Kariwak Village Holistic Haven and Hotel

I had the pleasure of returning to Kariwak for a couple of nights. I was in Tobago to meet family but due to flight timings from the UK had to spend a day solo before they arrived. As a lone female traveller there was nowhere else I would have considered. Kariwak is not only a beautiful and relaxing environment, it is also super convenient from the airport (a five minute walk), close by to the beach (although I ended up just basking by the beautiful pool) and near to a whole heap of restaurants and eateries. I chose to take all my meals on site in the famously delicious restaurant. The menu is small because it’s prepared with care and is unbelievably delicious. The hotel is known throughout T&T for its excellent food. The food came out hot, quick and tasty. I had a cabana style room near the pool which was perfect for me as I could easily access the bar, restaurant and pool. The room was perfectly appointed - simple but comfortable. I was grateful for a break from the tech and gadgets - I get more than enough of those at home! There’s a touch of the old school retro to this place, you feel like you’re in a movie from the 70s as you recline sipping a cocktail and listening to the bananaquits. The staff were incredibly attentive. Julian in particular was a real star - super courteous and welcoming, as well as keen to make sure I felt comfortable as a solo traveller. He also makes a mean cocktail! Before I went I was so sad to see some of the negative reviews on here. I didn’t believe they could be true and having visited again I can assure you they aren’t! Kariwak remains one of the best places to stay in Tobago period. Some advice: you’re in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, relax into it, enjoy the moment and don’t trouble yourself looking for faults! If you are a super particular traveller - unfortunately there isn’t anywhere in Tobago that will offer a 7 star hotel standard but that’s what makes it SO SPECIAL! 🌞

My stay at Kariwak was incredible! The word that keeps coming to mind is “oasis”, as it truly is a little oasis. The environment is peaceful and nurturing, and I wished my stay there could have been a longer one. The food was most enjoyable. I would even say that Kariwak’s food is the best that I have experienced on the island, and having dined there on a few other occasions, it was refreshing to see that they have maintained a very high standard of cuisine. The members of staff are friendly, courteous and efficient. Julien is professional and very pleasant. All in all, my stay was wonderful and I really look forward to having the opportunity to stay there again in the not too distant future. It really was a very pleasant and satisfying experience!

This hotel has so much potential and with a few adjustments could be a great place to stay in Tobago. All of the staff are polite and helpful. I immediately felt welcome and at home upon check in. The grounds are lovely. The garden area behind the hotel should not be missed. The pool is inviting and lots of loungers. The restaurant was nice and breakfast was fantastic. The home made yogurt was the best yogurt I have ever had. The room was clean and the bed comfortable however the room is in need of an update. Unless you open all of the curtains/shades, which would allow other guests to look into your room, the rooms are very dark and the lighting not great. Wifi was not reliable but it worked the majority of the time. The furnishings are old and don't work well. The drawers stuck and were difficult to open/close so I ended up having to keep my clothing in my suitcase. The air con worked great and so did the bathroom, shower etc. The towels were clean but worn and in need of replacing. Overall it was a pleasant stay but it could've been better. Not sure if I would return.

A really lovely place to stay in the crown point area. We stayed in a garden room which was set in the colourful and well designed gardens. The room was quiet and spotless with plenty of room. Plus a nice patio. Location wise it’s a 5 minute walk to store bay and there is a free shuttle to the amazing pigeon point. We are in the restaurant three times and the food was good each time. Lovely flavours and particularly enjoyed the soups and fish dishes. The staff were all helpful and friendly. Based on our experience the criticism and the restaurant and service seems very unfair. It is very laid back but that is part of the charm. Wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again - recommend!

