Trinidad & Tobago has released details on some of the most recent hotel developments, celebrations and festivals, air travel and environmental news set to take place on the island this summer and fall. Here’s the latest.
Hotel News and Updates
Aqua at Blue Waters Inn, located in Tobago, has expanded its offerings to include a new state-of-the-art conference facility and meeting room for executive and corporate retreats. The space can 30-40 people, and has a 90 inch Smart Screen, full sound system and ambient lighting with views of the ocean and bay during the daytime. Visit www.bluewatersinn.com
After the recent addition of 15 new suites and an infinity pool in 2015, Bacolet Beach Club in Tobago is continuing its expansion with the addition of 10 two-bedroom suites. The new accommodations will have marble-tile and offer panoramic views of Sandy Bay. Construction is set to be completed by the end of 2016. Visit www.bacoletbeachclub.com
Cultural Celebrations and Festivals
The fourth annual Trinidad Fruit Festival will take place June 17-19 at Nu Image Simplex Complex, North Road, New Grant. In an effort to provide knowledge on local produce and the importance of maintaining local supply to meet international demands, the event will host a "Best Chow" competition and aerobic challenge, as well as host several local fruit vendors. Admission is free and prizes will also be given throughout the festival. For more information, call (868) 771-2473.
From July 16 - August 1, the Tobago Heritage Festival will celebrate Emancipation Day with a J’ouvert-style street celebration, ending with a parade. The festival is one of the most important events of the year for the island, as both Trinidad and Tobago have extensive cultural backgrounds including European African and Amerindian. Unique events and dances will be hosted in various villages throughout the island, including the traditional “Ole Time Wedding,” held in the village of Moriah. The mock marriage ceremony highlights the influences of European culture on the local population with a procession of a bride and groom while guests dance in the streets.
The Tobago Blue Food Festival on October 16, 2016 will celebrate the culinary offerings of the island, particularly dasheen, a Caribbean root vegetable that turns blue when cooked. Both local chefs and indigenous cooks will come together to share their knowledge, cooking secrets and dasheen-inspired dishes. Guests can participate in cooking demonstrations and competitions, sample local dishes and enjoy entertainment by popular local performers.
Air Travel
Trinidad’s national carrier, Caribbean Airlines, has launched its “Happiest Ultimate Moments” (H.U.M.) campaign, designed to create ‘positive vibes’ and provide added value for regional and international passengers traveling between June 1 and September 30, 2016. The promotion allows travelers the opportunity to take advantage of special discounts at retail and entertainment merchants throughout Caribbean Airlines regional and international destinations. Passengers will receive a H.U.M. pass when they check in at the airport, and will also have a chance to win tickets and other incentives through Caribbean Airlines’ social media promotions. There is also an opportunity to earn 50 percent more miles using Caribbean Miles and 7th Heaven Rewards programs for tickets purchased in September. For a full list of partners, visit www.caribbean-airlines.com/Humdeals
New Tours, Activities and Entertainment
Radical Sports, owned by waterman Duane Kenny, has announced the introduction of foil boarding to its list of watersport lessons. A foil board is a kiteboard with a hydrofoil that extends from the bottom of the board. The foil causes the board to rise above the surface, eliminating drag. Participants should know how to kitesurf before trying foil boarding. Lessons are one-on-one with instructors and cost $95 per hour. Visit www.radicalsportstobago.com
The new “Indigenous Tobago – A local slice of Tobago” tour offers visitors a day in the life of a local in Tobago as part of their holiday experience. The itinerary begins with a local breakfast of coconut bake, salt-fish buljol, smoked fish, fried eggplant and other offerings before a short tour of the kitchen garden. From there, participants will head to Pigeon Point to depart for a glass-bottom boat trip to the Buccoo Reef and Nylon Pool, followed by a curry crab and dumpling lunch on the beach. The tour costs $88 per person and includes ground transfers, breakfast, lunch, drinks, entrance to Pigeon Point, boat trip, guide and snorkeling. For more information or to book, email [email protected].
Conservation and Preservation
The Cropper Foundation, based in Trinidad & Tobago, has introduced a new pilot program called the Tobago Water Colours Adaptation Project in an effort to combat climate change along Buccoo Reef using underwater coral sculptures. Trinidadian Carnival artist Peter Minshall, who helped design the opening awards ceremonies for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, is creating two carnival-themed underwater sculptures for the program, which is funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Eventually, a larger project is expected to be funded, in which Minshall will install a complete band of carnival sculptures in the reef.
Hotel Packages and Specials
Blue Waters Inn in Tobago, a popular hotel among divers, is offering special summer rates for guests booking stays between June 30 and September 1, 2016. Rates for a two-night stay start at $343, $500 for three nights and $750 for a five-night stay. All rates apply to Standard Rooms, which have either one king bed, or two double beds and are beachfront. All rates include taxes and full breakfast at the waterfront Drift Deck restaurant. Children under five stay free, and children ages 5-11 are $16 per child per night (max. two children per room). Visit www.bluewatersinn.com
Coblentz Inn Boutique Hotel located in Port of Spain, Trinidad, is offering a special rate for guests who book a stay from June through September 2016. The reduced rate is $105 per night and includes a complimentary welcome mini bar, continental breakfast and Wi-Fi. Each room is also fitted with a fully-equipped kitchenette. Visit www.coblentzinn.com
Rovanel’s Resort in Tobago was recently rebranded as Rovanel’s Resort & Conference Centre with the addition of new meetings and events spaces. The resort is offering guests who stay from June 1 through August 31 special rates on four night stays, starting at $130 per night. Additionally, guests who book four nights will only pay for three. Breakfast, Wi-Fi and taxes are all included with the special price, which is valid for single or double occupancy. The resort is also offering a new "Fun & Relax"package, which is $750 for four nights, inclusive of airport transfers, breakfast, two-day car rental, taxes and Wi-Fi. The offer is valid for the executive rooms with Jacuzzi with single or double occupancy. Visit www.rovanelsresorttobago.com