Total privacy and comfort...
K. Fischer, Germany, January 2020
Wir haben wundervolle 18 Tage hier verbracht. Diese Aussicht auf das Meer und in der Natur, haben wir nirgendwo besser auf der Insel erleben können. Das ist Erholung pur. Die Balidusche ist ein Traum. Hier hörst du nur die Vögel und das Meeresrauschen. Dieses Haus lässt keine Wünsche offen. Auf Tobago würden wir es immer wieder buchen.
Yulia and Liam, November 2018
Thanks to Marta and Alan for opening your home and sharing your little corner of Paradise with us. The house is beautiful, secluded, wonderfully equipped and the view is something special. We stayed there for a week and had the most amazing time. Highly recommended.
Thanks for your attentiveness Marta!
We can't wait to get there. Back to paradise really soon!
Ian and Elaine from Durham UK 2018
Elaine and I had an absolute brilliant week at Marbago. The house was an oasis of calm and serenity within a setting that can only be described as paradise. The accommodation is delightful and the facilities more than adequate.The owners and their staff are always on hand to attend to any guest needs. Alan the local taxi driver is a star and Brandon (son of Footsie) is a lovely guy who took us down to the private beach and even climbed a tree and got coconuts for us . The walk down to the private beach is achievable via a path near the church on the way to Bloody Bay and is well worth a look. The neighbours are so so friendly and the animal and bird life simply amazing. This place is as good as it gets !!!
Dominik & Nastasia, November 2018
We had a great time here at Marbago. It is really beautiful here and we will surely miss the stunning views of the ocean. But our time on Tobago is coming to an end and we have to head back home to cold Germany.
We would like to particularly commend Sherryann, who has contributed greatly to our wonderful time here. She was so friendly and welcoming but also responsible and thorough. We are very happy and thankful for her wonderful work.
We thank you for our great time here at Marbago.
"BEST HONEYMOON EVER"E & D - New Orleans LA USA, Reviewed February 9, 2014 for a stay in February 2013
My husband and I stayed here for 10 days during our honeymoon. Our expectations were surpassed. Alan and Marta were incredibly accommodating and helped us plan our trip (rental car, restaurants, scuba dives, etc). The property and the house are beautiful. There is certainly more than enough privacy, however, the property is still a reasonable distance from amazing beaches and the nearest town. Marbago provides the best of both worlds - adventure and luxury! You will not regret your stay here!
“MY IDEA OF PARADISE"caber wife Ottawa CanadaReviewed November 18, 2012 for a stay in November 2012
My husband and I stayed here Nov 5 - 11th, 2012, and what a wonderful week it was. The villa is lovely, with a spectacular view of Bloody Bay and the ocean below. We enjoyed the peace and quiet, the gorgeous gardens, the rainbows, the hammocks, the night sky, the fireflies... the list goes on. The villa had everything we needed for a comfortable stay, with a nice screened dining area, kitchen with all the mod cons, and a comfy bed in the air-conditioned in bedroom. I particularly enjoyed the outdoor showers!
Alan greeted us on our arrival, and also introduced us to the friendly gardener, Tony, and Hyacinth, a local woman who cooked us an excellent meal while we were there. Really lovely people all around, and very helpful! Christine the housekeeper was also a delight.
The villa was well-equipped with things like beach towels, mosquito coils, books, board games, DVD movies and more.
Alan and Marta were both very helpful with questions, before and during our stay. I wouldn't hesitate to stay here again. A little slice of paradise on the amazing island of Tobago.
A holiday to remember.“TOBAGO IS PARADISE...AND THIS VILLA MIGHT BE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL"Reviewed August 13, 2013 for a stay in July 2013, Wuppertal Germany
When we entered this villa for the first time, it was one year ago when Marta and alan invited us to come over for some cocktails while we were on our first trip to Tobago.
We instantly fell in love with this place: The stunning view on the huge patio, the cool sea breeze, the chimes tinkling in the wind, the beautiful rainforest-shower on the back of the house and of course the magnificent plants that are growing in alans garden.
