Speyside or Charlotteville

Paul Williams · Post by **Paul Williams** » Mon Jun 07, 2004 3:31 pm

My wife and I are visiting Tobago for the first time in October and will be staying for the first week in Castara at the Naturalist and would then like to move to another village at the western end of the island and would like to hear from those that have visited this area before as to the merits of Speyside against Charlotteville (or other options).

Marc Jones · Post by **Marc Jones** » Mon Jun 07, 2004 8:55 pm

Stayed at Courland Beach but visited both.

Charlotteville seemed like a place for locals but I met a few people that lived there elsewhere (ie they lived at Charlotteville but I met them in different parts of the Island) and they made it sound great and most welcoming. I'd say go there if you are willing to 'join in/mix'.

Speyside seemed to me to be the Blue Waters Inn and little else. I personally couldn't stick to one beach and found Courland to be a good place to be based, Speyside is too far up the Island for someone looking to explore the entire island IMO.

Kirsten Giles · Post by **Kirsten Giles** » Mon Jun 07, 2004 9:40 pm

Charlotteville

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Mon Jun 07, 2004 10:06 pm

Hi Paul

I would very much have to agree with Kirsten. You might want to read our review of Top River Pearl as this will give you some feel for the village. Charlotteville is the REAL Tobago and is still tremendously friendly and welcoming. I certainly look forward to staying at the Blue Waters Inn again, but other than that, Speyside does nothing for me.

Jane Harvey · Post by **Jane Harvey** » Thu Jun 10, 2004 8:46 pm

I have just come back from my 3rd visit in 6 months, 1st to Castara and just loved it. 2nd visit to Store Bay (near the airport) as I was on my own and wanted somewhere a bit more lively and sail week was on (although had to pop back to Castara for the weekend and say hello to the place). 3rd visit was for an extended weekend, this time to Charlottville, loved the place and am going back in 2 weeks time for Fishermans Fet, a local festival which I am told is fish and rum and plenty of it. I found the place to be very local and very lovely, people were fantastic and very welcoming, especially in the bars or restaurants. I work in the travel trade and am therefore lucky enough to return more frequently then most. Will post a report of the festival when I return. As you will have seen from the other reports Speyside is very small, so all depends on what you are looking for in your holiday.
Have a great time