Arnos Vale Vacation Apartments
Mini-review by Steve & Jill Wooler, March 2008
The number of invitations and requests that we receive to review properties far outstrips our ability to undertake them. In an ideal world, we would visit every accommodation property on Tobago. As a non-commercial site, we simply lack the time and resources to accomplish this.
So, the best we can do is to spend two months each year producing detailed reports on as wide a range of accommodation as possible. While conducting the main reviews, we also undertake detailed inspections of properties that we intend to stay at, and fully review, the following year.
This mini-review of Arnos Vale Vacation Apartments follows one such inspection. It will be replaced by a full report after our 2009 visit to Tobago. In the meantime, we believe that the property deserves inclusion in our coveted list of “Reviewed & Recommended” properties.
Mini-Review
Arnos Vale is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful locations in Tobago. This former sugar and cocoa plantation offers arguably the finest habitat for bird life on the island and Arnos Vale Bay some of the finest snorkelling along the coast. It has remained my favourite region of Tobago throughout the 50 years that I have been visiting the island.
So, it is hardly surprising that I know the road to Arnos Vale well. In fact I can claim intimate knowledge of every pothole along its length. There is, however, one small section between Plymouth and Arnos Vale where I always lose interest in the potholes; this is where the road passes the Arnos Vale Vacation Apartments.
I almost defy passing visitors not to notice and comment on this lovely two-storey property. The beautifully-kept gardens and immaculate paintwork invite appreciation. For years I wondered who it belonged to and cursed the English reserve that prevented me from calling in and expressing my admiration.
The property is the home, and pride and joy, of a local couple: retired fire officer Victor Forde and school teacher wife, Ursline. The property offers three self-contained apartments for holiday accommodation. Reader reports indicated that the good looks of the property weren’t just superficial. So, whilst reviewing an Arnos Vale villa during our 2008 visit, I took the bull by the horns and paid a visit to the Arnos Vale Vacation Apartments. Due to a technical malfuntion (don't ask) I have been unable to use any of my own photography to illustrate this mini-review. My thanks to Victor for allowing me to use his own photographs.
The Location
Plymouth and Arnos Vale are a 25-30 minute drive from the airport. The area lies on the extremities of the most populated Crown Point-Plymouth-Scarborough triangle and, as such, is further from the main shopping and restaurant areas. Against that, you are located in the heart of one of the most beautiful areas of Tobago and truly at one with nature. This is what Tobago is really about!
Although Victor often provides complimentary transfer to and from the airport, a self-drive rental vehicle is essential if you are to get the best out of this property. Local shopping facilities are limited and there are few real facilities within walking distance. Taxis are available, but given the distance to the main shopping/restaurant areas, this is likely to prove a more expensive and less convenient option than a self-drive rental. In fairness, we make this same comment in virtually every review we write because exceptionally few ‘nice’ properties on Tobago are within walking distance of a good range of beaches, shops, restaurants or other facilities. In this regard, the Arnos Vale Vacation Apartments are no worse than many other properties and the truth is that unless you want to be crammed into a noisy suburban environment, it is no more than to be expected. At least Victor makes things easier for his guests: he has his own vehicles available for rental.
The Accommodation
The accommodation at the Arnos Vale Vacation Apartments consists of a Studio Apartment and a pair of two-bedroom apartments. Between them, they could provide total accommodation for up to 13 adults.
The largest of the apartments is located on the upper floor and can sleep up to six people, so would be ideal for small families. This apartment has a lovely shaded balcony providing views over the lovely gardens. The other two-bedroom apartment is located on the ground floor and is marginally smaller, sleeping up to five people. All three apartments, including the 2-person Studio apartment, enjoy both air-conditioning and ceiling fans.
The apartments were in excellent decorative and maintenance order. They are furnished in the typical traditional style favoured by Tobagonians. All the essentials are provided and the apartments will undoubtedly make an excellent home-from-home during your vacation.
Victor clearly takes very great pride in his gardens and they are certainly an oasis of peace and quiet. With the preponderance of birdlife around Arnos Vale, it is hardly surprising that these gardens attract so many.
Conclusion
The Arnos Vale Vacation Apartments could represent a wonderful choice of holiday accommodation to those looking for self-catering apartments in a peaceful environment where they can truly be at one with nature. With a self-drive rental vehicle, you are ideally placed to tour every part of this beautiful island, whilst still being within easy reach of all the shops, restaurants and other facilities of the more populated area.
We are confident that Victor and Ursline will prove excellent hosts and look forward to staying at the property and writing a more detailed review during our next visit to Tobago.
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