myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

Please can you put my mind at rest? Our 2nd visit to Tobago is in April 2004 this time with 2 friends. Am getting a little worried about some adverse reviews i've read about Blue Waters Inn. Coco Reef was our 1st hotel and it was great, good food.staff ,rooms etc. The beach area was a bit dissappointing,although it was pretty, instead of 'real' sea there was what looked like a lagoon. I know that B.W.Inn won't be the same in the 'luxury'stakes and am not expecting it. or indeed wanting it.Both men like bird watching, swimming and we all 4 like walking, and being lazy, reading and the odd drink or two!! We are staying in one of the bungalows and i wondered if anyone had photos etc and encouraging comments.All four of us are in our 60s. but still upright and breathing! I've read Steve's good comments re B.W.Inn but would appreciate some more.

Thanks. Stella P.

Stella

Hopefully others will offer their own comments, but I thought I’d throw in a few of my own.

As you appreciate, the BWI is not the Coco Reef. Other than the obvious differences in size, range of facilities and presentation that you would expect between a large 4*+ hotel and a small 3*- one, the most notable things you will note between the two is the catering and possibly the staff.

Reports vary on catering. It could not be described as gourmet, but we did enjoy all our breakfasts and dinners at the BWI. Lunches were adequate.

In my experience, the staff in most Speyside establishments are somewhat unresponsive initially. However, in almost every case I find that a friendly word and smile immediately brings out those typical beaming Tobagonians faces.

Compared to the Coco Reef, these two areas are likely to disappoint. However, the setting and general ambience of the BWI render these complaints trivial. BWI is the REAL Tobago. As much as we love the Coco Reef, being on the beach there you could be on any Caribbean island. The BWI has a unique, peaceful location where you will find true tranquillity and relaxation. Your listed things that you want to do – well, the BWI is perfect for all of them (in fact, the Coco Reef possibly only wins on one count – offering more choice on the drinking). However, one word of caution. Do not believe the BWI manager Duanne Kenny when/if he tells you that he can put out a plate of sugar and have 100 bananaquits on the plate within two minutes. I waited and waited and waited and didn’t get one (sorry, private joke but please wind up Duanne by telling him. I think I was the first person it didn’t work for. The bird life there is stunning.).

As there are four of you, I assume that you are staying in the 2-bedroom “Owners” bungalow. This is gorgeous. I have five or six photos of this bungalow, taken last January. Please just email me ([email protected]) and I will gladly email you copies. Believe you me, you couldn’t ask for a more perfect location (which is why the owner built it there for his families use when visiting).

So, as long as you do not expect the same standards of catering as you would expect at the Coco Reef, you will love the BWI. Believe you me, I wouldn't say this if I didn't believe it and risk you coming back and posting a message saying that our views are rubbish.

Hello Stella,
I've been at the BWI three times last week ( on tour to little Tobago) and can assure you that you will love it. All the guests I met really enjoyed the secluded setting and had that relaxed caribbean smile on their face. What I like most about BWI is the 'no problem' atmosphere and the surrounding nature. Lots of birds, the beautiful beach at your doorstep and Teddy, Duane's 3 month old puppy and everybody's darling, make his place my favourite hotel in Speyside.

Thankyou Patrick for your comments on BWI.Blue Waters was chosen by us for its location ,small size and swimming, snorkleing ,walking and birdwatching possibilities so it looks like we've chosen well. More comments on BWI welcome. Stella P.