Sections

Search

  • Real Weddings
  • Planning
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Travel
  • Local Vendors
  • 2022 Wedding Trends
Advertisement
Travel

Explore the Untouched Island of Tobago

  |  By Damion Nurse
Explore the Untouched Island of Tobago

Englishman's Bay

If you fly to the end of the chain of islands in the Caribbean, you’ll find the beautiful country of Trinidad and Tobago. While the more southern Trinidad is the larger and more populous of the two islands, Tobago is an unspoiled trove of idyllic beaches, scenic activities and tantalizing food. For the newlywed couple who wants an out-of- the-ordinary Caribbean honeymoon, Tobago should be at the top of their list—because whether you’re looking for adventure or you simply want to sit back and enjoy the views, it has something for every kind of traveller. From where to stay to what to do, we have your complete itinerary for the perfect Tobago getaway.

Getting There

Canadians can fly directly to Tobago from Toronto with Sunwing Airlines during peak season, between December and April. You can also fly into Trinidad and then take a quick 20-minute domestic flight to Tobago (it's so short you can close your eyes for a power nap and awake in paradise). As soon as you step onto the island, you’ll feel a sense of calm, as well as the genuine warmth and hospitality of the Tobagonians.

Stay in Charming, Perfect-For-You Accommodations

Before exploring everything the island has to offer, you’ll need to figure out where to stay. Tobago has a variety of resorts and hotels specifically designed for different types of travellers. If you’re a couple who wants an elegant resort where you can stroll through the gorgeous grounds, golf and relax poolside, Mount Irvine Bay Resort is your top pick. For newlyweds who want an experience with wellness-focused activities and meals made with sustainably grown ingredients, Kariwak Village, located near the airport, is ideal. There are also plenty of options for those who want to be on the ocean.

Explore the Untouched Island of Tobago Mount Irvine Bay Resort: This expansive, beautiful former estate is rich in history and one of the best places to stay in Tobago. It was once home to a sugar mill and a coconut plantation. Stay in one of the luxe suites or opt for a cottage for more privacy. Plenty of space and beautiful landscaping make this a serene, calm resort where you can take a dip and enjoy a drink at the pool’s swim-up bar, indulge in a spa treatment, or practice your swing at the award-winning 18-hole course. Photo credit: Alexa Fernando

At northeast end of the island, you’ll find Blue Waters Inn, a resort boasting a beach right outside its villas, as well as a relaxing infinity pool and jacuzzi (bonus: there’s also an Insta-worthy pier). If a private beach is a must for you, Coco Reef Resort & Spa has one you can access right from the open-air lobby. Stay in a spacious villa with a patio overlooking the resort and sea. And for a unique experience, Castara Retreats offers eco-chic apartments built into the hillside, with views of picturesque Castara Bay. With the solid-wood apartments each built at different heights on the hill, you’ll feel like you’re sleeping in a treehouse. No matter which accommodation you choose, each one has its own unique characteristics and offerings.

Get Close to Nature and Wildlife

More than 230 species of birds can be found in Tobago, so it’s no wonder that avid birdwatchers make up a big percentage of the island’s tourists. If you’ve never experienced birdwatching, snag this opportunity to get up-close and personal with hummingbirds, motmots, blue-grey tanagers and more at Adventure Farm and Nature Reserve. Take a leisurely walk along the property's handful of trails to see its flora and fauna, and then sit awhile on the viewing deck to watch the birds as they come to feed. Accommodations are also available at the park if you want to fully immerse yourself in the island’s nature and wildlife.

Explore the Untouched Island of Tobago Get a close-up look at the island’s 230 species of birds, including the blue- chinned sapphire hummingbird.

