Le Grand Courlan

[Dominic in London]

Post Recreated: Originally posted - 15 July 2002

Firstly I want to thank Steve Wooler for providing such an excellent website on Tobago - offering an informative and impartial appraisal of the island gleaned from first hand knowledge – precisely what a first time visitor needs . This resource enabled me to really think a lot more about how I was going to spend my time on Tobago.

I have just returned to London from Tobago yesterday having spent a holiday at Le Grand Courlan. It was only when we arrived and I noted the ‘hotel & spa’ that I realised why my girlfriend had booked us in to this particular hotel – but what an inspired choice! The Grand Courlan was a fantastic hotel. The staff were friendly and extremely helpful, the surroundings were pleasant and the food was superb, particularly in the Caribbean bistro where local cooks serve up they’re fare – the crab salad was as good as any I’ve had in any of London’s top restaurants. The ‘all inclusive’ package included all local and international drink brands and the hotel was happy to provide you with whatever else you may have needed. The spa was a wonderful element to the holiday as we had chosen Tobago because we were seeking relaxation. What better way to unwind than to have a spa treatment every morning? The tranquil spa found in the basement had a very soothing atmosphere, although a few rooms down there were in the process of being re-developed. I put this down to it being the off season when work would cause minimum disruption. Most of the guests were British and (relatively) well behaved and, forgive me, there were no noisy kids splashing you during the day and keeping you up at night. There were many honeymooners visiting and perhaps if they return next year they might have little ones in tow! It was mostly couples but there were a few singletons, our favourite being Fraser the airline steward who was an absolute hoot.

The free scuba diving lesson from the on-site dive shop were excellent with Dion and Donovan proving to possess skill and patience in equal measure – qualities that were both needed during my initiation to the dive world! The beach at Stonehaven bay which is directly below the hotel and sometimes referred to as Grafton beach is also a lovely long stretch of sand punctuated with black rock formations. We also managed to get in some decent snorkelling in the bay although there are probably better locations on the island for snorkelling. There is a beach hut on the beach serving up food and drink to guests of both Courlan and it’s sister resort of Grafton Beach. Myself and Jo, Ian & Louise a lovely couple living in Scotland and Woody & Catrina (newlyweds from London) and Fraser had a sublime slap up chicken and rice meal there one hot day. I’d thoroughly recommend Le Grand Courlan to anybody visiting Tobago. On a purely personal basis I found the service, location and ambience to be perfect, although in order to make this the honest account I have set out to produce I should state that the hotel was only roughly half full last week.

We visited the Argylle falls – where we had a dip in the lagoon beneath. We went on a round the island trip, visited fort king George which is having major restoration works at the moment, but commands such beautiful views it is still a must see. We also hopped on board the Kalina Cats and sailed up the coast. There’s lot’s to see and do on the island should you choose to, and what strikes you is how cheerful and respectful the local people are despite the obvious poverty that is prevalent. It really is a fantastic place.

Jo and I already pining for the place – and hope that the above words convince any doubters that they will not be disappointed with Tobago.

Once again thanks to Steve for sharing his knowledge and setting up the forum.

Cheers

Dom