Kariwak Village Holistic Haven and Hotel Scarborough

On the basis of the reviews on this page, we tried to book a 2 week stay. However, we were informed that the pool would be refurbished over a 5 day period during our stay. We were told that we would not be inconvenienced (that is for us to judge) and that no discount or compensation would be available as only the pool would be unavailable and not other facilities. We were also told that as our room would be on the garden side then we would not be affected! I thought this rather unhelpful and did not reflect good customer service. If they had offered even something like a fruit juice or cup of something then that may have made a difference. So, our bad experience with the Kariwak started before we even got there. I am really very disappointed as I had been so looking forward to a stay there after reading the reviews.

We have travelled extensively round the world, and been fortunate enough to have stayed in some fantastic locations in superb 5 star hotels - none compare to the Kariwak! We don't say this lightly, as we are very fussy - Yes, the Kariwak is simply furnished, and the hotel is not close to a beach, but the management and staff REALLY care about your comfort and well being, nothing is too much trouble. This was our second visit, and will certainly not be the last, when we arrived back home, no-one could believe how rested and relaxed we looked.

The food is very fresh, beautifully & imaginatively prepared, and served with a genuine smile.

The gardens are absolutely beautiful, we found our time there very relaxing, and did not always feel the need to get out to explore (though when we did we fell in love with the island!)

The yoga classes were excellent, the massages sublime.

The hotel was full of friendly people, many who had stayed at the Kariwak every year for the last dozen or so years - I think that says it all.

Kariwak is as good or better than all the reviews given here. The whole concept of the hotel works superbly. The accommodation is set in beautiful tropical gardens. Bird enthusiasts will be in their element, surrounded by humminbirds mockingbirds and the like. The food is superb and lives up to its billing, and the staff are extremley helpful and friendly. Yes it by the airport but there are not many aircraft in and out and they do not intrude. On a positive note having had 12 hours on an aircraft being at the hotel within 4 minutes is a real plus as those who have to go onto to Speyside will find out. If your looking for a small intimate hotel where you feel at home look no further, then get out and see the island. Tobago has alot more that just beaches. get a guide (We used Peter Cox and he's great) and vist the rainforests, Little Tobago and the leatherback turtles. give somethiong back and the island may not be spoilt.

I went here in March 1998, with my parents and sisters and from what I saw of the other resorts and hotels I think this one is definitely the best on the island. All the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, the food was great (especially the breakfasts) and the rooms were very nice.

Just coming back from a 3 weeks stay at Kariwak I and my wife fully agree with the reviews I have read in advance! Even if the price for a 3 weeks stay may be a bit high ( but where in the Caribbean except Dominican Rep is it low?!) it is it worth. Compared with other even well-known hotels in the surrounding and the whole island the Kariwak offers a high standard, very friendly staff, excellent meals and - not to forget - always super cleaned rooms and facilities (pool, resataurant etc.) We were glad having made the decision to book Kariwak. One little correcture to other reviews: Yes, you hear the noise of the airport/airplanes. But you will get used to it. All in all: recommendable!!!

My wife, I and 3½ year old daughter stayed here for 2 weeks in a partly rainy November. We were totally impressed with this hotel: the eating was plentiful, varied and irrefutably of an extremely high standard (prepared and managed by the proprietress); the accommodation was airy and comfortable (noiseless beds!) with clean and efficient wash/toilet facilities. The staff: well, we wanted to bring them home! The pools suited us well (for the size of hotel) and the waterfall/jaccuzzi pool enjoyed some shade throughout the day and our little one learnt to swim in it as she could (just) stand up in it anywhere. The gardens are idyllic. The airport noise was never intrusive despite the proximity (possibly worse in more distant locations, we found). I cannot commend this hotel more to you!

Having read the reviews of Kariwak on this site I was impressed enough to go - and am glad I did. It's a perfect medium sized hotel and was just right for our small family group. The pool is immaculately clean and surrounded by well kept gardens complete with busy humming birds.

The rooms are spotless and the staff really do go out of their way to make you welcome. The cooking lived up to its reputation (do try the shrimp salad for lunch) and we enjoyed the vegetarian options which are normally so difficult to find.

So if you want to avoid the impersonality of the big hotels but keep high standards of service I can really recommend the Kariwak (and I don't normally write reviews!).

Fantastic hotel with idealic surroundings. Best food I've ever tasted.

Freidly bar with great inexpensive cocktails. Made my honeymoon.

I always said I would never go to the same place twice as there are so many other places I want to go to but I am about to go to the Kariwak Hotel for the third time. The staff are superb, nothing is too much trouble for them, and they seem genuinely to enjoy being there to help you to really enjoy your holiday, whatever form that may take. The food is fabulous - we've met people who have been on all-inclusive packages in other hotels but who preferred to go to Kariwak for their meals. The gardens, complete with a guide to all the trees and flowers, are just right for quiet relaxing and the outdoor jacuzzi and waterfall are an added bonus, as are the hammocks where you can lie and just let the day drift by. The hotel isn't on the beach but there is a courtesy bus to Pigeon Point every day, so that's one less thing to worry about. I haven't tried the yoga or exercise sessions that are on offer - too energetic!- but I'm really looking forward to another massage from their resident staff. So basically if you're looking for a relaxing holiday with good food go to Kariwak - I love it!

We have stayed here many times over the last 6 years and still make the same mistake - not taking the MAP and being so impressed with the food that we eat most of our meals there anyway!

They dont run an extensive menu, usually a choice between two entrees (meat or fish) but the dessert choice is wider and all home-made. Last week they were awarded the title of "Best medium sized Hotel in Tobago" I am not surprised