Grafton Beach Resort - Review Page 4
Beach
In order to access the beach, resident guests must cross a quiet access road that runs along the beachside. This is such a quiet road that guests need have no concern about this.
The hotel provides a dozen or more thatched sun shades along the beach and an adequate stock of sun loungers. Inevitably those near the beach restaurant are occupied first, but there was never the mad rush to get towels and books onto the loungers before breakfast, as at some resorts.
Stone Haven Bay is around a mile in length. Soft gold sand dominates at the southern end of the beach, interspersed with powdery black volcanic sand at the sheltered northern part of the bay. With every tide, the light black sand is washed ashore and leaves fascinating patterns on top of the heavier golden sand.
Without question, this takes our vote as the best hotel/beach combination. Other beaches may be longer, but size is not everything. Stone Haven Bay offers – in my not so humble opinion – a wonderful combination of size and visual interest. A round-trip walk including each end of the beach takes 20-30 minutes, depending upon how often you stop to admire the views. The compacted sand just above the waterline makes for wonderful walking or jogging. It makes for a wonderful wake-up call before breakfast.
Our stay at the Grafton and Le Grand Courlan coincided with a full moon, so the sea was running much higher than normal, right around the coastline. The breaking surf made it a challenge to get into the calmer waters behind. Mind you, it was great fun for body-boarders! Jill tried this for the first time during our stay. I tried hard not to visualise the headlines: Pensioner in Body Board Drama.
To reach calmer waters, you only needed to wander up to the more sheltered waters at the northern end of the beach (right, as you face the water) and the conditions were totally different. Less confident swimmers will generally have no problem getting into the sea here. The rocks along the shoreline at the northern end also offer reasonable snorkelling opportunities.
The swimming in Stone Haven Bay beach is generally good. There are a few rocky parts, but these are clearly visible and the majority of the swimming area has a clear sandy bottom with no hidden ‘nasties’. The beach shelves relatively gradually, so again there should be no sudden surprises. There are no lifeguards, warning flags or other safety facilities, so visitors should obviously take great care and never, ever, exceed their capabilities and experience.
Stone Haven beach is home to a number of beach traders. None were in the slightest intrusive – in fact they will become friendly beach companions if you take the trouble to pass the time of day and exchange a friendly word.
The only downside to Stone Haven beach – like all the popular beaches – is the ever-present problem of stray dogs. Those afraid of dogs should have no fear. These poor curs are surprisingly friendly and good natured. Dog lovers, like me, will find the situation a dilemma. However, I strongly urge visitors not to feed or pet the dogs. They are infested with fleas and tics. Mange is a common problem. You will be subjected to constant pestering if you succumb to their appealing eyes and make the mistake of feeding them. Tobago is rabies-free, but you could easily pick up an infection if you pet the dogs and do not wash your hands thoroughly before touching food.
Children
The hotel welcomes children of all ages and the facilities detailed above would make the Grafton one of the best all-round family hotels on the island. However, possibly due to the refurbishment, most of the children’s facilities were out of operation during our stay. A full baby-sitting service is available. Cots can be provided in rooms on request.
There is a small Kids Klub available, at additional charge, for children from four years of age. I understand that operation of this facility is entirely subject to occupancy and demand. I appreciate the problem from the hotel’s point of view, but equally sympathise with parents who book the holiday after reading that the facility is available and then arrive to find that it isn’t.
The restaurant also offers a special menu for children and opens at 6:30pm so that they can dine a little earlier than the adults.
Dress Code
The hotel’s dress code is no more than most Brits would expect at a resort hotel.
For breakfast and luncheon, ladies are requested to cover their swimwear and gentlemen to wear a T-shirt (no sleeveless tops). Wet swimwear and bare feet are not allowed.
For dinner, the code is ‘elegantly casual’. For ladies, this means no short pants or jeans. Gentlemen are asked to wear long trousers and a collard shirt. Shorts, ¾-length pants, jeans, vests, sleeveless tops and T-shirts are expressly forbidden. Flip flops and athletic footwear (trainers) are not allowed. As with every other hotel, guests are expected to cover beachwear with shorts and shirts or sarong-type wraps when away from the pool or beach.
Shopping
There is a small arcade of three shops outside the front entrance of the hoteloffering the usual collection of souvenirs, local crafts, postcards, film, books, baseball caps, T-shirts, swimwear and essential supplies of sun block and moisturisers, etc.
Shopping of a more serious nature (something of a misnomer when referring to Tobago) will involve a 15-minute drive to the capital Scarborough, or to the Crown Point area. The village of Black Rock is a five minute walk from the hotel, but the small local shops only offer basic supplies.
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