Staying in the villa one year later totally met my expectations. I could spend hours just listening to the waves breaking on Dead Bay. In the morning we were often awakened by the loud screaming of the chacalacas - they can really be a pest *g* but thats nature and when you are staying in Marbago you are in the center of it all. So I would say: Don't come here, when you don't come along with gekkos, bats, insects and various breeds of birds, because they live there and you might be bothered by them. But if you're open to the full Tobago experience and yet want enjoy the luxury of a customized villa with western standards then you really should come and see this place.
What I love the most about this house: It has the vibe of a temple, situated majestically high above the bay. If you want to celebrate what's given by nature - this might be the perfect spot.
C & M - London UKReviewed January 20, 2015 for a stay in December 2014
Marbago…where do we start? Having met Alan and Marta on a previous visit to Tobago and been lucky enough to visit there wonderful residence for sunset drinks, we enquired if we could rent the property for a week after our wedding? “Of course!” was the response.
What a place to escape to after the craziness of a wedding day! Set in beautiful botanical gardens and with a commanding view of the Sisters islands, it really has to be the best spot in the Island. Whether on rising to the bird song at dawn or sipping a rum punch as the sun slips below the horizon, the floating veranda really evokes a feeling of being ‘King of your Castle’….you have to see it to believe it.
The property itself is conveniently laid out Chalet with all mod cons (air con in the bedroom was especially welcome). The entire front can be opened up with well thought through bi-folding door system creating a wonderfully airy open plan set up.
Highlights to note:
Kitchen: you can tell Alan and Marta are in the restaurant business as the Kitchen was a joy to cook in! All the utensils you would every need are available and the island hob and prep area makes a good focal point. We ate in more than we did out!
Dining Area: a wonderful annex dining room made for wonderful romantic dinners and the anti-bug netting proved respite from the sugar bees at times!
Tropical Jungle Shower: besides the view, this really is the piece de resistance! An open air shower, wall lined with tropical plants really does make you feel as though you are in a shampoo advert….a lovely experience.
All the advice Marta left for us was fantastic and even as Tobago veterans, allowed us to explore places we hadn’t been before.
We will definitely be returning!
Chris and Michelle
“MARBAGO"Delilah999 - Bochum Germany, Reviewed November 14, 2014 for a stay in November 2014
Located over a stunningly beautiful bay, sourrounded by a huge exotic garden, Marbago is everything you might ever have dreamed of when you are a nature's lover.
The frontside of the house (with kitchen and daybed) consists of several high double doors that you could open widely - in order to enjoy a cooling breeze from the sea and enjoy the exceptional view over DeadBay. From the beds on the second floor (little library) you can see the waves breaking at the beach.
The kitchen of Marbago is fully equipped with everything that you might need: Coffee maker, large fridge with ice cube dispenser, blender, microwave...The dining room is build seperately from the house, beautiful spot with a big table, sourrounded by palm trees and protected by mosquito nets in the windows (in stead of glass, to make sure that you always have a nice breeze). We loved to eat, drink and relax there!
But my favorite part of Marbago is definitely the shower. The second bathroom is on the back of the house. You just take a step outside and find yourself encircled by a wall with exotic plants, no roof on top, so that you could enjoy the warm water and maybe some rain falling an you, too...
I also want to mention some things that people other than me might dislike about Marbago, because you should make sure that you know what you book here: Marbago is like a natural part of the rainforest. Despite of the comfort it offers, there are insects, lots of birds, frogs, bats and lizards, they don't respect your doorstep. Please don't book Marbago if you are not cool with that. But since there are no poisenous animals on Tobago and most of the insects are eaten by birds before you ever come to see them, there's nothing to worry about.
"HEAVEN. OASIS. WANT TO BUILD ONE OF OUR OWN"
Katrina and Jonah - MA USA, Reviewed April 22, 2014 for a stay in March 2014
We fell in love with Marbago and didn't want to leave. The owners paid close attention to each detail of the house, from the open air layout for gorgeous sea views to the treehouse library to comfy lounge chairs and hammocks. Yup, there are geckos and bats, but there are also hummingbirds and fresh flower arrangements that would cost a fortune were they not growing all over the grounds. The semi-outdoor shower is perfect and romantic, and we never used the TV, too much gorgeous outside the doors. And the housekeeper kept the place impeccable. (Do be sure to get good directions--we had a miscommunication with the rental car company and got a bit lost on arrival--though the charming directions we got were, "you'll see a place so beautiful you won't be able to believe your eyes, and that's where you should turn.") We barely even went to the beaches, just enjoyed out full week of Marbago Magic.
