Located seven miles off the coast of Venezuela, T&T is the most southerly isles in the Caribbean Sea, and boasts a diverse combination of wildlife and plants from the Caribbean and South America.
The Caribbean Islands are known for sunny weather, sandy beaches, beautiful water and a relaxed atmosphere, and Trinidad & Tobago is no exception. However, these gorgeous islands offer all that and much more. Located seven miles off the coast of Venezuela, T&T is the most southerly isles in the Caribbean Sea, and boasts a diverse combination of wildlife and plants from the Caribbean and South America.
T&T has a vibrant energy and its citizens have a real zest for life. Both islands have a rich multicultural society accepting all religions, beliefs and backgrounds in tropical harmony. However, the islands do differ, Trinidad is an industrially successful island with rich amounts of petroleum and natural gas, which provides a growing economy, expanding infrastructure and university tuition for its residents. On the other hand, Tobago is a tourist driven resort-island that screams of relaxation and indulgence with its natural beauty. Every coast on each of these beautiful islands is different and offers a unique variance of beaches and vegetation. Of course, you cannot discuss Trinidad & Tobago without the mention of one of the world’s greatest parties – Carnival.
This non-stop celebration of music, revelry and creativity is a five-day event with masquerade bands, elaborate costumes, grandiose parades and everlasting parties that transpires Monday and Tuesday preceding Ash Wednesday, but after Christmas is when locals say Carnival truly starts in T&T. The capital, Port of Spain is as a leading city in the Caribbean region. This bustling city hosted the Fifth Summit of the Americas in 2009 whose guests included US President Barack Obama and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. This tropical metropolis offers attractions like MovieTowne, fine dining, four-star hotels and impressive ferries to Tobago.
Outside of the busy city towards the south in Pointe-à-Pierre is Cara Suites, regarded as the premier hotel in South Trinidad. “It’s a corporate hotel that gives you that resort feel with the conveniences of doing business and being on vacation at the same time,” says General Manager Hassel Thom, who is extremely warm and hospitable, and takes the time to get to know guests better.
Formerly known as the historic Farrel House, Cara Suites is perched on an elevated bluff overlooking the Gulf of Paria with unrestricted views of the ocean. If you’re looking for authentic Caribbean cuisine, the hotel’s Metropolitan Restaurant offers a fine dining experience for families or couples, and their tumeric mashed potatoes are a must try!
Moreover, Cara Suite’s Bay Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail as the sun kisses the horizon. With their amazing staff from Hassel Thom to Deryck Hinds, and award-winning mixologist Shawn James, Cara Suites rivals the Hyatt or Hilton for comfort and convenience with a great location and affordable prices.
There are an abundance of attractions to visit in Trinidad, Chiguanas is recommended for bargain hunters and offers the best “doubles,” a specialty street food, in Trinidad.
As well, San Fernando is great for sight-seeing and shopping along High Street with hills and slopes reminiscent of San Francisco. On the north coast, Maracas Beach is typically know as Trinidad’s premier beach with soft sand, calm water and the best “shark & bake” in the West Indies. Along the east coast is the popular beach retreat, Mayaro that has endless miles of shoreline to explore, beach houses for rent along the coast, ideal waves to body surf and a tranquil, calming atmosphere to unwind and disconnected from the busy world.
As mentioned, T&T is an ethnically diverse country with different cultures and religious beliefs, including a large South Asian population with illustrious shrines.The Temple in the Sea at Waterloo was not built in the ocean out of whimsy, but rather out of necessity. Built by an industrious South Asian indentured labourer Seedas Sadhu, the original temple was built on sugar cane land and was torn down by estate owners. But this did not deter Sadhu, who attempted to build this coastal temple over a 25 year span as an example of his faith and human perseverance. This temple, a Hindu sacred site, was completed by the T&T government in 1994.
Nearby is the popular Hanuman Temple in Carapichaima, surrounded by colourful flags that waver like butterflies in the wind. Each flag’s colour has a meaning and significance, and there are various Hindu deities inside the temple. Boasting the tallest Hanuman statue outside India, the temple’s chief god stands at 85 feet and is an impressive, lighthouse-like beacon that welcomes visitors.
With just a short 45-minute flight or two-hour ferry ride, you can fly from Trinidad to its sister isle of paradise – Tobago – with gorgeous resorts and numerous sights to see on this tourist friendly island. Visit Fort King George in Scarborough, built in the 1780s, which is Tobago’s best-preserved historical site. The early prison, bell tank, cannons, barracks and officers’ mess are located within well-manicured grounds with magnificent coastal views.
The Buccoo Reef is one of the most accessible coral reefs in the Caribbean. It is a protected marine park located a short distance off Pigeon Point and Store Bay beaches. The reef emanates a fascinating underwater life with brilliant, rich colours and abundance of tropical fish. Legendary French oceanographer and explorer Jacques Cousteau visited Tobago’s Buccoo Reef and rated it as the third most spectacular reef in the world.
The Nylon Pool, a unique, shallow coral pool within the ocean, is absolutely spectacular and is something that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. Located off of Pigeon Point and close to Buccoo Reef, the Nylon Pool is accessible by boat and you must get off and explore this amazing wonder – you’re basically standing in the middle of the ocean in a metre of water, and can see Tobago’s coastline.
The Nylon Pool’s name is derived from its resemblance to a swimming pool. It was named by Princess Margaret in 1962 because she found it to be as clear as her nylons. It is still one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most visited attractions today.
Considered the crown-jewel accommodation of the West Indies, the Magdalena Grand Beach Resort is Tobago’s newest property and only four-star resort. The resort offers 178 deluxe oceanfront rooms, including 22 one-and two-bedroom suites with private Jacuzzis, all with breathtaking panoramic views from large private balconies and terraces.
Tobago’s Magdalena Grand Beach Resort
Magdalena Grand, an award-winning resort, is nestled in the tropical Tobago Plantations Estate, a 750-acre gated community of luxury villas, condos and bungalows. The resort is home to picturesque beaches, nature trails and canopy walks through a virgin mangrove forest and the Tobago Plantations Golf Course, a 18-hole PGA designed championship course.
“Tobago is often referred to as ‘the way the Caribbean used to be.’ Known as the last unspoilt island, Tobago offers deep heritage, culture, festivities and cuisine to all those that visit,” says Rachael Nathaniel, sales manager at Magdalena Grand.
Trinidad & Tobago has much to offer visitors, it’s a complete package – sun, sea, sand, food, nature, culture and music – combined together to form an unbeatable package. Even though all the Caribbean islands have their own unique charm, they do not have the distinct vibe and diverse elements that truly make Trinidad & Tobago a wonderful destination to travel and re-visit.
By Daniel Joseph & Renu Singh-Joseph
Photo: Magdalena Grand Beach Resort, Cara Suites