myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

Hi Steve and all
Just thinking of booking for a three week stay in February at Coco Reef.
I have scoured this site like mad to make sure I am choosing the right place! But I'm still not 100% sure.
I am a little concerned about a comment on the Crown Point area that quoted it as 'horrible'.
The hotel sounds just what we are looking for i.e :
A top class comfortable hotel with a beautiful beach with calm water (we usually go to Barbados West Coast)
We also like to be close to local bars and nightlife so that we get a feel for the island. We will also hire a jeep to see all the other beaches Tobago has to offer because we have never visited this island before. Although it sounds like the best two beaches are on our doorstep?
Why have I got a niggling doubt?
Is the location a bit tacky?
Any comments would be appreciated.
This is a great site by the way!!!!!
Cheers
Lesley

Hi Lesley

Welcome aboard and thanks for the kind words.

OK, so Crown Pont is a bit yuk! - but it's only in comparison to the outstanding beauty of the rest of the island. Its all relative. What is tacky? Southend and Blackpool are "tacky" by my definition, so in comparison Crown Point is almost classy.

Its so hard to explain. Tobago is a stunningly beautiful island and virtually any development is going to spoil that beauty. Crown Point is flat and uninteresting in comparison to the rest of the island, but that's why all the development is there, rather than in the hills.

The Coco Reef is so secluded behind it's own walls that you could be anywhere. In the short drive from the airport, you'll wonder what the hell I and others who've made these sort of comments are talking about. As with any hotel, I could dig around for half a dozen reasons not to stay there, put being in Crown Point would not be a factor that would spring to mind. You drive out of it within five minutes, so please don't be put off by my comments. Banish those niggles for good!

Hi Steve
Thanks for your prompt reply!
You have settled my mind.
I intend to visit Tobago and enjoy every minute! I plan on spending relaxing time at the hotel but also to get out and about and see the island and meet the people!
Having been to Barbados on 6 visits, it feels like home, but I have also always wanted to visit Tobago for some unknown reason!?
I plan on getting the most out of it in the three weeks I am there, so if there are any unusual places to visit in particular it would be great if you could let me know.
I must add that its great to be able to speak to someone who has a wide knowledge of an island, and give an honest opinion.
Cheers Steve
Lesley

Hi Lesley

There's an awful lot of truth in the saying that Tobago is Barbados 30 years ago.

What to do and see on Tobago depends very largely on your interest, so I can only suggest looking through the articles on our main site and seeing what takes your fancy. However, I would suggest that your first step would be to do a full island tour with someone like Yes Tourism. Don't make the mistake of going on one of the crowded bus tours recommended by your tour operator if you've booked via one of the large package holiday operators. The tour will give you a feel for the island and help you to 'find your feet'. Then hire a car for a few days and just get in and drive. That's the best way to explore Tobago - just jump in and drive.

Hi again Steve
Well, guess what, my first visit to Barbados was in 1976, and it was certainly more beautiful then!
So if thats what I can look forward to then I can't wait!
We certainly are not organised trip people, so I guess we'll just jump in a jeep and go!
Are there any special little villages to visit, and what is your favourite beach?
Thanks
Lesley

I know what you mean about organised trips - won't go near them ourselves. However, that's why I recommended the sort of tour where you'll be only part of a very small group. It's by far the best way to get an overview of the island, becuase there's virtually no signposts and it can seem a little daunting until you've got the general layout sorted in your head.

Charlotteville is undoubtedly my favourite village. A circular tour of the island, up the Caribbean coast, across the Main Ridge forest reserve, and then up to Charlotteville before returning down the Atlantic coast is a good (long) days trip.

My favourite beach is Back Bay, just north of the Mt.Irvine beach facilities. However, there were some bag-snatching incidents there a couple of years ago and the general advice is not to go there along - i.e. only in small groups. I've been there tons of times myself, without even seeing anyone else, much less encountering any problem, but there's always a first time. Englishmans Bay is lots of people's favourite.