"GREAT NATURE EXPERIENCE IN PARADISE"Reviewed February 20, 2015 for a stay in August 2013, Patti P. - Offenburg Germany
After have decided to go to Tobago Island (because of the protected Rain Forest, the possibilty to see many tropical birds, having a close-to-nature-feeling...) we found Marbago Villa via Internet and were excited from the first moment. This should be the place, our "home", for our 1-month stay in paradise! And the reality is like paradise! The feeling is like being at the end of the world, far away from town and tourists spots, in the mid of the forest, high over the sea. The property is huge, wonderfull garden with flowers, trees, fruits, sounds of a waterfall, birds, insects... The house is great, well equiped and comfortable. We loved to open it in the early morning, just after sunset (being waked up by the cocoricos and all the other birds!), having a view on the horizon with the little islands and feeling like in heaven. Than a nice breakfast with papayas, mh (from the tree in the garden or from the fruit man in castara)....and spending the day in a hammock or going to the near sandy beaches, snorkling there...Being in Tobago in the rain season, gave us the possiblity to got to know what a tropical rain is like, having always a different image of the sky to look at. Very exciting!
Alan and Marta are great, uncomplicated people, helped us with everything we needed. Also Tony, the gardener, Christine, the lovely housekeeper (which brought her granddaughter who played with our son) and the neighbours Footsie (cought us fresh fish and took us for a trip on his little boat!) and Hyacinth, lovely person...all were nice and open and let us feel well and save. We had a great tour in the rain forest with Fitzroy, visited all the interesting spots on the Island, snorkeled on many beaches, met nice people everywhere, had good food and always a great nature experience!
Our stay/holiday was a delight and our dream to feel the power of nature has been fullfilled every moment. We will never forget!
SOLITUDE IN PARADISE, Wish Z, New Orleans, stayed in April 2012
Just returned from a week long stay at Marbago and had an amazing time. The property is absolutely beautiful and we loved the "out of town" Bloody Bay location-close enough to enjoy Castara and the surrounding beaches (Englishman's Bay, Bloody Bay), but far enough away to really feel like you are getting away from it all. The house's expansive views are breathtaking. We had everything we needed whether we decided to go out and explore or stay in and just relax. And I cannot stop thinking about the amazing outdoor shower. The jungle trek down to Dead Man's Bay was very Indiana Jones, but so worth it and highly recommended. All of Marta and alan's recommendations were spot on and made our trip such a no brainer, and, to top it off, Marta and Alan are just very nice and interesting people, willing to answer any question and give whatever advice you may desire. Hope to return soon one day!
“A LOVELY TROPICAL ISLAND PARADISE", Reviewed February 13, 2012 for a stay in December 2011, Bob & Yana - OK USA
We cannot say enough positive things about our stay at Marbago House on Tobago Island last month. If you yearn for a tropical island paradise on acres of rain forest with an ocean view then Marbago House is the place for you. The house is beautiful in all ways with soaring ceilings and louvered doors that open the entire house to the beautiful decks which offer spectacular views of tropical forest with brightly colored tropical flowers and birds with the crashing surf further below. Hammocks await if one wishes a leisurely read or nap. The kitchen is well designed and includes a pass through window if one chooses to dine in the screened in porch with ample seating and delightful views. The master bathroom has a glass paneled door that opens to a private outdoor shower with sky blue tiles and a river rock wall with many orchids growing there. For the first time visitor Marta's guide to restaurants , shopping and sightseeing, beaches, snorkeling, and points of local color was invaluable and always on point. And, although Marbago House is secluded it is located only a short drive to several villages offering great food and sightseeing adventures.
Tobago Island is unique in many ways. Although it has some of the most pristine rain forests in the world there are no poisonous snakes or bugs to be concerned about. The weather was warm and comfortable day and night. The people of the island were without exception warm, friendly and welcoming. Not only did we always feel safe, we felt nurtured by the island and its people. We can't wait to return.
