A 115-square-mile island just a 25-minute flight from Port of Spain, Trinidad’s sister island, Tobago, is known as the place to recover after a rollicking time at Carnival. But there are plenty of other reasons to visit all year round, bird-watching, quiet beaches and a friendly, Old-Caribbean vibe among them. (And did we mention the Nylon Pool?) And when you get there, these are the places we recommend you stay. These are the best Tobago Hotels.
Bacolet Beach Club Hotel Find serenity at this quiet hillside boutique in Scarborough, where an Instagram-perfect infinity pool overlooks its namesake bay (which can be seen from all 20 rooms), and guests rave about the warm and welcoming staff. But the star of the show here is really the small but spectacular beach, home to a world-class beach bar and a Crusoe-style castaway vibe. This is the number one option among Tobago hotels.
Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort Set on Tobago’s Atlantic side, this beachfront spread (part of a gated villa community) has its own golf course, spa and four restaurants. Rates for its 178 rooms and 22 suites include breakfast and resort-wide WI-FI, but you can also opt for the all-inclusive package, which offers reduced golf fees and entry to Pigeon Point Heritage Park as well as the usual inclusions.
Blue Waters Inn Near Speyside, this 38-room Batteaux Bay boutique is the perfect base from which to explore Tobago’s north, and is a popular choice for bird-watching (on the 46-acre property and at nearby Bird of Paradise Island) and diving (there’s a dive shop on-site). But the curvaceous sweep of beach – and the pool that’s right on it – have universal appeal particularly among Tobago hotels.
Villas at Stonehaven With 14 villas spread over a hillside garden overlooking the Caribbean, Stonehaven is an ideal choice for families and groups. The one-to four-bedroom villa accommodations all come with daily housekeeping service, and feature verandahs, complimentary WI-FI, and views over a private infinity pool. While this is more of a villa complex than a traditional hotel, it’s so good it has to be the list of the greatest Tobago hotels.
Blue Haven Hotel Having the sea on three sides of its acreage isn’t 55-room Blue Waters’ only claim to fame; its beach is reputedly where the real Robinson Crusoe was stranded back in the 17th century. Chances are that you won’t mind being abandoned at this southside retreat either, with two bars, a tennis court, and that famous cove to keep you occupied. It’s what makes it such a unique option among Tobago hotels.