Trinidad

Trinidad
and Tobago is a Caribbean country made up of two
islands. The former is the larger one, and it is where my father
was born and raised. The latter is my favourite place in the
world.

It has taken me five years of working at SUITCASE to write even
these few words about Tobago. Part of the reason I’ve been keeping
the island to myself is because I know that it’s an acquired taste
– tourism isn’t high on the list of priorities here, which means
that there are few good restaurants, even fewer hotels and no
“scene” like you’d find in Barbados. If I’m being honest, though,
the main reason that I’ve been reluctant to talk about Tobago is
because I don’t want any part of it to change.

The island is rustic, wild and diverse, home to beaches that are
still basically untouched. Eco-tourism is the only pull here, so
steer clear of anything claiming to be a resort and opt for a
treetop stay at
Castara Retreats, or a villa in the town of Black Rock. (Try
Licorish with Grafton beach on its doorstep.) Rent a car and
explore the island – surf at Mount Irvine, scuba dive at Speyside
or lime (hang out) at Pigeon Point. A local hero called Kester does
a great fishing trip here. Spend a day in Charlottesville, a sleepy
fishing village, or while away an afternoon at Little Bacolet
beach. Eat fresh lobster at Jemma’s and garlic shrimp at Fish Pot.
Drink Carib beer, ice-cold. Most importantly, keep it simple. Not
that you’d have any other choice.