting there: Most visitors fly into A.N.R. Robinson International Airport (Tobago), just 30 minutes from Castara. Transfers can be arranged through the resort, and families arrive ready to unwind and begin exploring the bay and rainforest immediately.
