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Kariwak Village is an enclave of tropical calm and quiet set in a garden of near explosive Caribbean greenery. With just 24 rooms centred on a pool and two palm thatch ajoupas, the hotel is small and extremely friendly, and close to all the beaches and the activity of the west end of Tobago. But it is the philosophy behind Kariwak that distinguishes it among Tobago hotels. As well as its long-standing environmentally friendly policies and organic salad and herbs from its own garden, Kariwak offers a programme of holistic activities including yoga and tai chi.
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KEY FEATURES
| Intimate and unusual among Tobago hotels, 24 rooms in a lush tropical compound, palm-thatched dining deck and ajoupa for holistic activities, meetings, WiFi in main areas, Tobago yoga; pool, lovely gardens, herb and spice garden, environmentally friendly policies |
STYLE
| Thatched central cabanas and fantastic tropical greenery, very personable and tropical tranquillity |
CLIENT PROFILE
| Independent travellers with an interest in yoga, holistic activities; some Caribbean retreat weeks |
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The moment you step inside Kariwak Village you feel a change of pace. You arrive via a residential street close to the airport in a busy part of the island, but once you cross the wooden walkway you enter a garden enclave of calm and quiet, set in extremely lush tropical greenery, palm thatch and lawns. Immediately the busyness of the outside world begins to subside around you. Kariwak calls itself a ‘holistic haven and hotel’ and you will feel the haven part of it immediately. It is welcoming and self-contained, an ideal setting for contemplation and relaxation.
The grounds of Kariwak simply overflow with tropical greenery, and the intensity of the planting adds to the effect of the enclave and retreat. The hotel itself is quite compact around the entrance, but the layout farther back is more leisurely, and there are nooks and corners where you can tuck yourself away in comfort, to read a book or talk. With its extensive use of wood and its two distinctive, pointed palm thatch ajoupas, the hotel draws some of its inspiration from an Amerindian village. The name of the hotel itself derives from a combination of the two different indigenous Caribbean races, the Caribs and Arawaks.
The entrance is a small forest of golden palms. Immediately ahead to the right are the two natural wood dining decks, with open-sides and pointed thatched roofs, and on the other the reed- and bamboo-lined dining room and bar, and a stage. For all the calm and quiet, Kariwak gets quite busy and lively from time to time. On Friday and Saturday evenings their band plays in the bar, a general mix of soca, jazz and other musical styles. Beyond the bar, screened from view, is the main pool. The hotel is adorned with local artwork, with paintings in the central areas and sculptures set around the gardens.
The rooms are in two different locations. Nine octagonal cabanas containing eighteen rooms are centred around the pool. They are quite simple but very comfortable inside, decorated with white tiles and wooden fittings (made locally in Trinidad and Tobago). In keeping with the theme of non-intrusive contemplation, there are no televisions. All have a sitting area outside and although they are set quite close to one another (which gives a certain intimacy to the atmosphere), there is privacy from the copious greenery.
The other six rooms are set in the other half of the hotel, in the more spacious section of the gardens behind, where there are sitting areas and hammocks to retreat to and read or simply enjoy the tranquillity. There is also a large Jacuzzi hidden away in profuse tropical overgrowth. Kariwak has over 100 different types of plants and they are marked with signs. There is a guide to them, but it is always worth asking about Caribbean plants because they have an amazing amount of unexpected history and lore.
And it is in the garden, once you have allowed the quietness of the place to get to work on you, that you begin to feel the other part of Kariwak’s strapline ‘Holistic Haven’. There is a positive air of well-being about the place. Kariwak has a conscious philosophy of encouraging this and there are daily programmes of meditation, yoga and other group sessions available to guests. Most of the sessions take place in the second heart of the hotel, the ajoupa in the rear part of the garden. It has raised teak floor about forty feet across and a tall conical thatched roof. Close by are the treatment rooms for massage, which is available by appointment through the hotel’s recommended masseurs and masseuses. Kariwak also offers retreats for groups and executive workshops.
The hotel’s holistic philosophy also extends into other areas of life at the same time. Kariwak is strong on its food, and particularly healthy food. Many of the herbs and some of the salads used in the dining room are grown in Kariwak’s own organic garden. It is all underpinned by an environmental policy that existed before most environmental issues came to the fore as general concerns. The water used on the property is recycled. Kitchen water has its grease removed and laundry water is reused in the garden. Even the building of the place was done as sensitively as possible (back in the early 1980s this, before most people were thinking of such things), and coral from the swimming pool excavations was used to render the bar building.
