myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

My sister and I will be traveling to Tobago next week, and are having difficulty deciding where to stay. We are both single women in our late twenties, and while we would like to be near to and part of the local nightlife...we would also like for our trip to Tobago to be a relaxing one. I am currently trying to decide between Crowne Point (for location reasons...)Kariwak Village, Hummingbird Heights, Blue Haven Hotel or Sandy point Beach Club...oh, or Toucan Inn (Bonkers). I realize all are quite different, but would appreciate any insight.

Hello Jessica

Welcome aboard!

Yes, as you say, your choices are all very different.

From the point of view of being single women travelling alone, I don't think there's any difference between the various options. Blue Haven for luxury, but no local nightlife. The Crown Point, Kariwak, Toucan Inn and Sandy Point are all within reasonable walking distance of all the 'action' such as it is, but it probably wouldn't be advisable to walk late at night anyway and if you're going to take a taxi, then all the locations you mentioned are within reasonable travelling distance.

Just a thought. I had some communication with Shirley, who owns Hummingbird Heights, last week over a reader's question about opticians on Tobago. Shirley and Neil have a an opticians business in Wales. Anyway, Shirley mentioned that she was flying out to Tobago yesterday. She is brilliant at hosting lady visitors in particular and LOVES the nightlife (she'll deny it, but I've seen here out and about) so you'll find that assuming you're up for it, it will always be three ladies out on the town, not two.

Thanks for your insight, Steve. We finally decided to stay at Kariwak...it seems so peaceful, yet central. Thanks for the "introduction" to Shirley...how would I go about locating her, should she chose to join in the festivities? One other thing...in reading up on Kariwak, it seems to have a rather good restaurant. I am a SERIOUS cook/foodie, etc...I was wondering if you thought it at all appropriate to ask if I could spend some time in the kitchen with the cooks/chef. I don't want to impose on them, but can't think of anything more pleasing than spend a day (or a morning) in a kitchen helping prepare a cuisine that is new to me....I certainly don't expect them to spend time instructing me, but I'd just like to help out...Your thoughts? Otherwise, do you know of anyone who would allow me to join in the kitchen? Any restaurant/food reccomendations? Much appreciated! -Jessica

Hi Jessica

The Kariwak does have a reputation for very good food, but I confess that I've never quite understood this myself. I've dined there about three times over recent years and must confess that it's never come up to expectation. If nobody had said a word about it, I guess I would rate it as marginally above average. But then again, look at all the people who rave about Jemma's in Speyside - another place whose appeal totally bypasses me.

The owner of the Kariwak is Cynthia Clovis. Simply have a word with her about the kitchens. I really can't comment on what her reaction would be, but you can only ask. I know she's very proud of her herb gardens and will be delighted to show you that.

Contact details for Hummingbird Heights are shown in our accommodation details, if you chose to contact Shirley.

As regards restaurants, I can only suggest that you work your way through our Restaurants listings, available in the Food & Drink menu above.

This isn't the appropriate "category" I know, but I couldn't find anything in the other forum categories. Do you know of anyone who does cooking classes or something similar in Tobago?

Sorry, but I doubt whether you will find any formal facilities like this on Tobago.