I don't think I've had a better hotel experience than the one we had at Kariwak. It is a lovely place to be, with interesting tropical plants and trees winding through the grounds and a charming vibe that instantly puts you at ease. Our room was clean and had everything we needed. A nice big bed, A/C, and a fridge to name a few. The pool area is a great spot to sunbathe, perhaps with one of the excellent drinks from their bar menu, (we particularly enjoyed the Kariwak fruit punch, which was made with fresh fruit and home made cordials and syrups). The pool itself is looking a little bit tired, however it's still perfectly nice to get in and cool off. The gardens to the rear are beautifully kept and contains even more areas to chill out in a different setting, including an open air pavillion where they do yoga a couple of times a week, complimentary for hotel guests and I'd recommend giving it a go. We were very well fed during our stay at Kariwak. Breakfast started with fresh fruit and their in house natural yogurt with guava syrup, although they had other options. They also do fresh coffees and a selection of teas. There was a plentiful selection of hot options too, my favourite being the grilled fish with tartar sauce. Also enjoyed the Hawaiian omelette (trust me on this one). The lunch menu offered salads and sandwiches, as well as a hot option of the day, and the dinner was wonderful. Everything delicious and fresh. I had a steak one evening which I can honestly say was one of the tastiest steaks I've had! Had no issues with wait times whatsoever. Perhaps the best thing about this hotel however, is the staff. We felt welcomed from the moment we arrived. They were accommodating and always up for a chat, or to offer recommendations. They even allowed us to check out late as our flight was delayed. It felt like a home away from home. A little slice of paradise. Don't let proximity to the airport put you off and go and stay at Kariwak. Forget the resorts. Needless to say we will be back!

TLDR: Go to Tropikist or any other hotel for a better way to start your day. Kariwak is no longer a good option as its service is slow and, worst of all, rude. Read on for more detail… Been to Kariwak many times over the years. The place is still the same in regards to location, rooms and dinner - all lovely. Unfortunately - I have to say it’s VERY MUCH let down by the terribly delayed breakfast service. I’m used to a more casual service in Tobago, but this was too much. First morning, it took over 40m to get (instant) coffee and over a full hour to get food (note: I’m not talking about hot food, the first plate is fruit). We weren’t the only ones. A couple near our table (a lady and her elderly mum) had been waiting even longer. But sometimes this happens, and I gave it a pass. Slightly annoying not one person said sorry. Second morning was even worse. My partner went earlier to grab a table and to put the order in (9:20) and I got there at 9:30, by which time the table still wasn’t set and she was sitting at an empty table. Not even water. Which after 20 mins of waiting (9:40), I went to get myself. After asking a few times, the table was set at 10:00. Still no coffee or anything for 50m. Jonathan was at least polite. But another lady working there was just rude. Think the manager even came out and didn’t really mind. Think that’s the most frustrating thing I’ve 10:15 -fruit and coffee came out. 55m after my wife got a table. 10:50 - hot food comes out. 11.00 - is when they expected us to checkout. Told them we can’t eat in just 10m and that we will leave at 11:30. Even worse than the slow service was the rudeness of the waitstaff, Jonathan and LaToya in particular. When questioned about the slowness of service, he stated that breakfast started at 7.30, so we should have been out earlier, and expect a wait at 9.30, for eggs. We are utterly disappointed at not only the slowness of service but the rudeness of the staff on this visit. Suffice to say, we will not be returning. Also, glad we found this out now as we are planning a wedding celebration in Tobago and was looking to send 50 of our guests there. Obviously not going to happen and will book Tropikist instead. The manager (an old gentleman) actually came out half way during the poor service and asked us how was breakfast. I thought this was another customer like us so I told them honestly it was very poor and we haven’t eaten yet. He then disappeared. After our 2hr breakfast and checking out, I asked to speak to him again, knowing he was the manager, but LaToya told us he’s too busy. I asked her if he’d prefer to hear my customer feedback in person or online and she said he’s too busy. So that’s why I’m posting here. The one bright point in service was Maisha, who was professional, an active communicator and talented at hospitality. Unfortunately, she is one of one. Stay somewhere else, for your own happiness.