Guest Report

[Eric and Diana Madill]

My husband and I stayed for 7 days in Essex cottage and could not have asked for a better vacation. This was exactly what we were looking for - private, quiet, stunning views and the perfect spot to start each day from. Win and Bea are the most accomodating people we have ever encountered - they know when to stay for a chat and when to give guests their privacy - in fact they are truly experts at this. We were so pleased to have stayed with them and Wonder Dog - they were definitely a highlight of the vacation and we feel that we would have missed out on some of the islands most memorable attractions if it weren't for their offerings of advice.
Let me start by saying that the cottage is not for everyone - it is simple and basic but had all we ever needed and more. If you are looking for TV, radio, internet, aircon or telephone, the cottage should not be your first choice but do check out the main house as these things are all available there. On the other hand, if you want to sleep with the shutters wide open to the Caribbean sea crashing below and the wonderful warmth of the island filling the air, this might be just the place. The cottage has a small porch, well equipped kitchen, sleeping area and full bathroom. There is a safe for your valuables, towels, blankets, books and travel guides galore and everything you need to cook a meal except for the food. We were provided with bug netting for around the bed but took it off at the suggestion of the owners the first night and simply lit a mosquito coil and turned on the fans - we had very few insects join us despite the shutters being wide open for 7 days.
The wild life from the cottage is really interesting - Win and Bea have hung a bird feeder from the edge of the covered porch and recommended we put ripe banana in it from time to time and we would be rewarded with a visit some of the islands 200+ bird species - they weren't kidding - this is a wonderful way to spend the morning while sipping coffee and eating the rest of the banana. We counted at least 25 different species of birds some of wich became regulars to our early morning banana offerings - the pictures were easy to get and turned out fantastically. There are a few lizards around and apparently a resident Iguana but we didn't have the pleasure of making his acquaintance - he is very private and didn't show so much as a tail the whole time we were there.
As for the surrounding area, there are several shops with some of the friendliest people we met on the island within walking distance. Andy's Glasgow bar has ice cold beer and one of the best views in the whole Caribbean as far as we are concerned and Imbie's store on the jetty in Parlatuvier has much to offer including a good chat with the owner and lots of music on Sundays. Flavour Flavour restaurant is run by Vernice and she opened up on Friday night for us to enjoy a fresh meal of Mahi Mahi wich was absolutely fantastic. Win and Bea will arrange for you to go if you want. Nearby, there are many towns within short driving distance to explore and shop making the cottage (or the main house) a perfect place to set out from.
Eric and I enjoyed our time so much and I really think this cottage and its owners (and WonderDog) and the town of Parlatuvier were the reasons for it. We would definitely return and next time, take advantage of Bea's cooking (I hear she is excellent!) and spend some more time in conversation with both Win and Bea. We would also like to go on one of Wonder Dogs guided tours of the many sights he is familiar with in the area.
If your thinking about Tobago and want to enjoy its natural beauty and easy going towns, try Essex cottage - you will not regret your decision, we promise!