Where to Stay in Parlatuvier, Tobago: Sea Shell Guesthouse Review

If you’re heading to Tobago’s quiet northwest coast and looking for a peaceful place to stay, let me introduce you to Sea Shell Guesthouse in Parlatuvier. This cozy studio apartment was everything we needed—and then some. We visited on a very rainy weekend and can’t wait to return when the sun is shining here.

Perched above Parlatuvier Bay, the real star of the show is the view: lush green hills, turquoise waters, and the soothing sounds of nature all around. With a well-equipped kitchen, a comfy bed, and thoughtful touches throughout, this spot invites you to slow down, unwind, and soak up the magic of Tobago’s northwest coast.

About Parlatuvier

Parlatuvier is one of Tobago’s most charming fishing villages, tucked between rainforest-covered hills and the calm waters of its namesake bay. The name ‘Parlatuvier’ is believed to be derived from the old French expression: “pas le trouver” meaning ‘not easy to find or reach’.

Historically, Parlatuvier thrived as a cocoa and coconut estate area during colonial times, and remnants of that agricultural past still echo through the landscape. Today, the village is best known for its serene beach, warm local community, and stunning natural surroundings.

Whether you’re swimming in the gentle bay, watching the sunset from Glasgow Bar, or simply soaking up the sounds of nature, Parlatuvier invites you to slow down and connect with Tobago in a deeply local way. We found ourselves comparing Parlatuvier to Muskoka, Ontario, Canada (IFYKYK).

Staying in Parlatuvier gives you a chance to experience the slower, quieter side of Tobago. It’s not a busy tourist hub—and that’s exactly the charm.

First Impressions of Sea Shell Guesthouse

As we pulled up to the guesthouse, we were immediately struck by its incredible location. Perched on a hillside overlooking the bay, the view from Sea Shell is nothing short of breathtaking. Think: turquoise waters, swaying palms, and misty green hills in the distance. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down and just be.

There are four units in total here – two on the bottom level and two on the top level. We stayed on the top left unit, which can’t be seen in the image below.

Accessing the Apartment: A Few Stairs Involved

You do have to put in a little bit of work to enjoy the view here. There are a couple sets of stairs to navigate to reach the top level apartments. It rained a lot while we were here so naturally the stairs were wet. We took our time and were careful given the conditions but didn’t find them to be too slippery.

The concrete steps continue far up the hill – we believe this leads to someone else’s property but we did not explore. During nicee weather conditions, these stairs would make for a great place to exercise.

Overview of the Studio

The apartment itself is simple, clean, and thoughtfully put together. It had everything we needed for a comfortable stay:

Kitchen

The kitchen is very well equipped with all of the following:

Various pots, pans
Various plates, bowls, mugs, glasses, cutlery, cooking utensils
Various appliances – fridge, freezer, toaster, kettle, blender, stove, oven, microwave

The only things missing are perishable items to cook such as oil/butter, seasonings and the food of course. Our neighbour had purchased fresh fish straight from the jetty at Parlatuvier and was grilling it up. His only issue – no salt. I made a note for our next visit to make sure we don’t forget the seasonings.

The kitchen sink looks out to lush greenery – making even washing the dishes an enjoyable experience.

Planning to cook on your trip here is a good option due to the lack of nearby restaurants. If you are planning to stay here without a vehicle, then I highly recommend you come prepared with groceries to cook all of your meals. You can purchase fresh fish daily from the local fisherman at the jetty – a short beach walk from the apartment.

Living Space

It is a studio apartment so the kitchen, bedroom and living space are all in the same room. The living space consists of a kitchen table with two chairs, a TV and an internet router. We did not turn the TV on once – you do not need it when watching outside is like living in a movie.

The Wi-Fi connection was strong and worked well for us during our stay. The table is a nice place to eat, get computer work done if you are working remotely and is an extra place to store things.

Bedroom

The bedroom space offers a comfortable large twin sized bed. Bedding consists of two pillows, a top sheet and a bottom sheet. We had packed an extra blanket from home just in case. It was nice to have while sitting outside during the nighttime to use as an extra shield from bugs.

There is a fan at the foot of the bed – which is enough to keep you cool during the night. There is no air conditioning here.

We wished the windows had screens so that we could keep our windows open at night for a better breeze. Even with the windows shut, the crashing waves could still be heard and lulled us to sleep.

The window curtains are really pretty here but they are not blackout curtains – some light will trickle through them. We are early risers so were not bothered by this at all.

An armoire with a few hangers inside and a dresser are available to unpack and store your belongings if you are here for an extended period of time. It was nice to have a mirror in the living space and in the bathroom.

Bathroom

A simple bathrooms provides everything you need – spacious shower, shower mat, toilet, sink and mirror. There is also a nice storage rack under the mirror for all of your toiletries.

