The entire villa consists of a main house on a hilltop plus three cabanas placed along the hillside. There is a panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea and gardens surrounding the numerous patio areas. Welcome sign with flowering tree to Top O' Tobago. The gardens abound with tropical fruit such as grapefruit, orange, mango, papaya, passion fruit and banana. Flowering plants such as Bouganvillea, Hibiscus, Barbados Pride and Ixoras flourish. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Trinidad_and_Tobago/topotobago/hotel/306/5/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:25:08 EST A ten-minute walk along a garden path leads to the beautiful Arnos Vale beach. This bay is renowned for snorkelling, but is great for swimming and sunbathing too. Other secluded beaches can be found within walking distance of the villa. More beaches are only a short drive away, some are calm and picturesque and others have crashing waves that challenge surfers and boogie boarders. Return to the villa, take a plunge in the pool, relax with a drink or your favourite book and enjoy the sunset. The quiet serene rural environment with its gentle breezes, clean air, bright stars and twinkling fireflies seems to be rejuvenating for all our guests. Getting There Top O' Tobago is only a twenty minute drive from the airport and a fifteen minute drive from Scarborough, the main town. From the airport go along Milford Rd. through Bon Accord and Canaan until you reach the T - intersection at the large coconut grove on your left. Turn left on to Shirvan Rd. and follow the signs to Plymouth. You will pass Buccoo junction, the Mt. Irvine Golf course, the Black Rock community, Turtle Beach Hotel, and then turn left and cross a one-lane white steel bridge built in 1912. When you come close to Plymouth turn to the right and follow the signs for the Arnos Vale Hotel. Pass the entrance to the hotel and you will find the entrance to Top O' Tobago clearly marked at the first right. From Scarborough, where you may arrive by ferry from Trinidad, go through the town up Wilson Rd. until you come to a large intersection with traffic lights. Go straight across the intersection and follow the road to the left and towards Plymouth. You will pass the villages of Whim, Union Village and Marabel. Turn right at the T- intersection that is marked Plymouth and cross the white steel bridge that is described above. Follow the same directions as above and you should reach Top O' Tobago with no problem. If you have any problems with directions feel free to ask anyone on the street and they should be very helpful. Car Rental Top O' Tobago is located about one third up the island which makes it ideal to explore beaches in Culloden, Castara, Englishman's Bay, Bloody Bay, and visit the rain forest. It is also close to beaches near Plymouth, Turtle Beach, Mt. Irvine, Grange, Store Bay and Pigeon Point. There are small grocery stores in Plymouth but larger stores on Milford Rd., Carnbee and the market in Scarborough. For the sake of convenience it is recommended that guests consider renting a car. Car and jeep rentals range from $USD 45 - 60.00 per day. The roads are narrow but in quite good condition. We do not rent cars but would be happy to recommend and organize rentals so that you can pick up your car or jeep directly at the airport on your arrival or have it brought to Top O' Tobago. Climate The average temperature is 83 degrees F (29 degrees C) with little seasonal variation. The wet season lasts from June to December with a few showers during the day. Try to avoid the intense 'mid-day' sun and always use a high protection factor suncream. Dress Casual dress is normal although some hotels and restaurants require 'elegantly casual' in the evenings. Please ensure to cover up if you are venturing into the shops from the beach. Language English is the official language and the local dialect has a wonderful accent and range of expression. Power and Water The voltage is based on the North American system of 120 volts 60 Hz and the wall plugs and sockets accept the North American sytle of receptacles. Water is precious in Tobago. The water is treated and can be drunk direct from the tap though some visitors prefer bottled water. There is a fresh water spring beside the road under a Mango tree just below Top O' Tobago with delicious spring water. Cell Phone Compatability TSTT holds a virtual monopoly on phone service so unfortunately cell phones from overseas may not be operational. Phone calls can be made from the villa or a cell phone is available with a phone card. There are Internet cafes available on the island where guests can access their email. Limited service is also available at the villa. AMENITIES: On the crest of the hill, the main house is surrounded by a spacious patio, and magnificent swimming pool with panoramic views of the Caribbean, Arnos Vale Bay, Buccoo Reef and green verdant hills. The swimming pool and patios are open for all our guests to use. Hammocks and lounges are provided for sunbathing and a quiet afternoon siesta. The main house has a fully equipped full-size kitchen and a dining room that can seat ten comfortably. There is a large living room and library with books, magazines, reference books of Tobago and Trinidad, and games for children. There is cable TV, VCR, portable stereo with CD player and over seventy movies to choose from (including