Guest Report

[John Weight]

In my estimation the north coast of Tobago is the most scenic and peaceful part of the island and Gloucester Place is ideally located to enjoy it being high up on the hillside very close to the picturesque fishing village of Parlatuvier with Englishman’s Bay and Castara nearby.
We stayed 8 nights in the Concord Room, similarly named after Bea & Win’s home town in Massachusetts. This room is located on the first floor along with the other two in-house guest rooms. It is the largest of the three and has shared access to a large terrace overlooking the bay below. It is simply furnished with a toilet and shower area hidden on the other side of a partition wall. The room has air conditioning, although we found that it was unnecessary to use it at night as the sea breezes high on the hillside kept the environment pleasantly cool.
Bea & Win were great hosts, making us very welcome in their tree-top home and freely offered advice and guidance when requested. On the first night they cooked dinner for us as we didn’t arrive until after dark – this was very much appreciated after such a long journey for the UK. Later, during our stay, they took us out with a party to dine at Joanna’s in Parlatuvier. The other nights we usually ate in Castara – the Almond Tree being our favourite. However, with its views from on high, the Castara Retreat is a great place for lunch but at twice the price!
Breakfast, served at around 8:30 downstairs in the attractive open plan living area, was usually communal affair shared with the other international guests – Bea & Win varying the menu according. I might add that guests are able share refrigerator storage space for personal food items – great if you want a drink or a snack at other times of the day. There were always cold beers to hand – the house rule was to replace what took at your convenience.
The garden setting is beautiful with humming birds and other exotic wildlife coming and going. The raucous calls of the Chachalaca birds will wake you early in the morning, while agoutis will come in search for vegetable scraps at the bottom of the bank.
Other tips at this end of the island: a car hire is a must – Taylor’s is recommended (they’ll take you from the airport to Gloucester Place and leave the hire car there for you). There are two gas stations in Roxboro, try the little one on the Speyside road – she’ll fill the tank for you without you having to set (guess) the price first! At 20TTD a litre, petrol is unbelievably cheap. Jemma’s at Speyside was in our opinion the best restaurant for lunch - get there early as it’s very popular. For calmer swimming waters try Pirates Bay near Charlotteville – a short hike but worth it. For entertainment try Rochester House guided tour; otherwise it’s Castara for nightlife, a 24 hour bank (ATM) and a few small stores - Parlatuvier also has two.
Thanks Bea & Win for a fabulously memorable stay!