Top O' Tobago - Review Page 4
Terrace
Four cushioned recliners decorate the wide front terrace of the main house, which is shaded by a wide roof overhang. I must issue a warning about the attractive cane ‘plantation chair’ recliners. DO NOT use these chairs if you have anything else planned for the day! Mind you, the same has to be said for the Amerindian hammock slung between two roof supports. With a beer in a hand, and a good book on your lap, you’re set for the day and can forget any other plans!
Two of the double-doors from the house open directly onto a covered terrace, shaded by a huge pergola covered with vibrant bougainvillea. You really could not ask for a more beautiful location to relax or dine – it is simply stunning.
Manager Hugh Baker is passionately conscious and interested in the ecology of the area and goes to great lengths to both preserve and enhance it. This goes way beyond any desire to simply make Top O’ Tobago a more attractive proposition to guests – he truly cares. Therefore, it is hardly surprising to note the numerous bird feeders around the property. These are religiously cleaned and refilled every day. Mind you, at Arnos Vale it is almost unnecessary to attract birds – they are so numerous that they find you of their own accord. It is like being in your own private bird sanctuary.
There was always an abundance of birds around the feeders, mainly hummingbirds. I have always been fascinated by these tiny creatures and spent hours watching them from the terrace. They became so used to my presence that I could literally put my hand out and touch the feeder while birds were feeding on it. Sadly it was never long before the little copper-rumped, hummingbird that lived nearby would pounce. Hummers are extremely territorial and very aggressive towards each other. Standing so close, I was twice ‘bumped’ by fleeing humming birds and felt the wind from their wings on countless other occasions when they zoomed past me during their territorial disputes.
Cabanas
The three cabañas are built in a stepped formation down the hillside. Each is set about four feet lower than the adjacent unit. Although this is entirely a product of the location, it also helps to separate and individualise the three apartments.
The cabañas are broadly the same, in terms of size, décor, furnishings and layout. They are effectively self-contained studio apartments, offering 35sq.m. (7.3x4.8m) of floor space and furnished with the same colourful batik print bedspreads and sofa cushions used in the main house. The overriding impression is one of colour, space and light.
Each cabaña has two side-by-side double beds, plus two sofas with removable cushions which can be pulled out to form beds. The apartment can therefore comfortably sleep four and would be ideal for a young family.
Additional furnishings include cable TV with DVD and VCR (videos can be requested in advance from a catalogue listing the 200 stored in the main house).
The small kitchenettes are equipped with a microwave oven, two-burner gas stove, electric juicer, toaster, filter coffee maker and refrigerator with freezer compartment. Each has a comprehensive supply of crockery, cutlery, glassware and cooking utensils. As we have come to expect at Top O’ Tobago, everything was in good condition and fully operational.
The en suite bathroom was compact, but adequate, and fitted with a corner washbasin unit, toilet and walk-in shower.
The cabañas each have a small patio to the front of the property and a really lovely 8sq.m. gazebo-style rear patio with its own small garden. Because of the way in which the cabañas are stepped, the rear patios are quite private and represent a wonderful spot for dining or relaxing. They are furnished with a hammock, decorative mosaic table and chairs.
Swimming Pool
We visited Top O’ Tobago during a particularly hot week. The full-size kidney-shaped swimming pool could not have looked more inviting.
The pool terrace is furnished with two sets of tables and chairs, a large sun umbrella and a number of sun loungers. There is also a small and attractive ‘hidden’ patio area just below the pool, furnished with table and chairs and a barbeque unit. This was another wonderful place to watch the many birds, particularly in the adjacent fiddlewood tree.
The swimming pool and barbeque area are shared by the occupants of the main house and the cabañas. This was my only reservation about the property. It would be very easy for the occupants of the main house to become somewhat possessive about the pool and terrace, which lie literally outside their front door. In a similar way, it was obvious that occupants of the cabañas were a little self-conscious about using the pool, possibly feeling that they were intruding upon the space of the main house. It’s a slightly tricky situation, but one that I’m sure can be quickly overcome with a friendly smile and word on those occasions when the different units are rented to different parties.
A laundry room is located beneath the pool deck, next to the swimming room pool room. The facilities consist of a washer and dryer and are available for guest use.
Gardens
The six acres of mature tropical gardens are packed with flowering trees and exotic fruit, including a banana grove and plantain and citrus trees fed by a natural spring. Needless to say, the gardens are a wonderful habitat for the 
myriad species of tropical birds. Clearly marked nature trails have been cut through the grounds and benches placed in strategic spots. You could not ask for a more pleasant location for contemplation and meditation. I will reserve comment on the “seven circuit labyrinth” and meditation spot located in a thick bamboo grove, but I guess I’m just a cynical old sod showing my gritty north-country Yorkshire roots.
Like the house and cabañas, the gardens will delight both serious and casual bird watchers and nature lovers. Guests are welcome to pick and eat the ripe fruit and they will be hard pressed to find anywhere as peaceful or devoid of human presence. With a consideration that we had come to expect of Hugh, it was pleasing to note that he had labelled many plants, trees and shrubs, giving visitor’s information about the plant.
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