First Timer

[PammyD]

Hi All,

Can I just say what a wonderfull site this is, there is so much to look through that I have the feeling I will be spending a lot of time here!

My fiancee & I usually holiday in Antigua but because of an incident and advice from the locals we befriended we have been in a limbo the last 2 years not knowing where to head, we did holiday in Goa the last time, it was lovely but my fiancee is a diver & the diving was not very good.
We are both scottish and have just immigrated to Edmonton, Canada on Jan 20th this year.
We are hoping to holiday in Tobago either this year or more likely late next year, I have had a quick browse throo this site and discovered the place we had considered going to is maybe not the ideal location for us.

Anyway I shall browse some more but if anyone can offer some direct advice to us it will be greatly welcomed!

Many Thanks
Pammy

[Warren B]

hi pammy

you didnt say where you were thinking of heading to (resort/hotel)

we going in December to grafton Beach and altho it had some bad reviews we are gonna give it a kick and if it bad it bad but one things for sure we won't let it spoil our planned wedding

we went to goa 2 years ago and know what you mean about the diving but certainly a holiday experience we will try again at some stage in the future !

Give the board a bit more info on what you are looking for

enough folks will help you fill in the gaps and steve is so knowledgable on Bago

good luck

[PammyD]

Hi Warren, sorry, It was the Rex Turtle we were thinking of heading to as we prefer to go all inclusive, but from what I've been hearing people dont rate it very highly
Were really just looking for somewhere where the diving & beaches are good, the food has to be good, we're not really big nightlife people so that doesn't matter, we like peace & quiet & being left alone to relax!
I'm finding it difficult to source from Canada, the travel agents here seem to be more Cancun orientated, so far I've found one site listing Trinidad & it doesn't even include a flight!
I'm afraid I'm one of these people who needs it all laid out monkey terms, I'll head to the travel agents again Monday as the last time I went they didn't have the brochures out yet!
Hope your holiday/wedding goes well, where are you flying from?
Pammy

[iansmithofotley]

Hi Warren, sorry, It was the Rex Turtle we were thinking of heading to as we prefer to go all inclusive, but from what I've been hearing people dont rate it very highly
Were really just looking for somewhere where the diving & beaches are good, the food has to be good, we're not really big nightlife people so that doesn't matter, we like peace & quiet & being left alone to relax!
I'm finding it difficult to source from Canada, the travel agents here seem to be more Cancun orientated, so far I've found one site listing Trinidad & it doesn't even include a flight!
I'm afraid I'm one of these people who needs it all laid out monkey terms, I'll head to the travel agents again Monday as the last time I went they didn't have the brochures out yet!
Hope your holiday/wedding goes well, where are you flying from?
Pammy

Hi Pammy D.,

I think that it might be a good idea to check out my postings on 24th March 2003 (originally posted on 13th February 2003) about the Rex Turtle Beach Hotel. If you require clean basic, all inclusive, air conditioned accomodation with a decent beach and 'some' entertainment during the evening, then I don't think that you could go wrong using the Rex as a base for your diving activities and renting a car for the duration of your stay, to visit the dive sites.

There are postings on this forum that suggest that 'all inclusive' is not a good option and that you should go 'room only' and eat out all the time. That option is okay if you have loads of money to spend and are prepared to use taxis all the time. I have travelled to Antigua, Grenada, Cuba and Tobago and have always found that 'all inclusive' is the cheapest option, providing that you are not into gourmet meals and are prepared to eat hotel buffet type meals. You can also use the sports and watersports facilities which are available.

You could rent a car from Thrifty Cars at the hotel or negotiate a deal with any other Car Rental Company. I understand that if you rent a car for a week or a fortnight, as opposed to a couple of days, there are big discounts to be had. There are plenty of Car Hire Companies in the Crown point area. I am not into 'diving' so I cannot advise you on that topic. Good luck and have a nice holiday on this beautiful island.

Regards - Ian.

[John Hill]

Hi Pammy

My Pammy and I are off to Rex in two weeks time all inclusive on our first trip to Tobago I have rented a car via Yes-tourism from Auto Rentals went this way as we are going to Trinidad for two days and they hire there so the hire period carries over. Will post a report when I get back so watch this space there are however many reports on the forum re The Rex Ians report of Rex Turtle Beach Jan / Feb is well worth a read. All full also on other info.

[Michelle Edwards]

Hi Pammy,

We got married in Antigua 5 years ago and loved it and have done most of the Carribean including Cuba, however, after discoveting Tobago I'm hooked. We try not to return to places but we are going back to Tobago in 2 weeks and again for Christmas and New Year. We have found Paradise and are now just want to keep going back.

We have stayed at the Rex and although we are not returning there I think it will fit all your requirements. It is a great base and if you want my humble opinion in detail on this property you can find it under the accomodation forum.

Hope you decide to go to Tobago because if you liked Antigua you'll love Tobago.

Michelle

[Jill Wooler]

Hi Pammy

You'll have a great time in Tobago whether you choose the Grafton Beach (all inc) or the Rex Turtle (all inc). Both have superb beach locations and would be good bases for all diving activities. I would say that the Grafton Beach is the equivalent of a 3*+ and the Rex Turtle is equivalent of a 3*- We have heard good reports about the food at the Grafton since the recent refurbishment.

Jill. myTobago.info

[PammyD]

Thanks to everyone for the advice, John I shall keep an eye out for your report & hope you have a wonderful time.

Think we'll probably try the Grafton, but if the quality is as close as what everyone seems to think maybe it will come down to availability, will let you know what we decide.

Many Thanks Again
Pammy

[Philip]

Hi Pammy

I have never stayed at the Rex so I will not comment, I have however stayed at the Grafton on a number of occasions, most recently in Febuary this year, and I have to say it is very good. The food is much better than before, quality as well as variety.

I did report on this which you will see on this site.

Wherever you stay, I am sure that you will enjoy Tobago. If you should have any questions on the Hotel, or Trinidad and Tobago generally please do not hesitate to contact me and I will be pleased to help if I can.

Philip

[Pat Drinkwater]

Hi Pammy,

This is my very first post on here, only just discovered the site!
Just got back a couple of days ago from the Rex Turtle Beach after a fantastic 2 weeks holiday. My husband Mike and I fell in love with Tobago and the local people too.

The Rex Turtle Beach is situated in a lovely location right on the beach. Although the decor is a little dated and the pool pretty small the accommodation is comfortable and the food was good (mainly buffet style). They also served tea at breakfast which to an English person is essential The best part for us was being able to open the patio doors to the room and walk straight out onto the beach and in the sea for a swim - heaven!

I would certainly recommend the Turtle Beach to any of our friends for a simple, relaxing and friendly holiday. Hope this helps.

Pat