The Naturalist was our base for a two week stay on Tobago, located just a stone's throw from the beach in the picturesque village of Castara. We stayed in King Fish room at the front of the building, which has a small private area out front with sun loungers, but is covered over allowing you to sit out in the rain. The room was reasonably sized for three people to share, with an en-suite shower and toilet and a small kitchen dining area, with a kettle, fridge and hotplate. There was one double bed and two bed settees in the room, which folded out to make double beds.

Marian the housekeeper will change the towels and bedding every day, but in an effort to save water and energy you are advised to reduce this to every other day. Breakfast is also provided on request.

Ancle George, the owner, is somewhat of a local entrepreneur and is also constructing an internet cafe and coffee bar next door to the guest house, which should be open by the end of the summer.

A basic but spotless facility made memorable by the community (Castara), the location (on outstanding Castara Bay Beach), and the people. Some limited but pleasant local restaurants available on the beach and in the community, though the Boathouse Restaurant (on Small Beach) was not open the three days we were at Castara in January. Fresh bread baked in a traditional clay oven is available near the beach on Thursdays and Saturdays. Nice breakfast service available at The Naturalist if booked the day before. From Castara, it is just a short drive to the beauty and quiet of Englishman's Bay.

Be wary of Boboshanti's fairly steep prices and exaggerated claims for his otherwise pleasant herbal steam bath offered right on the beach at Castara.