Palmhaven - Reader Reports & Opinion
These reports are a combination of questions and comment posted in our Palmhaven forum and visitor reports added via the 'Add Report' tab above. The votes awarded are weighted by volume and date to give a truer representation of reader satisfaction [more details].
Reader Satisfaction Ranking: 
Weighted ranking based on 12 votes = 4.1 (max 5)
Guest Report
Allan Hughes from U.K. visited in August 2009 and awarded
Our family of four had a week at Palmhaven at the end of August. The villa had been recommended by a friend who stayed there previously and it lived up to our expectations fully. The place is clean and homely, serviced daily by the lovely Joyce who was very friendly, discreet and efficient. We never took advantage of her cooking unfortunately, other than on our arrival where she had prepared a nice fish and chicken curry...we where simply too chilled out to get organised enough to ask her. The pool is the best feature of the villa and with the lights on you can enjoy it the whole night long. The kitchen was very adequately furnished and there was everything you could possibly need, including a washing machine and lots of towels for the pool and for the beach. Lots of fans to keep the air cool and creatures gallore in the garden and in the house to keep everyone on their toes...brilliant.
It's four years since we visited Tobago and since that time we've heard lots of stories about how the feel of the place has changed. Stories of murders, muggings, various rip-offs. Well we didn't feel the place has changed at all; the people seem just as friendly as they always did. A few isolated instances may have created a disproportionate impression of Tobago in recent times, and whilst not wanting to be-little the impact that a personal bad experience can have on someone, overall the island is just the way we remember it in the five visits we have made previously.
Guest Report
Sharon Gabriel from U.K. visited in August 2009 and awarded 
Wow! what can I say. We stayed at the villa for two weeks (end of July - August 2009) and had a most fantastic time. The villa is spacious, exceptionally clean and has all the equipment that you need to make it feel like home from home. The pool and gardens with glorious views are absolutely wonderful and many an hour was spent chilling taking in the breath-taking sights. The housekeeper provided a wonderful service ensuring everything was clean, tidy and that we had everything that we needed. Her cooking is superb so I recommend making use of her dining services so that you can try the local dishes and really experience the carribean. Attending some of the local events was great fun and having a car meant that we could tour the beautiful island to capture more of what Tobago has to offer. The car hire as recommended was brilliant .. top marks for a great deal and service.
All in all an incredible holiday that will never be forgotten. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this superb villa "Palmhaven". A haven indeed!
Guest Report
Jean-Francois from France visited in December 2008 and awarded 
We (a family of 5) stayed at Palmhaven one week (2008 Xmas) and we have been very happy with the house.
It was just as expected, very nice (nice lay out and decoration, well equiped, clean) on a lot near the top of the hill (land/garden is smaller than on the website, but that's not at all a problem). Nice pool with a view on the next hill; beaches are a 10/15mn drive.
We would definitely recommend this house.(note: I rated only 3, as the villa is as I expected i.e. very good)
Kay the owner has also been very kind during our various email communications.
A few things you should be aware about the house and Tobago in general.
The house is in a safe area (nothing fancy however i.e. not a private condo), but we found that having a night guard was a plus especially the first few days to get used to the various tropcical noises at night. You will read a lot about safety in T & T, and as such we also did not know exactly what to expect; at the end we never found us in an unsafe situation, and people were friendly... Just the normal precaution like anywhere in the world.
Make it very clear on your first day there, what you are expecting from the maid; we found her somewhat unwilling to work as expected.
You definitely need to rent a car; we used Sheppy and it worked very well.
You should also know that tourism is not yet developped in Tobago which on one side is great as it is still very natural/wild.., but on the other hand do not expect a lot of fancy/trendy place to eat, have a drink, or beach bars...
Beaches are very natural especially in the northern area' don't expect however a lot of white sand and turquoise water beach.
Also we were there around Xmas and the weather has not been so nice i.e. clouds and rain every day, but of course temperature is always warm (25+C).
We also stayed a night in Trinidad before and after our stay in Tobago because of the connection schedules.
AirCarribean provides a good 20mn connection from T. to T, with easy online booking.
The Holiday Inn express near the airport is convenient as it is only 5mn from the airport and there is a free shuttle; rooms are large and clean. Hotel is in the middle of nowhere, so if you have sometime you'd better go to Port of Spain where The Hyatt is great.
Enjoy !
Guest Report
Wouter Kolkman from U.K. visited in October 2008 and awarded
Palmhaven visit October 17th.
We stayed at Palmhaven for just over two weeks at the end of October. We found the villa to be just as beautiful as the photos on the website and even exceeded our expectations. The location was wonderfully peaceful with a fantastic view over a lush, tropical valley.
The best asset was the ‘infinity’ pool with a clear view over the tropical forest. When swimming you can also just about see the sea in the distance too.
The veranda is spacious and comfortably furnished with sun-loungers, seating areas, hammock, dining tables and BBQ. In the evening it’s a great place to sit and watch one of the many stunning sunsets over the palm trees.
The villa is located on a hill in a quiet residential area with views overlooking a large part of the island. It’s location is well situated for trips to local beaches. Scarborough, Tobago’s capital, is a handy 15 minutes drive away. A small shop is nearby and if you are fit you can even walk to the nearest supermarket.
Although our visit co-incided with the ‘rainy season’ this usually meant some clouds, and an occasional brief downpoor. Temperatures soared to an average 32 degrees Celsius with plenty of sunshine to enjoy.
The garden was a haven for nature including plenty of beautiful Humming Birds. We loved being able to sample some of the fruits from the garden including bananas, passion fruit, limes and coconuts.
The island is small enough to comfortably explore by car. We visited stunning beaches and remote bays. Englishman’s bay was a favourite for it’s unspoilt golden sand, palm trees, with just a few tourists for company.
We were genuinely sad to leave this haven of tranquillity and sunshine. For us it was an unforgettable trip and we would love to return.
A special mention to Kay – the owner – for being very accommodating and housekeeper Joyce and her husband Wayne who were discreet, helpful and could be fully relied upon. We won’t forget Joyce’s delicious ‘bakes’ as we brought 24 back to England with us!
Rating 5/5!
Guest Report
Joe Walker from U.K. visited in May 2008 and awarded
It's rare to find a house that truly exceeds your expectations, but Palmhaven is one of those. Beautifully furnished french colonial style, it's bright, blessed with cooling breezes, fantastic views, lovely garden frequented by all manner of colourful birds and wildlife and is in an excellent quiet location, ideally placed for convenience and choice and places to visit. One of it's biggest assets is the incredibly helpful and accommodating house-keeper Joyce and her husband Wayne; they are wonderful people and made us feel incredibly welcome without ever being intrusive. Joyce even gave my wife a lesson in Caribbean cooking resulting in a plendid meal on the broad veranda. She also baked amazing birthday cakes for my wife and daughter who had birthdays during our stay, entirely unrequested, with a big floral display from the garden too. A lovely gesture!
For those not used to it though, I would be prepared for the dawn chorus! In the insulated houses we live in, we rarely hear what goes on outside in this country, but with the forested hillside adjacent to the house in Tobago, the Chachalacas (Tobago's national bird for those who haven't been) will certainly get you up for the first day or two!! However, you will quickly get used to that and appreciate the various birdsong, so much so that it seems strangely quiet now we're back!
I would throughly recommend this villa....top marks to Kate the owner, and Joyce and Wayne. We will undoubtedly return!
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