Recently had the opportunity to visit the Island of Tobago and fell absolutely in love.  The topography of the destination leaves you breathless.  There is a cleanliness to the destination with its pristine environment. Lots of fauna, lots of flowers, lots of trees and you just know that your lungs are going to thank you for the opportunity.

It is a laid back lifestyle, but you lack nothing.  Great food, fabulous weather, beautiful scenery, warm and inviting people and really good accommodations.  It is relatively easy to get to – Caribbean Airlines non stop from JFK to Tobago.  Of course you have the major carriers with connecting flights through Trinidad.

I stayed at the newly opened Magdalena Grand Beach resort.  Quite impressed with the renovation, room layout, cleanliness of the entire hotel and friendly but professional staff.  Very, very attractive hotel with all the amenities perfect for Romance, Weddings or Honeymoon.  I am always aware of the quality of bed linens and towels (not fussy, just want to keep my skin intact) and was surprised that there were no problems in this department.  Good quality sheets and towels. The daily buffet was plentiful, varied and extremely good.  I cannot imagine anyone going to Tobago and getting disappointed with the food.  Very good cooks all around. Contact: Tel:868-660-8500  Fax:868-660-8503 – Email:info@magdalenagrand.com      http://www.MagdalenaGrand.com

Of course I had to visit other properties – after all the objective is to give you a choice of places to stay on this your memorable trip of a lifetime.

My first hotel was the Villas At Stonehaven – and I literally thought I had died and gone to heaven.  The General Manager – Mr. Duane Kenny – greeted me like a long lost friend only to find out that I was not special – he goes out of his way to make everyone welcome.  What an awesome view!! It is truly breathless..and that was just the lobby.  I checked out the Villas (14 luxurious http://www.texasgoldengirl.com/yasmin/ villas) and I am definitely going back for a full week’s stay.  The romance, the comfort, the view, the attention to detail: This hotel is one that should be on everyone’s ‘bucket’ list.  For more information contact: Tel:868-639-0361 –     Fax:868-639-0102              Email:stonehav@tstt.net.tt  or     stonehavenvillas@yahoo.com            http://www.stonehavenvillas.com

I was invited to Dillon’s Seafood Restaurant & Fishing Charters for dinner one night: very casual and laid back
atmosphere..You can dress up or down depending on how you feel.  But do be prepared to have some of the freshest tasting seafood you will ever experience in your life.  I travel a great deal, so sometimes when I hear this restaurant is great, I take it with the proverbial grain of salt.  Let me tell you, you will eat everything on your plate and keep going back until you leave the island. Tel/Fax 868-639-8765   Cell:868-678-3195 Stanley Dillon

My next visit was to Blue Waters Inn..and was greeted by the young and handsome General Manager – Mr. Jason Radix.  Very laid back villas at the water’s edge..almost a holistic experience.  The villas are new/updated and very, very spacious.  You can walk out on the boardwalk and commune or find your inner self – or your loved one..  Whatever your choice, it will be right.  The drinks are made to order and very fresh – I did not eat, but the smell of good food was truly tantalizing.  They host weddings and of course this is a perfect spot for a honeymoon.  Privacy, nature at its finest and the beach.  Contact: Tel:868-660-2583   http://www.BlueWatersinn.com    Email:Jradix@bluewatersinn.com

There is so much to write about Tobago, that I will continue in another segment.  Would not want to close without saying a hearty congratulations to the highly energetic staff of the Tobago Bridal Association under the stewardship of Ms. Afiya Holder, the Director of Romance – Tobago Division of Tourism.