I/we (group of six doctors) have just returned from Tobago, (July 31- Sep 14) and we were alerted to Tobago through another of our group who visited the island with his family through Regal Dive, although we are not divers, he could not stop talking about how great his trip was but more so the service and professionally attitude he was greeted with by the Regal Rep on the island Ray Sloper, he Dr. N.H. gave us a card with Ray,s contact details and suggested we contact him when planning our trip this year, which is something we do annually. Now we had a specific goal for our trip (apart from lapping up the sun, relaxing on the beach or trying to create a new "RUM PUNCH COCKTAIL" at every opportunity we had, it was to see more of the ECO and HISTORY side of the island. I (Jim S. Designated Group Leader) first contacted Ray by e-mail in March '06, explained how we got his details and gave a rough idea of what we wanted to do, the numbers in the party and roughly when we were planning to travel; what happened next was totally suppressing. The very next morning I received a reply with an almost total schedule for our trip, from pick up at the airport, possible accom. types, options of tours we could do, car rental if required, various activity options both sea and land based etc. etc. almost everything we would need, and I say almost only because we had no fixed dates to travel at that time. Unprepared for such detailed info we, the six of us convened and went through the list of tours & activities Ray had sent, he made it far too easy for us as within three days of getting his first email we were decided on Travel dates and activities while on Island, it was as if he fully understood our requirements and filled then to the “T”. I then replied to him with an agreed schedule for the group and Travel dates and waited for a reply, going on the speed his last response, I did some research on Tobago found “MY, Tobago” and the rest is history, as anticipated Ray replied confirming what we had chosen including a villa which sleeps six with a private pool and maid service, which was also surprising as an option he was able to book flights for us from the UK.
So from start to finish we, had our package to Tobago, including flights, booked and confirmed within two (2) weeks. Needless to say we were met on arrival by Ray who always has a smile on his face, and was escorted to his own 12 seater vehicle and welcomed to the island in a manner which can only be described as five star (5*) as we were all offered a selection of cold drinks and to top it all off a “COLD FACE WIPE” which is what any traveler; after flying for nine hours needs and welcomes. We did nothing on the next day which was great but arranged for ray to meet us the next day to start or itinerary. His knowledge of the island’s astonishing history was impeccable, the tours he arranged for us were well worth it, as the bird life on the island is mind blowing, we also went to an abandoned 18th century sugar mill with most of the bits still intact, as Ray described the history of the site and what went on here it gave you the impression “he was the owner” which he smiled at the suggestion and replied “If Only” but did explain he has had a “sad” passion for this site for quite a number of years. Our package to Tobago cost a little more than what we could have done by ourselves but we all agreed it was a very small price to pay for the value of the service and experience of someone with local knowledge on island working on your package or holiday to one of the most exotic destinations we have been to.
Will we return to Tobago?, most definitely,
will we recommend Ray & Sloper Enterprises Tobago ltd ? without a doubt, as he made our 2006 trip one to remember.
Dr. Jim Stephens (U.K.)
Details for Ray
He has a website which is currently under construction
http://www.seltab.com but you can contact him on e-mail below
Ray Sloper
Sloper Enterprises Tobago Ltd
D.M.C. & Specialist Tour Operator
[email protected]
