We love Tobago

[Helen & Colin Chewter]

Post Recreated: Originally posted - 02 October 2002

Hi Steve

We have enjoyed your fabulous website over the last six months or so and have been regular visitors to Tobago for about 11 years. We have watched the demise of The Grafton Beach and it's new neighbour, The Grand Courland over time and read with interest all the comments regarding what we know as "Coco Grief"! We do understand that the hotel has improved considerably over recent years and looking at your forum - it appears to now take top place (which is where Grafton used to be 11 years ago!)

We felt the need to jump to your defence following several topics discussed recently, from a certain correspondant who does not seem to have read the opening page of your website where you say quite clearly, that the opinions and views are personal and not in anyway, a commercial undertaking. From our own experiences, we have found all of your comments to be very fair and agree with much of what you say.

We read with interest the comments regarding BWIA as we have recently booked with them, for the first time. (We just could not face another trip in such cramped conditions on the 777) We attempted to book directly with Monarch on their premium seats but as independant travellers, we had no joy as they would only sell these seats as part of a package. Anyone else experienced the same?

This November, we are returning to Sanctuary Villa Resorts for the third time, and although not to everyones taste because of the very quiet surroundings, we find the location stunning! Hopefully, withing the next couple of years (Tobago time of course) the resort will finally be completed. We were told on our first visit to SVR that it would be completed in April, to which we replied, in unison, "Which April?" We haven't got to that particular April yet - but that's part of what we love about this very special island.

Keep up the good work and please don't feel as though you have to "give up" your holiday to keep other people happy. Just enjoy

Kind regards
Helen & Colin

[Steve Wooler]

Post Recreated: Originally posted - 2 October 2002

Hello Helen & Colin

Thanks for your kind words, they really make the difference and spur us on to complete the site (there’s tons more to do).

Did you see the Sunday Times article Sunday before last? I’m trying to get permission to reproduce the articles on myTobago, or at least to provide links to the Times Online. It was tremendous publicity for Tobago and should bring a lot of extra business. They rated the Coco Reef as the best hotel, the Hilton as charmless and on the wrong coast, but were positive about the Blue Haven. They advised readers to skip Le Grand Courlan, the Grafton Beach and Rex Turtle and to go for Tobago’s smaller “more appealing” hotels such as Kariwak Village and Blue Waters Inn. If I get permission to reproduce the full articles, I will add it to the main site and add a post in the forum letting everyone know.

Yes, the “Coco Grief” name still lingers, but is definitely no longer deserved. Apparently the sobriquet was earned quite a few years ago when the current owner took over the hotel. There were several purges and staff layoffs and the name was born. Some visitors would probably feel it was also deserved during the 2000 sea wall fiasco, but those times are long past now.

If you are interested in flying Monarch, call Golden Caribbean on 01342 316900 or 01293-881079 (email: [email protected] ?). Your local travel agent should also be able to book via Golden Caribbean, but no – Monarch don’t accept direct bookings. I’ve flown Monarch the last couple of visits and am booked with them next January. Use the Premier class – but don’t expect BA Club.

Thanks for your support. Incidentally, we’re glad to “give up” our holidays if it makes people happy. If we can help people to enjoy their Tobago holiday that little bit more, they are more likely to return and to recommend the island to others. This will help local employment – and that our real reason for producing this site. We simply want to thank all those wonderful people for the fantastic holidays they’ve give us. We're actually not giving up very much at all - we "live" Tobago every single day through our involvement with this site.

All the best. Let us know how you enjoy your next visit.