Tobago has re-branded itself. The Tobago Tourism Agency presented their new campaign during WTM London, 2018. From a nationalist point of view, I wondered why they would take that approach. Why was Tobago separating itself from Trinidad?. The islands have been ‘siblings’ since 1888.  They were both fought over by European nations but by the 1800s they were both British colonies. After the abolition of slavery and the decline of sugar in the region it was decided to amalgamate Tobago to Trinidad. Tobago was deemed not economically viable on its own. Then again, as a traveller I can see the benefits. Tobago offers a totally different experience to Trinidad. A clear separate detailed tourism guide would be helpful to visitors who are undecided where to go.  Here’s to Tobago beyond, it’s beyond ordinary.

Tobago The Stand Out Destination

It’s been 11 years since I last traversed the white sands to Tobago. My first trip was as a child. I joined my Year 4 class for a day of sightseeing on the island, in 1984. However, a mate of mine visited not too long ago and she mentioned that the pace was slow in Tobago. It was less commercial.  While that approach may seem crazy for a small island whose economy is reliant on tourism, the Tobago Tourism Agency embraces that fact. They say the ‘lack of development, accommodation inventory, relatively low levels of commercialism – were the island’s greatest assets.’

Tobago’s USP is its unspoilt natural beauty and laidback island life.

Tobago Off the Beaten Track

I was frequent visitor to the island in the 90’s. Some how, it always made me feel that my companion(s) and I had the island to ourselves, We would drive around exploring Tobago. On one trip there with the UWI Biological Society, I visited Little Tobago as well. At one time it was a sugar plantation, now it’s a sanctuary for birds. We also snorkelled just off the island to see the famous Brain Coral, in Speyside. It was breathtakingly beautiful.

Fort Bennet And The Nylon Pool

Then, in 2007, I enjoyed it as a newly-wed. Tobago as a aromatic getaway is sensational. What can be better than washing up on an undisturbed island with your love? Hubby and I spent our time driving  around exploring and eating. One of my favourite memories was visiting Fort Bennet which as a stunning sea view, then walking along Black Rock beach. We were the only people on the beach that evening. Isn’t that a honeymooner’s dream?!

Swimming in the Nylon Pool was sheer bliss. Picture this clear aqua blue water, white sands, blue sky.  In fact, the ‘pool’ ‘is a natural, metre-deep crystal clear swimming pool with a sandy bottom in the middle of the sea created by an offshore sandbar and a still lagoon.’ 

It’s said that the body of water was named by Princess Margaret because the water was as clear as her nylon stockings. The Nylon Pool is actually a sandbank located miles off the island’s west coast, in the middle of the ocean and is perfect for lounging in the water, like in a pool.

Some say the pool possess mystical powers. If married couples kiss under the water, they will stay married. I know what you are thinking … no Hubby and I didn’t kiss under water but we are doing just fine.

You can book a  glass bottomed boat from Store Bay to experience the natural wonder!

101 Reasons To Go Tobago

You can never get bored of Tobago; she’s too beautiful.  The Tobago Tourism Agency says there are 101 reasons why you should visit. There are several soft adventure options such as paddle-boarding, boat-trips, snorkelling and hiking. If you want to lime like a local you can go to the famous Buccoo Goat and Crab Races. Hang out down Store Bay and eat  crab callalloo and dumplingslo which is the local dish.

The Mystery Tomb of Betty Stiven

Do you love a mystery? Try to solve mystery of the mystery tomb located on Shelbourne Street, Plymouth. On the reads the message:

Within  these walls are deposited the body of Mrs. Betty Stiven and her child. She was the beloved wife of Alex B Stiven to the end of his days will deplore her death, which happened upon the 25th November 1783 in the 23rd year of her age. What was remarkable of her, she was a mother without knowing it, and a wife without letting her husband know it except by her kind indulgence to him.

Honeymoons and Wellness Retreats in Tobago

Due to the quiet, slow spoilt nature of the island its perfect for a wellness holiday as well.  The Castara Retreats one well known holiday spot. It is a family run resort that is a  hub of sustainable tourism in the community. They also cater for honeymooners.

You can rest and recharge. I mentioned that Hubby and I visited as a post wedding treat, we stayed in a self-catering guest house in Crown Point. The name escapes now but you are spoilt for choice of places to stay to fit every pocket. In Crown Point some of the guest houses are walking distance from the popular beach Store Bay.

Tobago is also fabulous location for a weddings. You’re pretty much guaranteed insta-fabulous photo ops.

Plan your stay

There are many choices of places to stay in Tobago. Close your eyes pick a town. You can drive around the island in a day, so don’t worry about missing out. My personal favourite was Bacolet. I loved the hilliness. The Northern side of the island can feel more remote, more trees and other flora and fauna. While Crown Point is close to the  ANR Robinson International airport and very popular beach Store Bay. Scarborough is the capital and has a night life scene. I’ve never been but you could try Bar Code Or Drifterz Bar & Grill.

So, come and see ….

(Vocalist Yolanda at the Tobago stand for WTM London 2018)

Tobago Revisited 

Hubby and I returned to Tobago August 2023. The occasion this time was our  for our 17th wedding anniversary!  We spent four glorious days there with the kids in tow. Returning to the magical island as a wife and mother of two was mind-blowing. Personal highlights includes staying in Bloody Bay which is located on the northern country side of the island. It’s incredibly full of lush vegetation and island mini beasts. Swimming in Charlotteville and eating at Suckhole Restaurant which backs onto Charlotteville Beach. I quite liked Englishman’s Bay as well, in fact it’s hard to chose a best bit when staying in Tobago.

We also took another snap on the look-out to Parlatuvier Bay. It had to be done. We needed an update to the one seen as the feature image for this blog. There’s a couple and a family shot.

The kids hate it when we get too smooshy so we kept it chilled out the romance was in the moment for the photo especially. Ang was behind the camera so we behaved!

Our last night in Tobago was spent at PeSheres Inn, Crown Point. The guest house is 4 minutes drive or 12 mins walk from the ANR Robinson International airport. It has its own swimming pool and you can book spa treatments as well. Time ran out we were only able to make use of the pool but I’d definitely recommend them.

I will forever cherish those sweet days in Tobago.

(updated 3rd June 2020)

(updated 24th Aug 2023)