“ROMANCE, BEAUTY, PRIVATE"Reviewed August 1, 2011 for a stay in February 2011, Nancyjbrs - West Hartford CT USA
The property and view from this ideal romantic get-away were ideal. If one is looking for quiet, beauty and a place to be 'away from it all' there is no need to look further. However, if you are looking for a little day or night-life this is not the place for you. We were looking for romantic beauty and we could not have been happier. We were greeted by Marta Z and her husband, the owners of this self-designed home in Bloody Bay. The iron gates that lock this 3-tiered property were open when we arrived and we we were overwhelmed by the beauty in front of us. The top two tiers of the property are have manicured lawns where indigenous trees and plants have been highlighted to show their natural beauty. Walking down hill to the house (which was a bit slow going in the dark as their is no electric lights - we used flashlights provided) we know we have found the perfect place to escape the world. Marta fills us with information about the island - where to eat, swim, hike, and find all sorts of activities, which she has printed out in detail as we look around.
We enter the open-aired porch that surrounds 1/2 of the house through a locked door to the living area. Near the entrance, to one side of the porch is a large-screened-in eating area (seating for at least 8), while a wall to the house in on our other side. Within 10 steps we see that this 1 bedroom home is just outside the rainforest and overlooks Dead Man's Bay. We can hear the ocean below us, the sky is blue, the owners are friendly and we can't believe all of this has come at a more than reasonable price.
We entered the house from the porch through open wooden folding doors which make up the walls to the 1/2+ part of the house with exquisite views. A large porch adorned with hammocks, a coffee table and two chairs surrounds this half of the house. The house itself has 1 bedroom, 1 1/2 baths, a kitchen that's open to a living area and has a stool level counter top for eating. While not for our use, there is access to a loft area by a built-in wooden ladder. The one thing that could have been improved was the seating in the living area - which consisted of a bed for a third person. While a vacation to Tobago is during the sunny season, we came close to the rainy season and it did rain for a few hours on some days. It would have been nice to have a more comfortable living area.
Marta explained which days to expect the cleaning person, who was delightful, showed us where there were books, games and videos for our use.
For a romantic and or quiet holiday, i would not only recommend you stay here, but suggest it. If you are looking for a little more activity this is not the place. Coaster, a small touristy area, is 20 minutes away, and Scarborough, the major port, is an hour and a half away. There is little if any public transportation, and the roads (driving on the left) are comparable to the Amalfi Coast in Italy - treacherous curves, sharp turns, with a long drop the the ocean below. While I was happy to drive at night, my partner was not, and we ate dinner each night at the restaurant next door and were taken in by the owners as new friends. The food was delicious, authentic, we were asked each morning what we wanted for dinner.
While there is access to Dead Man's Bay by a steep path, it is not realistic to use it to go to the beach. It is much easier to drive five minutes to Bloody Bay, or 15 minutes on the road.Management ResponseAug 1, 2011Shortly after their stay, lights were installed along stairs down to the house
“A FORTNIGHT IN PARADISE!"Donna & Euan Mackay - Scotland, Reviewed July 19, 2010 for a stay in March 2010
Marbago is an idyllic property in (our opinion) the loveliest part of the island. Wake early & listen to exotic birds greet the new day as you watch the sun rise over the Caribbean from your hammock on the terrace. Shower in the beautiful Bali room: open to the skies; orchids growing from shower walls. Throw back all the folding doors & open the house onto the terrace & the beautiful views beyond. Eat in your diningroom on stilts with open outlook in every direction. Explore the fabulous deserted beaches nearby including the beach & bay at the foot of your own 4 ½ acre rainforest garden
“2 WEEKS IN PARADISE"Arturo - Spain, Reviewed May 20, 2010 for a stay in January 2010
We spent 2 weeks in Marbago. The house is great, very comfortable and well equipped. The best thing is that the house is very quiet, ideal to relax and to hear the birds (plenty of them, ideal place for birdwatchers), the ocean and the wind. The views to the ocean and the bay are exceptional (and at night, if there is no moon, one can see lots of stars).