those for children). The master bedroom is appointed with a queen-size bed and sofa that can be converted into a single bed. The second bedroom is furnished with two single beds. There is a spacious bathroom off the master bedroom and a bathroom with an outdoor shower off the second bedroom. THE CABANAS: There is enough room in between for privacy. We have tried to make the cabanas and main house as comfortable as possible. Using an open architecture and high ceilings there is a feeling of spaciousness. The cabanas are cool and quiet, with overhead fans and complete insect netting. Each cabana has its own living area, kitchenette and bathroom. The kitchenette is equipped with a microwave, large refrigerator, coffee maker, two-burner stove, juice maker, pots, pans and an assortment of dishes and utensils to allow you to prepare your meals and snacks. The two twin beds and two sofas can be converted to beds by simply removing the back cushions allowing room for up to four people. The chairs and tables can be moved inside or outside onto the gazebo patio. There is a patio in front and a private gazebo patio in the back of your cabana for dining and relaxation. Two hammocks are supplied for your comfort. Relax and enjoy many of the tropical birds and flowers. The building layout and design makes the villa ideal for large gatherings such as extended families, family reunions, corporate retreats and weddings. Although each unit is private, there are large common spaces to meet and talk. The decor and furnishings are informal and every effort is made to make your stay a relaxing one. Transportation to and from the airport is complementary. Just let us know your flight arrangements and arrival time and we'll be pleased to pick you up. Housekeeping cleaning services are provided and a manager is on site to answer your questions and give advice when necessary. There are balustrades around the pool and life saving equipment; however we ask that you keep a close eye on young children near the pool. There are safe boxes located in each cabana and the main house. Please use common sense to guard your valuables while traveling on the island. There are laundry, telephone, fax facilities and limited Internet access available to guests. We also have a cell phone available for rental to guests while in Tobago. See the manager for details. We would be happy to stock your kitchen with basic groceries to get you going when you first arrive. Just let us know your requirements. ACTIVITIES: There is a binder of guest information about the island and the area around Top O' Tobago as well as reference books in our library and maps so you can plan your activities. Please see the manager for up to date activities during your stay. Some suggestions: - Hiking - Top O' Tobago is in a rural setting so it is perfect to set out on hikes along the Mot Mot Trail or up along the old tracts from colonial days near the Waterwheel. There are also many hiking trails in many places on the island, which can be self-guided or with a guide. Waterfalls - Tobago has many beautiful waterfalls you can picnic at and swim in. Our guests particularly love a secluded waterfall near Top O' Tobago which is a short drive away and an enchanting walk through the jungle. Snorkelling and Scuba Diving - Arnos Vale Bay, just a short walk from Top O' Tobago has amazing varieties of reef fish. There are also many other dive sites around the island for snorkelers and scuba divers. Bird Watching Birders from around the world are astounded at the rare and beautiful birds you are likely see and hear during your stay. Often right from the patio of your cabana some birds include: Blue Grass Tanager, Bananakeet, Red Crowned Woodpecker, Rufus Vented Cocrico, Blue Crowned Mot-Mot, Tropical Mockingbird, Eared Dove, Spotted Sandpiper, Cattle Egret, Green Heron, Magnificent Frigate Bird, Pelican, Green Rumped Hummingbird and many, many more! Cycling Mountain bikes and touring bikes as well as motorcycles are available for rent and give you a much different experience of Tobago. Golfing There are two world-class golf courses, including the most recent at Tobago Plantations. The Mt Irvine 18 hole course is considered by many of the world' top golfers to be the finest in the Caribbean. Windsurfing - At Pigeon Point and Mt. Irvine wind surfing boards are available for rent. Ocean Kayaking - Explore the rocky coastline and discover private secluded beaches in this relatively new sport on the island. Sailing -Sailing on a yacht with a group or individually can be arranged. Water Skiing and Seadoos -Available at some beaches but restricted so that the reefs are not damaged. Deep Sea Fishing -Trinidad and Tobago are famous for deep sea fishing where you can find barracuda, marlin, king fish, mahi mahi and tuna. Nightlife or ``Fete'' as the locals call it! Tobagonians and Trinidadians love to find any excuse for a party as people know from the world famous Carnival. Tobago definitely is quiet and laid back but if you like to go out there is usually always something going on or some festival to celebrate. Depending on the time of year you are here consult the manager for places to go. DINING/RESTARUANTS: Type: Vacation Rental Beach Location: Off Beach (Tropical Setting) http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Trinidad_and_Tobago/topotobago/hotel/306/5/ Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:25:08 EST