advice needed for staying in different parts of the island

Nell B. · Post by **Nell B.** » Thu Nov 04, 2004 5:18 pm

Hello
I'm so glad I found this great website! I am planning a one week trip over Christmas. Since it seems like it takes a while to travel around the island, I thought we would stay in two different places (my husband and I tend to have short attention spans).

We both love snorkeling and good food (especially local food). I'm a little nervous about renting a car, as I assume they drive on the left there. Should I not be nervous? Ideally there would be some restaurants and beaches within walking distance of our hotels.

We are thinking of spending our last three nights at Blue Waters Inn. I am now trying to figure out where to spend the first three nights. Since the BWI seems to be somewhat secluded and quiet, I'm looking for a place with a bit more action (and luxury) for our first three nights.

Unfortuantely many of the big resorts have a 7 night minimum during this time, so no Coco Reef or Blue Haven. Can anybody suggest a high quality hotel in the Crown Point area that would let us stay for only three nights? The reviews of the Hilton seemed depressing, and the beach did not sound nice. Arnos Vale has availablity and seems nice, but I'm wondering if it is too isolated?

My other idea was Kariwak, which seems to be well located, but maybe a bit too plain in accommodations?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Thu Nov 04, 2004 5:23 pm

Hi Nell

Welcome aboard!

I suspect you're going to have very little choice on any of the "better" places. Christmas is an extremely busy time for all the hotels, so it's more a question of finding who will accept a 3-day booking. The Arnos Vale is VERY isolated - there's nothing else within walking distance, but it can't be beaten as far as nature goes. If you haven't got a car, then you will probably be best to look for somewhere in the Crown Point area. Personally, if you're only going for a week, I would stick to one place and then take day trips out with a local taxi.

Nell B. · Post by **Nell B.** » Thu Nov 04, 2004 7:12 pm

Thank you for the quick response!

I too thought I would have slim pickings but so far everyone I have contacted has availablity (lucky for us). We only have yet to hear from BWI.

Would you say that Kariwak has restaurants in walkable distance? We know we will be driving often but hope to not have to always drive.

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Thu Nov 04, 2004 7:23 pm

The Kariwak is very centrally places and restaurants within walking distance (10-15 mins max) that immediately spring to mind include Bonkers (Toucan Inn), Hummingbird Hotel (Sunday lunch), Crystals (local flavour), Ru-B-Lous (Canadian/Creole fusion), Dillons (fish), Pelican Reef (middle-road), Panache (Creole), Cafe Coco (international) plus a variety of smaller pizza, bbq and similar joints.

Nell B. · Post by **Nell B.** » Thu Nov 04, 2004 7:25 pm

Sounds perfect! Thank you.

Kevin Hampson · Post by **Kevin Hampson** » Thu Nov 04, 2004 9:41 pm

Hi Nell,

Two good choices.
We have just done the opposite to you, with a week at BWI and second week at the Kariwak. The main reason for doing it that way was the travelling time on the last day as the Kariwak is only 15 minutes from the airport we checked in for the flight, dropped our bags off and went back to the bar in the Kariwak and wandered back to the airport about an hour before the flight a very relaxed way to spend te last day.

Anyway, BWI is close enough to Speyside to walk in and eat in the village, some good restaurants, Redmans Bird watchers and Jemma's are good. If you can stretch to £4 for a taxi Sharon’s in Charlottville is a must.

Steve has all ready pointed out most of the good stuff around the Kariwak but its worth pointing out the Ru-B-Lous does the best chocolate cake on Tobago I have had, my wife and I usually share but she only let me have one fork full and then gloated while she hogged the rest.

Regards
Kevin

Marc Jones · Post by **Marc Jones** » Fri Nov 05, 2004 7:48 pm

Ru-B-Lous... took me days to find it last time, and when I did it was closed!

Will be making a note to try it in December!

Sally · Post by **Sally** » Mon Nov 22, 2004 3:59 am

We spent a couple of nights at the Toucan Inn, and we were very happy with it. You should reconsider renting a car. Yes, they drive on the left, the roads are narrow and twisting, and it's kind of like a thrill ride at the amusement park; however, the benefits are worth it! You can see so much more when you wander around on your own.