The location is very good, far from the crowds and very close to Englishman Bay, which must be the nicest beach and also Bloody Bay, a good alternative. On top of that, the owners make sure guests have everything they need and the housekeepers are also very nice and helpful.
We really recommend the place to anyone who wants to enjoy a quiet place in paradise.
Yulia and Liam, November 2018
Thanks to Marta and Alan for opening your home and sharing your little corner of Paradise with us. The house is beautiful, secluded, wonderfully equipped and the view is something special. We stayed there for a week and had the most amazing time. Highly recommended.
Thanks for your attentiveness Marta!
We can't wait to get there. Back to paradise really soon!
Ian and Elaine from Durham UK 2018
Elaine and I had an absolute brilliant week at Marbago. The house was an oasis of calm and serenity within a setting that can only be described as paradise. The accommodation is delightful and the facilities more than adequate.The owners and their staff are always on hand to attend to any guest needs. Alan the local taxi driver is a star and Brandon (son of Footsie) is a lovely guy who took us down to the private beach and even climbed a tree and got coconuts for us . The walk down to the private beach is achievable via a path near the church on the way to Bloody Bay and is well worth a look. The neighbours are so so friendly and the animal and bird life simply amazing. This place is as good as it gets !!!
Dominik & Nastasia, November 2018
We had a great time here at Marbago. It is really beautiful here and we will surely miss the stunning views of the ocean. But our time on Tobago is coming to an end and we have to head back home to cold Germany.
We would like to particularly commend Sherryann, who has contributed greatly to our wonderful time here. She was so friendly and welcoming but also responsible and thorough. We are very happy and thankful for her wonderful work.
We thank you for our great time here at Marbago.
"BEST HONEYMOON EVER"E & D - New Orleans LA USA, Reviewed February 9, 2014 for a stay in February 2013
My husband and I stayed here for 10 days during our honeymoon. Our expectations were surpassed. Alan and Marta were incredibly accommodating and helped us plan our trip (rental car, restaurants, scuba dives, etc). The property and the house are beautiful. There is certainly more than enough privacy, however, the property is still a reasonable distance from amazing beaches and the nearest town. Marbago provides the best of both worlds - adventure and luxury! You will not regret your stay here!
“MY IDEA OF PARADISE"caber wife Ottawa CanadaReviewed November 18, 2012 for a stay in November 2012
My husband and I stayed here Nov 5 - 11th, 2012, and what a wonderful week it was. The villa is lovely, with a spectacular view of Bloody Bay and the ocean below. We enjoyed the peace and quiet, the gorgeous gardens, the rainbows, the hammocks, the night sky, the fireflies... the list goes on. The villa had everything we needed for a comfortable stay, with a nice screened dining area, kitchen with all the mod cons, and a comfy bed in the air-conditioned in bedroom. I particularly enjoyed the outdoor showers!
Alan greeted us on our arrival, and also introduced us to the friendly gardener, Tony, and Hyacinth, a local woman who cooked us an excellent meal while we were there. Really lovely people all around, and very helpful! Christine the housekeeper was also a delight.
The villa was well-equipped with things like beach towels, mosquito coils, books, board games, DVD movies and more.
Alan and Marta were both very helpful with questions, before and during our stay. I wouldn't hesitate to stay here again. A little slice of paradise on the amazing island of Tobago.
A holiday to remember.“TOBAGO IS PARADISE...AND THIS VILLA MIGHT BE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL"Reviewed August 13, 2013 for a stay in July 2013, Wuppertal Germany
When we entered this villa for the first time, it was one year ago when Marta and alan invited us to come over for some cocktails while we were on our first trip to Tobago.
We instantly fell in love with this place: The stunning view on the huge patio, the cool sea breeze, the chimes tinkling in the wind, the beautiful rainforest-shower on the back of the house and of course the magnificent plants that are growing in alans garden.
Staying in the villa one year later totally met my expectations. I could spend hours just listening to the waves breaking on Dead Bay. In the morning we were often awakened by the loud screaming of the chacalacas - they can really be a pest *g* but thats nature and when you are staying in Marbago you are in the center of it all. So I would say: Don't come here, when you don't come along with gekkos, bats, insects and various breeds of birds, because they live there and you might be bothered by them. But if you're open to the full Tobago experience and yet want enjoy the luxury of a customized villa with western standards then you really should come and see this place.
