They call it Robinson Crusoe’s island, the Capital of Paradise. With it’s larger, more industrialized sister island of Trinidad, Tobago is also among the wealthiest of Caribbean islands. This Southern Caribbean isle owes its wealth to large oil and gas reserves – and, during the colonization of these islands, it was one of the most fought over territories.
Tobago boasts a rich, natural beauty, and it’s especially popular with divers and birders who, like others, have a wide array of lodging facilities to choose from. Rates based on double occupancy depend upon unit size, location and amenities. They’re generally higher during the dry months of December through May and particularly during Trinidad’s Carnival celebration.
Hair dryers, telephones, television, air-conditioning and private restrooms with showers tend to be standards when it comes to island accommodations, and even some of the most affordable properties accommodate modern technology. Here, by ascending nightly rate for two, is a sampling of island lodging facilities. They’re situated on and around the island’s centrally located west and southwest coasts. Many include full breakfasts, with meal plans available at an added cost.
Coco Reef Hotel Lagoon in Tobago
Price ranges are not guaranteed. They reflect the lowest rate off-season to the highest rate in-season, and children ages 3 and younger often stay free. Unless otherwise stated, prices do not include a 10 percent government tax that’s charged on the island or a 10 percent service charge that many properties add to rates. Many properties recommend that any cancellations be made as far as three weeks in advance to avoid forfeiting deposits. Minimum stays are sometimes required.
Le Grand Courlan Spa Resort
It’s adults only at this four-star resort, where 83 rooms and one-bedroom suites overlooking Stonehaven Bay Beach on Tobago’s west coast feature terraces, safes and bathtubs as well as showers. (Some also have private jacuzzis). The spa at Le Grand Courlan offers sauna, masseurs, beauty treatments and more. Amenities include a fitness center, conference facilities, tennis courts, oversized pool with swim-up bar and restaurants specializing in local and international fare. Tours can be arranged, laundry services are available. Guests are also welcome to use the facilities at the adjacent Grafton Beach Resort.
- Le Grand Courlan Spa Resort
- Stonehaven Bay
- Black Rock, Tobago, WI
- www.legrandtobago.com
- $89 to $222
- (868) 639-9667
Grafton Beach Resort
The 106-room Grafton at the secluded Stonehaven Bay Beach on Tobago’s west coast is a 20 minute drive from the airport and Scarborough. Garden and oceanview rooms here feature safes, private terraces and bathtubs as well as showers. Amenities include boutiques, dive center, business center, squash court, swimming pool with swim-up bar, watersports and restaurant. Guests are also welcome to use the facilities at the adjacent Le Grand Courlan Spa Resort.
- Grafton Beach Resort Shirvan Road
- Black Rock, Tobago, WI
- www.graftontobago.com
- $92 to $125
- Telephone: (868) 639-0191
Crown Point Beach Hotel
The Crown Point, within walking distance of the airport, sits on seven acres overlooking Store Bay Beach on Tobago’s southwest coast, and each of the property’s 75 units features kitchenettes. Waterviews are standard with Crown Point’s one-bedroom suites, with two double beds in the bedroom and two couches in the living area accommodating a maximum four people. Studios and cabanas are on the other hand each furnished with one double bed and one twin bed, able to accommodate two adults and one child. Kitchenettes include refrigerator and table-top stove. The property boasts that Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip during a 1966 jaunt to Tobago stayed in cabanas 9 and 10. Children ages 4 to 10 cost an additional $15 per night, including taxes. On premises are ping-pong, tennis, shuffleboard, a freshwater swimming pool, a restaurant, a conference center with complimentary Internet services, a convenience store and clothing and souvenir shop.
- Crown Point Beach Hotel
- Store Bay Local Road (PO Box 223)
- Crown Point, Tobago, WI
- www.crownpointbeachhotel.com
- $109 to $165
- (868) 639-8781 | (868) 639-8782 | (868) 639-8783
Mount Irvine Bay Hotel & Golf
Set on the grounds of an old Coconut Plantation on Tobago’s west coast, Mount Irvine Bay features an 18-hole golf course that spans 127 acres. There are 105 rooms and suites here, all with private bathrooms and balconies. Guests can alternately stay in a garden cottage – there are 16 on the site – replete with refrigerator, wet bar and patio. Tennis courts, a sauna, masseurs and a swimming pool with swim-up bar are on site. There are three restaurants at Mount Irvine Bay, including one set inside of a 17th century sugar mill.
- Mount Irvine Bay Hotel & Golf
- Shirvan Road
- Mount Irvine, Tobago, WI
- www.mtirvine.com
- $195 to $460
- (868) 639-8871
Coco Reef Resort
Suite at Coco Reef Hotel in Tobago
Guests of the 135-room Coco Reef Resort on Tobago’s southwestern coast can enjoy the property’s private beach or walk to two of the island’s popular sandy spots. The architecturally acclaimed property, set at the end of a long driveway, is also within walking distance of restaurants, bars, banks and mini-marts. Coco Reef’s rooms – most with ocean views and all with patios and balconies – feature mini-bars, natural bath and beach towels and alarm clock radios. Rates vary from superior and deluxe rooms to royal suites and include welcome drink and full breakfast; use of beach chaises, on-site kayaks, snorkel gear and tennis and fitness facilities; weekly cocktail party, twice daily maid service and all taxes and fees.
- Coco Reef Resort
- Coconut Bay, PO Box 434
- Crown Point, Tobago, WI
- www.cocoreef.com
- $326 to $4,000
- (868) 639-8571
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