DESTINATIONS CARIBBEAN |TOBAGO
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Birdsong Lodge, Castara Retreats; white-tailed sabrewing; Starfish Tobago; Adventure Eco Villas; the pool at Starfish Tobago PICTURES: Visit Tobago/Alex Treadway, Faraaz Abdool; Clare Vooght; Tobago Tourism Agency/Alexa Fernando
With few large hotel chains, accommodation is simple
but affordable, with clean, comfortable and homely villas coming in at around £100 a night – many of them in close proximity to the action, when it comes to wildlife.
FOR TURTLE SIGHTINGS… …TRY STARFISH TOBAGO In a sheltered bay on the western Caribbean side of the island, the rustic Starfish Tobago is where my wow moment with the turtle took place – in fact, turtles were spotted nesting here on two of the three nights we stayed. The bar is positioned just by the immaculate beach, ensuring that if a turtle does come here to nest, any guests who are enjoying a nightcap will have front-row seats (at a safe distance). Along with the beach bar, there’s one buffet restaurant, one grill and another à la carte restaurant (which opens when the hotel is at full occupancy). Watersports such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are also included, and there’s a large pool with a separate
Jacuzzi and kids’ pool. Book it: Gold Medal offers seven nights at Starfish Tobago on an all-inclusive basis from £1,489 per person, based on two adults sharing a Standard Sea
44 7 SEPTEMBER 2023 top tipp t
Turtle-nesting season is from March to September, and common nesting sites include the aptly named Turtle Beach, Grafton Beach and Stonehaven Bay. Arrive early in the season to see adult
turtles laying their eggs, or later in the season to see tiny hatchlings as they head out to sea.
View room and travelling on May 10, 2024. Price includes coach transfers and flights from Gatwick.
goldmedal.co.uk
FOR AN ECO-HIDEAWAY NEAR THE ACTION… …TRY CASTARA RETREATS This leafy hideaway sits up in the treetops, high on a rainforested hillside overlooking the golden sands of Castara Bay. The boutique, 17-room eco-retreat is ideal for clients seeking a sustainable stay near nature. It has a raft of sustainability initiatives – including a no-plastic policy, composting and no breakfast served in the resort, to encourage guests to get out and support the rest of the village.
Just a few minutes into our site visit, we spot two
stingrays moving through the waves below, and we’re told iguanas are often seen here too. It’s also a good jumping-off point for boat trips, snorkelling and island tours to see Tobago’s birdlife, which ranges from hummingbirds to parrots.
As far as the accommodation goes, expect treehouse-
like apartments with their own kitchens, lounge areas and sun decks (with fresh, locally made bread delivered to the room for guests staying longer than four nights). ²
travelweekly.co.uk
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