What I love the most about this house: It has the vibe of a temple, situated majestically high above the bay. If you want to celebrate what's given by nature - this might be the perfect spot.
C & M - London UKReviewed January 20, 2015 for a stay in December 2014
Marbago…where do we start? Having met Alan and Marta on a previous visit to Tobago and been lucky enough to visit there wonderful residence for sunset drinks, we enquired if we could rent the property for a week after our wedding? “Of course!” was the response.
What a place to escape to after the craziness of a wedding day! Set in beautiful botanical gardens and with a commanding view of the Sisters islands, it really has to be the best spot in the Island. Whether on rising to the bird song at dawn or sipping a rum punch as the sun slips below the horizon, the floating veranda really evokes a feeling of being ‘King of your Castle’….you have to see it to believe it.
The property itself is conveniently laid out Chalet with all mod cons (air con in the bedroom was especially welcome). The entire front can be opened up with well thought through bi-folding door system creating a wonderfully airy open plan set up.
Highlights to note:
Kitchen: you can tell Alan and Marta are in the restaurant business as the Kitchen was a joy to cook in! All the utensils you would every need are available and the island hob and prep area makes a good focal point. We ate in more than we did out!
Dining Area: a wonderful annex dining room made for wonderful romantic dinners and the anti-bug netting proved respite from the sugar bees at times!
Tropical Jungle Shower: besides the view, this really is the piece de resistance! An open air shower, wall lined with tropical plants really does make you feel as though you are in a shampoo advert….a lovely experience.
All the advice Marta left for us was fantastic and even as Tobago veterans, allowed us to explore places we hadn’t been before.
We will definitely be returning!
Chris and Michelle
“MARBAGO"Delilah999 - Bochum Germany, Reviewed November 14, 2014 for a stay in November 2014
Located over a stunningly beautiful bay, sourrounded by a huge exotic garden, Marbago is everything you might ever have dreamed of when you are a nature's lover.
The frontside of the house (with kitchen and daybed) consists of several high double doors that you could open widely - in order to enjoy a cooling breeze from the sea and enjoy the exceptional view over DeadBay. From the beds on the second floor (little library) you can see the waves breaking at the beach.
The kitchen of Marbago is fully equipped with everything that you might need: Coffee maker, large fridge with ice cube dispenser, blender, microwave...The dining room is build seperately from the house, beautiful spot with a big table, sourrounded by palm trees and protected by mosquito nets in the windows (in stead of glass, to make sure that you always have a nice breeze). We loved to eat, drink and relax there!
But my favorite part of Marbago is definitely the shower. The second bathroom is on the back of the house. You just take a step outside and find yourself encircled by a wall with exotic plants, no roof on top, so that you could enjoy the warm water and maybe some rain falling an you, too...
I also want to mention some things that people other than me might dislike about Marbago, because you should make sure that you know what you book here: Marbago is like a natural part of the rainforest. Despite of the comfort it offers, there are insects, lots of birds, frogs, bats and lizards, they don't respect your doorstep. Please don't book Marbago if you are not cool with that. But since there are no poisenous animals on Tobago and most of the insects are eaten by birds before you ever come to see them, there's nothing to worry about.
"HEAVEN. OASIS. WANT TO BUILD ONE OF OUR OWN"
Katrina and Jonah - MA USA, Reviewed April 22, 2014 for a stay in March 2014
We fell in love with Marbago and didn't want to leave. The owners paid close attention to each detail of the house, from the open air layout for gorgeous sea views to the treehouse library to comfy lounge chairs and hammocks. Yup, there are geckos and bats, but there are also hummingbirds and fresh flower arrangements that would cost a fortune were they not growing all over the grounds. The semi-outdoor shower is perfect and romantic, and we never used the TV, too much gorgeous outside the doors. And the housekeeper kept the place impeccable. (Do be sure to get good directions--we had a miscommunication with the rental car company and got a bit lost on arrival--though the charming directions we got were, "you'll see a place so beautiful you won't be able to believe your eyes, and that's where you should turn.") We barely even went to the beaches, just enjoyed out full week of Marbago Magic.
