Making friends in Tobago with Bill

Bill travelled to Tobago and stayed at Coco Reef Resort. Here's what he had to say:

For more than ten years I have been travelling to the Caribbean for my winter break and, having enjoyed most of the main islands, three years ago I found my Treasure Island - Tobago. Less developed than the other islands it has many fine beaches and a wonderful rain forest.
 
Being disabled with arthritis I needed a hotel that was not too large and had easy access to the beach and main facilities. I found what I needed in the Coco Reef Hotel and Spa. The beach proved to be ideal; defended by an artificial reef the resulting lagoon and private beach is a sheltered swimming area for the most determined swimmer or people like me who just want to bob around in its calm waters. The hotel has answered nearly all my holiday needs and the staff are wonderfully kind. A morning hug from Alicia who oversees the dining areas sets me up for the day ! This year has been my third consecutive repeat visit, meeting up again with fellow guests I first met three years ago, having liaised during the year to agree dates for our next holiday.

There are other hotels On the island  and enough local restaurants to satisfy most tastes, with fresh fish being a popular dish..treat yourself to a Lobster Thermador !

Each year I try to see something of the island, especially the magnificent rain forest.I usually travel by taxi with Lester, a driver with an encyclopedic knowledge of the trees and birds. For the more energetic there are hiking tracks through the forest. This year I decided on a four-hour cruise along the coast in a small power boat crewed by a husband and wife team, Nigel and Daphne of Salty Tours, stopping at various coves along the way to snorkel above the pristine corals thronged with colourful fish. Nigel and Daphne were a mine of information and certainly knew their stuff - they were a joy to be with.

The Coco Reef Hotel suites are fine, the one possible drawback for me being the overhead shower in the bath. When I mentioned this to Eric Fenier, Director and General Manager,a hand-grip was positioned on the wall of the bath within an hour - that’s what I call service! Each evening guests gather on the terrace overlooking the lagoon to watch the sunset and enjoy a pre-dinner drink..or two !Day-to-day life for guests at the Coco Reef Hotel is less hectic than at other resorts but, having said that, when visiting musicians strike up an ABBA song the dance-floor heaves with all age-groups strutting their stuff including tatty old me!

Will I go back next year?..of course, hopefully flying with my favourite airline, Virgin. I am helped on my way by the kindly people manning the OCS Disabled Traveller Assistance team at Gatwick.

We would like to thank Bill for sharing his story with us and hope to welcome you on another holiday soon..

If you would like to provide us with your own holiday story please contact [email protected]