Apartments in Tobago - Simply Tobago

Simply Tobago is proud to feature locally owned and run properties in Tobago – offering quality, simple, re-assuring accommodation and back-up that allows you to enjoy and wrap yourself up in Caribbean life.

For those of you wanting to escape the laptop, the commute, and the exhaustion of keeping up with the Jones’, Tobago owned accommodations let you relax and concentrate on what life should be about – time for each other, listening to the tropical wildlife from your verandah, watching the sunset, eating wholesome, delicious fresh food cooked on the BBQ and downing a few ice cold beers.

There are lots of places in the world where you can do that, but you’d have to pay through the nose for most of them. Not in Tobago.

Derrick Lopez (known locally as ‘Porridge’) and his wife Jeanelle live in one of Tobago’s most beautiful spots – the village of Castara on the Caribbean Sea side of Tobago. Castara is not on the tourist map – this is a place where you go and fit in with the local life. It’s a fishing village with a few very good cafes and bars serving local food, and there’s a fabulous sandy beach and bay of indigo and turquoise water.

The backdrop is Tobago’s rainforest – the oldest in the western hemisphere. The studio Porridge offers consists of an open plan kitchen area that extends into the bedroom area. Open plan layouts keep living areas cooler – very welcome in the tropics. There’s a double bed with a wooden frame that supports a good quality mosquito net. There is also a shower with hot and cold water, toilet and washbasin. The whole studio is equipped to western standards.

We’ve met Porridge and he’s lovely. He manages other holiday accommodations in Castara and is experienced at looking after guests. He also runs a car/jeep hire service and a minibus service for airport pick ups. Castara is about a 45 minute drive from the airport through local villages and along the Caribbean coast.

He has a very good website with more information about himself, Castara and the accommodation. You can contact him and book through the website/e-mail/telephone.

The rates for Porridge’s Place are amazing value. Either US$40 ( about Ł20 ) per night or US$280 ( about Ł140 ) per week. That’s for the apartment, which is suitable for two people. It’s great value, and offers a truly memorable holiday experience in a beautiful part of the world amongst wonderful people.

Everyone loves Mike. We've stayed here many times and love it. Called a ‘resort’ on the sign - it’s obviously not. What it is - is a group of very simple but roomy modern apartments , with kitchens and bathrooms, run by one of the best known characters on the island, the loveable ‘big Mike’. If you need a different potato peeler or an extra fan - Mike’s your man. (air-con is in the apts). Each apartment has its own balcony from where you can sit and just watch Tobago life going by. Beautiful Store Bay beach is about a 30 second walk away, and close by are restaurants, bars, clubs, shops and transport.

You can walk from the airport to Mike’s. You can also walk from Mike’s to Store Bay before you’ve even unpacked your suitcase, and have a cold beer and a dip in the Caribbean Sea. Lovely Ruby runs the shop on site, and the Columbus bar is just a hop and a skip to get your ice cold beers and take away roti lunch. Mike’s guests return year after year. Says it all really. Apartments from about Ł20 per night.

Tel: 001 868 639 8050
E-mail: bigmike@tstt.net.tt

Bijou des Caraibes, Mount Irvine

Run by the efficient Judy Gemmet and her staff - this is a lovely house with pool, comprising of self contained apartments most of which overlook the fabulous Buccoo Reef. Apartments are basic but sufficient. Bijou is in a great location - quiet, and easy access to good beaches and restaurants. You benefit from a fabulous view and cooling breezes. The bonus of being here is Judy - she’s got a heart of gold, is super efficient, and will look after you wonderfully.
Studio apartments from US$ 40 ( about Ł20 ) per night.

If you want a budget apartment in the main town of Scarborough you could try the lovely accommodation offered by local lady Shirma and her husband Clifford. Shirma is a retired banker and her husband a former Tobago policeman.

They offer a fully furnished self-contained apartment for two people with air conditioning. One twin bedroom, bathroom with hot and cold water, dining kitchen, laundry and cable TV.

A lovely beach is just two minutes walk away, as well as a lovely restaurant at the Blue Haven Hotel. The lively town of Scarborough with more good restaurants and stunning views from Fort George is also close by. Scarborough is a good location to access either the rainforest toward the north of the island, or the beaches of Mount Irvine and Pigeon Point.

The prices are excellent value.

From just US$45 – US$60 ( about Ł23 - Ł30 ) for the apartment per night.
Rates are negotiable for long stays.

For more details or to book you can either phone Shirma in Tobago or e-mail her.

Tel: 001 868 639 3621 or 001 868 683 7900
E-mail: shirms3621@hotmail.com