"GREAT NATURE EXPERIENCE IN PARADISE"Reviewed February 20, 2015 for a stay in August 2013, Patti P. - Offenburg Germany
After have decided to go to Tobago Island (because of the protected Rain Forest, the possibilty to see many tropical birds, having a close-to-nature-feeling...) we found Marbago Villa via Internet and were excited from the first moment. This should be the place, our "home", for our 1-month stay in paradise! And the reality is like paradise! The feeling is like being at the end of the world, far away from town and tourists spots, in the mid of the forest, high over the sea. The property is huge, wonderfull garden with flowers, trees, fruits, sounds of a waterfall, birds, insects... The house is great, well equiped and comfortable. We loved to open it in the early morning, just after sunset (being waked up by the cocoricos and all the other birds!), having a view on the horizon with the little islands and feeling like in heaven. Than a nice breakfast with papayas, mh (from the tree in the garden or from the fruit man in castara)....and spending the day in a hammock or going to the near sandy beaches, snorkling there...Being in Tobago in the rain season, gave us the possiblity to got to know what a tropical rain is like, having always a different image of the sky to look at. Very exciting!
Alan and Marta are great, uncomplicated people, helped us with everything we needed. Also Tony, the gardener, Christine, the lovely housekeeper (which brought her granddaughter who played with our son) and the neighbours Footsie (cought us fresh fish and took us for a trip on his little boat!) and Hyacinth, lovely person...all were nice and open and let us feel well and save. We had a great tour in the rain forest with Fitzroy, visited all the interesting spots on the Island, snorkeled on many beaches, met nice people everywhere, had good food and always a great nature experience!
Our stay/holiday was a delight and our dream to feel the power of nature has been fullfilled every moment. We will never forget!
SOLITUDE IN PARADISE, Wish Z, New Orleans, stayed in April 2012
Just returned from a week long stay at Marbago and had an amazing time. The property is absolutely beautiful and we loved the "out of town" Bloody Bay location-close enough to enjoy Castara and the surrounding beaches (Englishman's Bay, Bloody Bay), but far enough away to really feel like you are getting away from it all. The house's expansive views are breathtaking. We had everything we needed whether we decided to go out and explore or stay in and just relax. And I cannot stop thinking about the amazing outdoor shower. The jungle trek down to Dead Man's Bay was very Indiana Jones, but so worth it and highly recommended. All of Marta and alan's recommendations were spot on and made our trip such a no brainer, and, to top it off, Marta and Alan are just very nice and interesting people, willing to answer any question and give whatever advice you may desire. Hope to return soon one day!
“A LOVELY TROPICAL ISLAND PARADISE", Reviewed February 13, 2012 for a stay in December 2011, Bob & Yana - OK USA
We cannot say enough positive things about our stay at Marbago House on Tobago Island last month. If you yearn for a tropical island paradise on acres of rain forest with an ocean view then Marbago House is the place for you. The house is beautiful in all ways with soaring ceilings and louvered doors that open the entire house to the beautiful decks which offer spectacular views of tropical forest with brightly colored tropical flowers and birds with the crashing surf further below. Hammocks await if one wishes a leisurely read or nap. The kitchen is well designed and includes a pass through window if one chooses to dine in the screened in porch with ample seating and delightful views. The master bathroom has a glass paneled door that opens to a private outdoor shower with sky blue tiles and a river rock wall with many orchids growing there. For the first time visitor Marta's guide to restaurants , shopping and sightseeing, beaches, snorkeling, and points of local color was invaluable and always on point. And, although Marbago House is secluded it is located only a short drive to several villages offering great food and sightseeing adventures.
Tobago Island is unique in many ways. Although it has some of the most pristine rain forests in the world there are no poisonous snakes or bugs to be concerned about. The weather was warm and comfortable day and night. The people of the island were without exception warm, friendly and welcoming. Not only did we always feel safe, we felt nurtured by the island and its people. We can't wait to return.
