Le Grand Courlan Spa Resort - Review Page 5
Swimming Pool
The attractive over-size swimming pool dominates the main external recreation area. Depths vary from 1.16m (4ft) to 1.74m (6ft). The pool features a small cascading waterfall and whirlpool.
In similar style to the Grafton, a small pagoda has been built over one end of the pool. The upper floor is open on all sides and gives splendid views of the pool terrace. This area is used for Tai Chi, Yoga and meditation classes Guests who want a spot of shade can also take chairs and loungers there during the day.
The building provides the necessary shade for the swim-up pool bar beneath. It was, indeed, a lovely shady place to sit and pass time while enjoying a cooling drink.
The area around the pool is sub-divided into a number of separate areas, attractively decorated with potted palms and an adequate supply of comfortable sun loungers and sun umbrellas. The overall look and feel is one of quiet relaxation.
Shopping
There is a small arcade outside the front entrance of the hotel with two small boutiques offering a limited collection of “casual and elegant tropical clothing, designer fashions, arts and crafts” plus postcards, film, books, baseball caps, T-shirts, swimwear and other essential supplies, such as sun block and moisturiser, etc.
Shopping of a more serious nature will involve a 15-minute drive to the capital Scarborough, or to the Crown Point area. The village of Black Rock is a 5 minute walk from the hotel, but the small local shops only offer basic items.
Security
The hotel complex is surrounded by high security fences. The rear gate, to the beach, is locked at 6pm. As a result, guests cannot enjoy an evening stroll along the beach to watch the wonderful sunsets often experienced along the Caribbean coast. Failing to return to the hotel by 6pm will mean a long, hot 10-minute plus walk up the hill and around to the front entrance, where the barriers are manned 24 hours a day.
Turning to room security, digital safes are provided in every room and are of adequate size to hold all your important documents, money, jewellery and even small cameras and other valuables.
All Inclusive Package
According to letter that we were given on arrival, Le Grand Courlan’s all-inclusive package includes:
- Full breakfast - served between 7:00am and 10:30am; Lunch between 12:00pm and 3:00pm; Afternoon tea between 3:00pm and 5pm, and dinner between 7:00pm and 10:00pm
- Buccaneer’s Beach Bar & Grill - 10:00am to 5pm. Lunch served 12:00pm – 4pm
- Unlimited drinks including premium and standard brands and house wine by the glass. The plan does not include wine or champagne by the bottle
- One complimentary scuba session in the pool (via the Dive Centre)
- Use of available non-motorised water sports equipment. (via the Dive shop)
- Complimentary beach/pool towels and loungers for use at the resort
- Use of tennis courts both during day or night
- Weekly Manager’s Cocktail Party (every Tuesday evening, poolside at 6:30pm)
- Use of the hotel’s Fitness Centre
- Evening canapés served in Breezes Bar every evening before dinner.
In addition, all guests receive complimentary treatments at the resort’s spa. Full details of this are given in the Spa section of this review.
Conclusion
From the moment you arrive at the main Reception of Le Grand Courlan the atmosphere is one of peace and tranquillity. That ethos continues throughout the resort. It is a wonderful place to relax.
We arrived at Le Grand Courlan with high expectations, having declared in our 2005 review that “if our 2004 experiences were repeated, I would have to say that Le Grand would undoubtedly become our favourite hotel on Tobago.”
The hotel is currently undergoing refurbishment and it is true that we did not see it at its best. However, we knew this before we arrived and had the benefit of discussing all changes, past and proposed, with the new General Manager. In this respect, there were no surprises and nothing to spoil our stay. In fact although there were lots of little niggles, as there always will be, no two guests took issue on any subject – except the catering. The school report would show a clear “could do better”.
Le Grand Courlan Resort & Spa undoubtedly has the potential to rival any hotel on the island. Sadly, cost cutting in the hospitality industry invariably leads to discontent and the wildly fluctuating reports that Le Grand regularly attracts.
We wish the hotel well and accept that the major changes in management and staffing that took place last year are inevitably going to take time to settle down. With a stunning location, helpful and friendly staff and great range of facilities, Le Grand Courlan has everything necessary to maintain a leading position in the league of Tobago’s best hotels. We know from our previous visit that it is more than capable.
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