The host provided two bath towels, a bar of soap and a hand towel. We packed our own beach towels and recommend you do as well so you aren’t using your bath towel on the beach and vice versa.

Other Notes

Don’t forget to look up and admire the beautiful wood ceiling. I loved the contrast of the lush greenery outside and the wood walls inside.

One item to note is that there is an adjoining door to the next unit. If you are travelling with another couple or solo traveler, you could book both units. The adjoining door did not cause us to feel unsafe or uneasy. But you can hear your neighbour in the next unit – so be mindful.

The Balcony and the View

The view here is spectacular and captivating – there is so much to see. I promise you that you cannot get bored sitting on the patio watching the scenery. From spectacular rain forest and hills in the distance, to sting rays swimming in the shallow waters of the bay and fisherman on the jetty and so on.

Despite it being such a rainy weekend, we spent 80% of our time on the balcony. The roof overhangs a few feet past the balcony so you are well sheltered even during inclement weather. There is a beautiful wood furniture set on the balcony with two chairs (including comfy cushions) and a table.

It can get buggy when the sun goes down. To help alleviate this – keep the windows/doors closed, all lights off, wear long clothing and apply my famous lavender salve. I had citronella candles at home that I wish I had packed and will be bringing next time!

Eating in and Around Parlatuvier

Food options in Parlatuvier are quite limited, so it’s good to plan ahead. There’s a small local supermarket where you can pick up basic groceries, but we didn’t come across any open restaurants during our stay.

If you’re looking to eat out, your best bet is to head to Castara, about a 15-minute drive away. You’ll find a few food spots along the route, but be warned—opening hours can be inconsistent, and even in Castara, many places are hit or miss depending on the day and time.

The most reliable spot we found in Castara was Caribbean Kitchen, located at Castara Retreats, a Caribbean Eco Lodge. The food was tasty and the setting is beautiful, but keep in mind that portions are on the smaller side.

If you’re traveling on a budget—or just don’t want to risk not finding an open restaurant—we highly recommend bringing groceries and cooking in the apartment. The kitchen at Sea Shell Guesthouse is equipped with everything you need for simple, satisfying meals, and dining with that epic view is hard to beat anyway.

Lunch at Eula’s Restaurant & Souvenir Shop on Englishman’s Bay:

Eula’s Restaurant & Souvenir Shop at Englishman’s Bay

breakfast and dinner at caribbean kitchen in castara:

Beaches Nearby

Parlatuvier Bay – This beach is steps away. Ideal for a swim on a calm day or just relaxing under the almond trees. Stingrays are well known to frequent the shallow waters of the bay on a calm day. Locals tell us that it is safe to swim with these creatures.
Englishman’s Bay – A very secluded beach with limited infrastructure and untouched views.
Castara Bay – This is the favourite beach among tourists as it is the easiest of the three bays to walk out into. Both Parlatuvier and Englishman’s Bay have fairly steep drops a few feet into the water. This is also where you can watch fishermen haul in their nets by hand in the early morning. A bonfire is hosted on this beach every Thursday night.

Things To Do Nearby

While Parlatuvier is all about slow living, there are a few low-key adventures and local gems worth checking out during your stay:

Glasgow Bar – A rustic hillside bar with unbeatable views over Parlatuvier Bay—perfect for a cold drink at sunset. No frills, just good vibes and an epic panorama.
Ms. Shurland’s Hummingbird Sanctuary – A peaceful garden where you can watch dozens of hummingbirds flit around in their natural habitat. Ms. Shurland is welcoming and passionate—this spot feels like a well-kept secret.
Parlatuvier Waterfall – A short walk or hike leads to this small, secluded waterfall surrounded by lush forest. It’s a refreshing detour if you’re up for a bit of exploring.
Castara Waterfall – Located just outside the nearby village of Castara, this hidden waterfall is tucked within the rainforest and only a short, easy walk from the main road. Bring your swimsuit—it’s a great spot for a quick dip.

How to Book

Contact the host Gail Wallace directly via phone or Whatsapp to book: 1-868-784-5627

Final Thoughts

Our weekend stay at Sea Shell Guesthouse Paralatuvier was a beautiful reminder of why we travel—to slow down, take in new perspectives, and connect with places that feel truly special. Parlatuvier may be quiet and off the beaten path, but that’s exactly what makes it so magical. From the stunning views and peaceful rhythms of village life to the unexpected gems just a short drive away, this little corner of Tobago offers the kind of tranquility that’s hard to find elsewhere.

If you’re looking to unplug, cook your own meals, sip coffee with a view, and fall asleep to the sound of waves—this is your place. Just come prepared, embrace the slow pace, and let Parlatuvier do the rest.

We’re already dreaming of our return, hopefully under sunnier skies—but honestly, even in the rain, Sea Shell Guesthouse stole our hearts.