Our Favourite Places to Stay in Tobago

Choosing somewhere to stay in Tobago is less about finding the grandest hotel and more about deciding which version of the island you want to wake up to.

You could open your door to a private beach in Crown Point, look out across Castara Bay from a wooden hillside retreat, spend the afternoon beside your own infinity pool or fall asleep surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest. Each of these stays shows off a different side of Tobago, so moving between two properties can be a lovely way to experience more of the island during one trip.

These are four of our favourite places to stay in Tobago.

1. Coco Reef Resort & Spa

Best for: A classic Caribbean beach resort

Coco Reef Resort & Spa is a great choice for travellers who want an easy, relaxing stay close to the beach, restaurants and some of Tobago’s best-known attractions.

Located in Crown Point on the island’s south-western coast, the resort sits between Store Bay and Pigeon Point and overlooks its own stretch of white sand at Coconut Beach. This makes it particularly convenient for first-time visitors who want to enjoy plenty of time beside the sea without feeling removed from the surrounding area.

The resort has a traditional Caribbean feel, with tropical gardens, open spaces and rooms featuring balconies or terraces. Guests can choose between garden and ocean views, while the on-site dining options include two restaurants and two bars.

Its location is one of its greatest advantages. Store Bay is nearby for local dishes such as curry crab and dumplings, while Pigeon Point is within easy reach for swimming, watersports and boat trips to Buccoo Reef and the Nylon Pool.

Coco Reef suits travellers who enjoy having the practical comforts of a full resort while still being able to step outside and explore independently.

2. Castara Retreats

Best for: Sea views, slow mornings and a closer connection to Tobago

Castara Retreats feels like part of the hillside rather than something placed on top of it.

Set above the fishing village of Castara, the family-run eco-retreat consists of wooden, treehouse-style accommodation surrounded by tropical greenery. The ocean lies below, the rainforest rises behind it and hummingbirds regularly appear among the trees.

The lodges have a warm, handcrafted character, with open living spaces, wooden interiors and terraces made for long breakfasts, quiet afternoons and watching the light change across Castara Bay. Many also include self-catering facilities, which add to the relaxed, independent atmosphere.

This is not the place for guests hoping to remain inside a polished resort bubble. Castara Retreats encourages visitors to experience the village, visit local cafés and restaurants and become part of the rhythm of the area. That connection to the community gives a stay here much more personality than a standard hotel experience.

There is also an open-air restaurant, Caribbean Kitchen, with views across the beach, sea and surrounding rainforest.

Castara Retreats is a particularly good fit for couples, solo travellers and anyone who values character, nature and a memorable view over conventional hotel formality.

3. The Villas at Stonehaven

Best for: Privacy, space and special occasions

The Villas at Stonehaven offer a more private kind of luxury.

Located on a hillside above Stonehaven Bay, the property comprises 14 spacious villas, combining the independence of a private home with the service and facilities of a high-end hotel.

Each villa has generous indoor and outdoor living areas, a shaded verandah and its own infinity pool. Options range from one-bedroom villas to larger four-bedroom properties, making Stonehaven equally appealing for couples, families and groups travelling together.

The villas feel wonderfully secluded, with greenery providing a sense of privacy and the Caribbean Sea visible beyond the hillside. It is easy to spend an entire afternoon by the pool, moving between the sun loungers and verandah without feeling any urgency to go elsewhere.

Guests also have access to The Pavilion Restaurant at the clubhouse, where drinks and dinner are served against the backdrop of the setting sun. The property is adjacent to a protected bird sanctuary and around a 15-minute walk from the beach.

The Villas at Stonehaven are well suited to honeymoons, anniversaries, family celebrations or simply a few days of complete peace. This is the stay to choose when having your own space is part of the holiday rather than just somewhere to sleep at the end of the day.

Which Tobago Stay Should You Choose?

For a longer holiday, consider dividing your time between the south-west and the quieter northern side of Tobago. A few nights near Crown Point followed by a stay in Castara or close to the rainforest gives you two very different perspectives on the island—and two very different views to wake up to.