Castara Retreats is a gem of a place to stay, with amazing views of the bay and the setting sun, set in beautiful gardens of native vegetation.
The restaurant has good food and is a wonderful spot to have a drink and enjoy the view down to the beach and fishing village below. It’s even possible from that vantage point to spot the stingrays coming close to the beach below.
The staff are helpful and friendly, and can arrange a rental car or several different tours, if you feel the need to explore. There’s a quiet relaxed vibe here, and in the tiny authentic fishing village too. A far cry from big hotels and mass tourism.
At times we were alone on the beach.
Each of the lodges has a kitchen, and a couple of evenings we bought freshly caught fish from the fishermen to cook for ourselves as a change to eating out. Highly recommended.
The village is tiny and surrounded by steep rain-forested slopes, full of bird and animal life.
The local beach is very safe for swimming and the water is amazingly clear, and full of fish (bring a snorkel). You’re certain to get a close-up of the plentiful stingrays that cruise the shallows, but they don’t bother anyone.
The village is a very safe place, and unspoiled by tourism.
I will be going back for sure.