“ROMANCE, BEAUTY, PRIVATE"Reviewed August 1, 2011 for a stay in February 2011, Nancyjbrs - West Hartford CT USA
The property and view from this ideal romantic get-away were ideal. If one is looking for quiet, beauty and a place to be 'away from it all' there is no need to look further. However, if you are looking for a little day or night-life this is not the place for you. We were looking for romantic beauty and we could not have been happier. We were greeted by Marta Z and her husband, the owners of this self-designed home in Bloody Bay. The iron gates that lock this 3-tiered property were open when we arrived and we we were overwhelmed by the beauty in front of us. The top two tiers of the property are have manicured lawns where indigenous trees and plants have been highlighted to show their natural beauty. Walking down hill to the house (which was a bit slow going in the dark as their is no electric lights - we used flashlights provided) we know we have found the perfect place to escape the world. Marta fills us with information about the island - where to eat, swim, hike, and find all sorts of activities, which she has printed out in detail as we look around.
We enter the open-aired porch that surrounds 1/2 of the house through a locked door to the living area. Near the entrance, to one side of the porch is a large-screened-in eating area (seating for at least 8), while a wall to the house in on our other side. Within 10 steps we see that this 1 bedroom home is just outside the rainforest and overlooks Dead Man's Bay. We can hear the ocean below us, the sky is blue, the owners are friendly and we can't believe all of this has come at a more than reasonable price.
We entered the house from the porch through open wooden folding doors which make up the walls to the 1/2+ part of the house with exquisite views. A large porch adorned with hammocks, a coffee table and two chairs surrounds this half of the house. The house itself has 1 bedroom, 1 1/2 baths, a kitchen that's open to a living area and has a stool level counter top for eating. While not for our use, there is access to a loft area by a built-in wooden ladder. The one thing that could have been improved was the seating in the living area - which consisted of a bed for a third person. While a vacation to Tobago is during the sunny season, we came close to the rainy season and it did rain for a few hours on some days. It would have been nice to have a more comfortable living area.
Marta explained which days to expect the cleaning person, who was delightful, showed us where there were books, games and videos for our use.
For a romantic and or quiet holiday, i would not only recommend you stay here, but suggest it. If you are looking for a little more activity this is not the place. Coaster, a small touristy area, is 20 minutes away, and Scarborough, the major port, is an hour and a half away. There is little if any public transportation, and the roads (driving on the left) are comparable to the Amalfi Coast in Italy - treacherous curves, sharp turns, with a long drop the the ocean below. While I was happy to drive at night, my partner was not, and we ate dinner each night at the restaurant next door and were taken in by the owners as new friends. The food was delicious, authentic, we were asked each morning what we wanted for dinner.
While there is access to Dead Man's Bay by a steep path, it is not realistic to use it to go to the beach. It is much easier to drive five minutes to Bloody Bay, or 15 minutes on the road.Management ResponseAug 1, 2011Shortly after their stay, lights were installed along stairs down to the house
“A FORTNIGHT IN PARADISE!"Donna & Euan Mackay - Scotland, Reviewed July 19, 2010 for a stay in March 2010
Marbago is an idyllic property in (our opinion) the loveliest part of the island. Wake early & listen to exotic birds greet the new day as you watch the sun rise over the Caribbean from your hammock on the terrace. Shower in the beautiful Bali room: open to the skies; orchids growing from shower walls. Throw back all the folding doors & open the house onto the terrace & the beautiful views beyond. Eat in your diningroom on stilts with open outlook in every direction. Explore the fabulous deserted beaches nearby including the beach & bay at the foot of your own 4 ½ acre rainforest garden
“2 WEEKS IN PARADISE"Arturo - Spain, Reviewed May 20, 2010 for a stay in January 2010
We spent 2 weeks in Marbago. The house is great, very comfortable and well equipped. The best thing is that the house is very quiet, ideal to relax and to hear the birds (plenty of them, ideal place for birdwatchers), the ocean and the wind. The views to the ocean and the bay are exceptional (and at night, if there is no moon, one can see lots of stars).
The location is very good, far from the crowds and very close to Englishman Bay, which must be the nicest beach and also Bloody Bay, a good alternative. On top of that, the owners make sure guests have everything they need and the housekeepers are also very nice and helpful.
We really recommend the place to anyone who wants to enjoy a quiet place in paradise.