Lounge on the Island’s Incredible Beaches

Tobago’s plethora of beaches makes it easy to enjoy all that beach life has to offer, from soaking up some sun to swimming in clear blue waters. And there’s a place on every part of the island to take in stunning views of Tobago’s coastline. Couples who want a more secluded spot will love Englishman’s Bay, one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, shaped in a traditional crescent and framed by an abundance of palm trees. If a bustling hotspot is more your vibe, the government-owned Pigeon Point Heritage Park is popular with tourists and locals alike. There you’ll find white sand beaches and turquoise waters, the iconic Insta-worthy pier with a thatched roof, restaurants, and souvenir and water-sport shops.

Explore the Untouched Island of Tobago Pigeon Point is one of the island’s most popular beaches, with a variety of amenities including restaurants and bars.

Indulge In Romantic Activities and Water Adventures

Taking a dip in the waters of Tobago goes beyond its beautiful beaches. One of the most romantic spots in Tobago is Nylon Pool, a metre-deep lagoon created by a shallow coral sandbar out in the sea off Pigeon Point. Named by Princess Margaret, who likened the crystal-clear water to the transparency of nylon, this natural pool is a popular spot for island boat tours. You’ll want to share a newlywed kiss while you’re there, as it’s said that if a couple kisses in Nylon Pool, their love will last a lifetime. Afterward, head over to No Man’s Island, an uninhabited stretch of sand that’s the perfect spot for couples to picnic and lounge in the sun. To explore even more of the island’s waters and aquatic life, snorkelling is a must. Catch a glimpse of coral reefs and tropical fish off the shores of Castara. Or book a tour of the coastline with Tobago Waterholics, which offers the opportunity to snorkel and see the beautiful reefs at Buccoo and Arnos Vale. Back on the island, there’s lots more to explore. A short 10-minute hike into Tobago’s rainforest in Parlatuvier will lead you to Parlatuvier Falls, a waterfall with
a shallow basin you can bathe in, and one of the most beautiful, tranquil spots on the island. Because it’s nestled in the rainforest
(a sight unto itself, with towering bamboo trees), the waterfall is a popular spot for relaxing and hanging out on a warm afternoon. If you’re looking for a romantic activity that could be equally relaxing, take a horseback ride on the beach with Being With Horses. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with your partner and the horses, and take some seriously spectacular photos.

Explore the Untouched Island of Tobago Being with Horses

Experience the Island’s Tantalizing Dishes

Foodies will find no shortage of local plates to delight the senses. Bursting with flavour and heart, we highly recommend experiencing Tobago’s signature dish, curried crab and dumplings, from Miss Trim’s, a busy kiosk at the Store Bay Beach Facility in Crown Point, at the southwestern tip of the island. Coconut milk, curry, ginger and other spices are added to lime-marinated softshell crab and cooked to perfection, before being ladelled atop flat dumplings and served with provisions (root vegetables).

Explore the Untouched Island of Tobago Curried crab and dumplings—the island’s signature dish—is a must-try at Miss Trim's. Photo credit: Alexa Fernando

If you’re in Speyside, at the other end of the island, you have to stop at Jemma’s Tree House for lunch. Lobster and fish dishes are especially delectable, and the scrumptious breadfruit pie is a must. With authentic food and beautiful ocean views, this is one spot that shouldn’t be missed. When it comes to dinner, opt for the best Italian food on the island at La Tartaruga, a gem of a restaurant helmed by Chef Gabriele De Gaetano, whose passion for food shines in his dishes. Any newlywed couple will appreciate the warm, intimate atmosphere as well as the extensive wine list, expertly curated by De Gaetano, who travels to Italy every year in search of vintages to add to the roster. If romantic ambiance is what you’re after, it reigns supreme at Seahorse Restaurant in Black Rock. Dine al fresco under twinkling lights, savouring dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Cap dinner off with a delightful dessert—the perfect ending to the sweetest night.

Brought to you by tobago logo
This article was originally published on Dec 09, 2019
Advertisement

Get our Newsletter

Stay up-to-date with wedding trends, deals and offers.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Advertisement
Advertisement

01.

Wedding Registries Made Easy
Planning

Wedding Registries Made Easy

Sponsored
Advertisement
Advertisement