The philosophy of Kariwak derives directly from its owners, Allan and Cynthia Clovis. They had no direct experience of the hotel industry when they decided that they would like to open a hotel in the late 1970s. Tobago was almost untouched. There were two key thoughts in their minds, first that Kariwak should have the personal touch of a small guest house but second that it should also have the professionalism that one would expect of a larger hotel. There are some photographs of the construction on the wall of the bar. It took them four years, and Kariwak opened on 28th June 1982.
Kariwak Village is well positioned to get the best of the more standard sides of Tobago, being situated at the west end of the island. Many beaches and the reefs and restaurants are within a short walk or drive. And it is not far to see the rainforest and the birdlife for which the island is known. Eventually, though, you’ll be pleased to return to the calm of the hotel.
Obviously Kariwak is particularly good for travellers with an active interest in the various holistic programmes that the hotel has on offer, and many people do come and take full advantage of it, using the retreat as a way to rejuvenate themselves in spirit as well as work on their tan. But it is by no means restricted to them. The ‘hotel’ of Kariwak’s ‘Holistic Haven and Hotel’ is equally applicable for people who want to dip into the programmes, or for someone that is travelling with someone that does. |
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Beach & Swimming
Kariwak is not on the beach, but it is a short walk to Store Bay or a ride down to Pigeon Point. Kariwak has a shuttle bus that makes the run twice a day, at 10am and 4pm. There is no charge to use the bus, but entry to Pigeon Point is TT$18 (about US$3).
The hotel has its own swimming pool, with space around it to sunbathe. There is also a large jacuzzi hidden away at the bottom end of the garden, secluded in greenery. |
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Sports & Recreation
The accent is on holistic activities at Kariwak Village with yoga, Tai Chi and a yoga/Qigong mix on offer. The gentle tropical surroundings, the early morning chatter of birds and the soft sounds of water movement from the ponds and fountains offer a good space for meditation, private or groups.
Kariwak offers group sessions five mornings a week between 7.30 and 8.30 am: Monday - yoga morning stretch; Wednesday – Qigong morning stretch; Thursday – Iyengar yoga; Friday - Hatha yoga; Saturday – introduction to Tai Chi. There is also Iyengar yoga from 9.30 to 11 am on Saturdays. Sessions are free to hotel guests and TT$50 per person to outsiders. The instructors are available to take extra or individual sessions.
Massage in the form of Ayurvedic Marma, deep tissue, holistic massage therapy integrating aromatherapy, Indian head massage as well as hot stone treatment, reflexology and Reiki is available in three treatment rooms in the garden. There is also a detoxifying Ozone Bath therapy and Bio-photon light treatment. The therapists are well qualified professionals and are able to incorporate their own combination of techniques to suit individuals.
All the regular sporting activities are available outside the hotel – snorkelling and watersports at Pigeon Point and Mt Irvine Beach and other sports such as bird-watching and hiking. There is golf at Mt Irvine and at Tobago Plantations. |
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Staff
The staff at Kariwak are extremely friendly. They really are like the family that so many places pretend to be, and they are one of the main reasons for the considerable repeat business. There are still five members of staff that have been with Kariwak since it opened in 1982, and countless members that have been there for more than ten years. Kariwak was set up by Cynthia and Allen Clovis. Cynthia is still very visible, running it and particularly overseeing the kitchen. |
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The Rooms
There are eighteen poolside rooms in nine shingle-roofed rondavelles set close to or overlooking the main pool, which is very much a part of the heart of the resort. They are each set in half the octagonal building and have a queen bed and a single (some have a king bed that can be divided into two). The décor is bright with bamboo embellishments and dressers and furniture made with Tobago cypress. The other six rooms are set back in the gardens, closer to the main ajoupa and kitchen garden. These are large but a little darker and quieter.
