Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort

At the island’s southwest corner four miles (7km) from A.N.R. Robinson International Airport, the hotel sits at the end of a long driveway through the Tobago Plantations Estate in The Lowlands. Taxis are around all day and night to take you to the Gulf City shopping mall and cinema a mile (2km) away and to the village of Scarborough five miles (8km) away.

Palm trees sway in the breeze outside the elegant two-story plantation-style hotel furnished in traditional island décor. The palatial open-air foyer has a vaulted ceiling, white lattice railings and white tile floors dotted with potted palms. Earth-tone furnishings offset pastel yellow walls, and island artwork in a hallway gallery adds to the tropical ambiance.

Staff are friendly and helpful. One enthusiastic staffer volunteered the time and place for releasing a baby turtle hatch to the sea. The former coconut plantation has an 18-hole golf course with driving range and putting green, plus two lighted tennis courts with racket use. Also, three swimming pools, hiking trails, spa/salon, fitness and business centres and a dive centre for training. The concierge can arrange dives around Tobago as well as other watersports and activities. There are free bikes for exploring, a gift shop, laundry services and parking.

The resort was designed so all 178 room in two wings face the ocean, each with a private terrace, table and chairs. The island motif is repeated in the cheery décor that invites relaxation. Ceiling fan, air conditioning and 100 per cent cotton sheets keep guests cool, while TV, free Wi-Fi and phone keep them connected. Bathroom includes tub, separate shower and ample shelf space. The large closet has robes and slippers, iron/ironing board and safe. A fridge is tucked underneath a counter, on which can be found a coffee maker and ice bucket.

There are eight places to eat and drink, if you include Li’l Nylon Pool’s swim-up bar. Pembois Restaurant & Terrace is the main dining room for a generous hot and cold breakfast buffet, as well as lunch and dinner. Kali’a is the fine dining restaurant where Caribbean fusion cuisine is elegantly served for dinner only. The casual Salaka Grill has light fare for lunch and great seafood dinners. Robinson Crusoe Pub is a lively English-style pub heavily immersed in the pirate theme. Enjoy cocktails at Tavaco Lounge, a piano bar in the lobby; coffee, tea and pastries at Benné Café. Fairways serves lunch until 4pm at the golf course clubhouse.  

Double rooms from TTD 1,173 (£135) in low season; and from TTD 2,119 (£244) in high. Full breakfast included.

Two completely adaptive rooms; resort is accessible all around.

Absolutely! Complimentary Club Cee Cee offers programmes for four- to 12-year-olds; younger than four may participate with adult. Kids are safe roaming the gated community. Rollaways, cribs and babysitting available.