The rooms are not luxurious (nor intended to be), but they are very comfortable and nicely presented. All are air-conditioned but some also have ceiling fans in case you prefer natural ventilation. They all have outside space and showers rather than tubs in the bathrooms. There are phones, but there are no televisions. |
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Dining
Kariwak is well known around Tobago for its healthy (and excellent) cuisine. The dining room is set in one of Kariwak’s signature ajoupas, with a natural wooden deck and balustrade beneath a tall conical palm thatch roof. Everything is closely overseen by Cynthia Clovis, who uses the freshest ingredients available through the markets, the fishermen and of course in her own organic herb garden in the hotel. From these she creates her own variations on Caribbean and Trinidadian and Tobagonian classics, including for example, breadfruit soup and grilled fish with lemongrass and coriander. It is all made to order, as freshly as possible. They make their own ice cream, breads and sauces. |
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Children
Children are welcome at Kariwak and cribs are available on request. |
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Useful Hints
Kariwak is very much about quiet contemplation. It does not intend to offer up a never-ending diet of entertainment (though there is a band at the weekends). There are not even televisions in the rooms. |
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Practical Facts
Annual Closure dates: None
Dress Code: Relaxed and informal, but no shorts at dinner
Facilities: Reception with Concierge Service. Restaurant with Vegetarian meals always available. Freshwater swimming pool, sun loungers, beach towels, outdoor Jacuzzi, TV Room, 4 conference areas for groups of between 30-70 persons including a small conference/boardroom for 15-30 people, a thatched roof open-air Ajoupa with teak floors (no shoes) accommodating 75 people theatre style, 2 thatched roof open-air rooms with tiled floors for 30-70 people.
Complimentary: Daily yoga or tai-chi sessions five mornings a week. There is also a morning stretch, complimentary shuttle service to and from Pigeon Point 10 am drop off and 4 pm pick up. Complimentary beach towels.
Other Services: Massage, Reiki, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage, Ozone Bath Treatments, and Photon Therapy. WiFi in main areas. Storytelling sessions once a month
Children: Children are welcome and Kariwak Village will prepare early dinners for children, if you ask in advance. Cribs available on request
Accommodation: 24 rooms
Room Types: All rooms are the same, dotted around the grounds and at ground level, air-conditioned with en suite shower rooms, a queen and single bed in each, telephone and in-room safe. There are 18 rooms around the poolside area and 6 Garden rooms.
Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express |
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How to Book
If you wish to make further enquiries or a reservation, please use the WEB LINK or DIRECT EMAIL ENQUIRIES facility at the top of this page to make contact with Kariwak Village Tobago, or if you wish to telephone them, please click on TELEPHONE CONTACT to reveal the number. |
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UK Tour Operators
If you wish to book through a tour operator or travel organiser, please follow the link below.
See List of UK Tour Operators
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Locality
Kariwak is at the western tip of Tobago, very close to the airport and a few minutes walk from Store Bay, a beach with some facilities and the departure point for many of the trips to Buccoo Reef. A few minutes drive farther on is the beach at Pigeon Point, where bars and watersports are available.
There are plenty of restaurants to visit a few minutes drive from the hotel, many on Shirvan Road, try Melange, and in Stonehaven Bay, were you will find the Seahorse Inn, which has a lovely setting on a terrace surrounded by palms. |
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Meet & Greet
If you are travelling independently, taxis are always available at the airport. The transfer is less than two minutes and costs US$6. Alternatively, if you would prefer to be taken care of from the minute you arrive at the airport until the time that you leave, with a range of services that can include a personalised Concierge Service and transfers, please click here for Yes Tourism.
If you are booking through a travel organiser, it is likely that they will their representative will be at the airport to meet you. This service and your return airport transfers should be included in the cost of your holiday. Please check at the time of booking. |
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Getting Around
It is well worth exploring Tobago while you are there, particularly the forested east end of the island, which is quite far but very rewarding. Car hire is easily arranged and if you are not travelling in peak season and you don't think you will want a car for more than a day or two, hotel reception will be able to assist you. Otherwise, we recommend you book in advance via your travel organiser or direct with Thrifty Car Rentals, who will deliver to the property. Vehicles can be returned at the airport or be collected from the property at a pre-arranged time on your departure day.
Be aware that at the height of the season there can be a shortage of cars so make sure to book it early. Also book early if you want a car for a week or more because the pre-booked rates can be better. It’s worth noting that an extensive and cheap network of share taxis operates between Crown Point and Scarborough and Mt Irvine. |
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