A Weekend Getaway - Bacolet Beach Club
In recent years, one of my goals has been to travel to at least one to two new countries every year. It was going pretty well, and then Covid-19 happened. I live in Trinidad and Tobago where the borders have been closed since March 2020. Plans to re-open in a staggered manner have since been squashed with the threat of a new, more contagious strain. Even travel between the two islands was restricted for a good part of 2020. In fact, my Tobago trip was originally booked for September 2020, and then more lockdown restrictions caused this to be cancelled. My security deposit at the hotel was expiring in December, and as such I needed to make use of it, or lose the TT$600. The inter-island bridge was open, and I seized the opportunity to have a brain cooler after my December exams.
The original trip was for three persons and while we were okay with one or two rooms, we specifically requested individual beds. We were still trying to be safe and social distance. At the time, Bacolet Beach Club was only one of a few options that had this option on our requested dates. The accomodation for three persons for two nights in the Tower Suite was TT$4,000 inclusive of daily a la carte breakfast and lunch. When this trip got canceled, I re-booked in December for two persons, a two night stay at the Superior Room with an ocean/pool view, plus daily a la carte breakfast and lunch, and a complimentary drink on arrival. This total cost was TT$2,000. This cost included all taxes, and the utilisation of the security deposit.
Booking Process:
It was a seamless, easy process where I called and then got a contact who I dealt with via Whatsapp. She was very pleasant, and responded to all queries in a professional, timely manner. I was able to pay the deposit via Credit Card, and the balance also by Credit Card upon arrival. I usually book via Expedia, but they don't always have all the options available, and sometimes there are specials for locals, so check both options before. Point to remember, the direct booking for locals should always be the same, or lower than the Expedia price. I personally thought given the circumstances, the validity of the six month security deposit should have been extended, as it wasn't possible to travel to the island and hotel for a good part of that period, but policy is policy I guess.
Location:
Located in Bacolet, the hotel was about twenty minutes away from the airport, as well as the popular beaches of Store Bay and Pigeon Point. We had initially decided that we'd just take taxis to and from places, as it was just the two of us, and only for two days. However, the one way cost from airport to hotel was TT$120. This was also to one way cost to any beach, and back to the airport. We quickly realised that cost was going to add up real quick, and as we both drive, and Tobago isn't unfamiliar territory, we decided to rent a car. We were able to get a car rented for 24 hours for TT$300. The guy dropped it off for us at the hotel at 2.30pm, and he collected it at the airport around the same time before we checked in to return to Trinidad. If we had not rented this car, it would have cost us over TT$500 to get around, and this would not have included the convenience, and ease of stopping where we wanted, like for local ice cream, grocery runs for wine since bars and restaurants still closed, or unable to serve alcohol.
Note: You can rent cars directly from the hotel at TT$320 per day, but I didn't find out the details in terms of if we'd be able to leave it at the airport, etc.
Check-In:
Good photo spot..not good for toting your own luggage.
We had informed them of our arrival time before, and when we arrived about 9pm there was someone to check us in and show us to our room. Listen, thank god all I had was a carry on because there were stairs upon stairs, and no porter, or assistance. It reminded me of when I was in Cienfuegos in Cuba, and there was a narrow, steep circular staircase to carry my big suitcase. Except that time, the Airbnb host and the boyfriend were around to do the heavy lifting, instead of me. It was a pain getting the luggage to the room, and even worse getting it from the room when we were checking out.
Room:
The room was comfortable. The bed was a king, and comfy. However, there was no blanket/thick top sheet on the bed. What!? We called reception which according to the info left in the room closed after 10pm, to be told, only the security was available. To his credit, he took the info and brought us 'blankets'. These so called blankets looked like old curtains, and were just sad. I was exploring the room, and got mesmerized by the balcony with the pool view, until my friend pointed out that the toilet had no door. Guys...THE TOILET HAD NO DOOR. It was in the corner next to the shower which had a door. While I went with my close friend, I didn't expect us to have to share such close quarters. Even if I was staying with my significant other, I believe in firm closed door policies. Ain't nothing sexy about using the toilet in front of anyone. Keep that shizz private...forever. We were able to just let each other know and the other would hang out on the balcony. Thank god for a comfortable balcony. As we're on that point, I found my happy place on that balcony. I felt so at peace. I could have happily spent an entire weekend just relaxing there looking at the pool and ocean. This part of the room gets a hands down 10/10. Overall, it was clean (but not spotless, as there was dust visible on the white lounge chairs outside), spacious and the decor was okay. The lack of blankets and toilet door were offset by the balcony ambience, so all in all, it gets a pass rating. Would I pick it again knowing these things? No.
Restaurant - Cafe Havana
Pathway from hotel to Restaurant
As noted, the booking we selected included two breakfasts and two lunches. I enquired and they said it doesn't matter whether you take it on the day you check in/check out, as you're allowed two. We only had one lunch, as we were out on the Sunday, and I really wanted crab and dumpling, with a side of Piriton (allergy tablet). Kids, don't be like me, but if y'all ever doubted that my belly gets priority over everything else..there ya go! We did not get the welcome drink upon arrival, and were not even informed about it, and when we remembered and called to enquire, there was no one at reception. However, when we went to the restaurant for lunch on Saturday, the waitress told us we could have our welcome drink. This was any drink from the menu, so we had a mojito and a daiquiri, which were good. Good thing we got the welcome drink then because she informed us that the a la carte lunch does not come with a drink. Is that normal? I can understand it not coming with alcoholic drinks, but not even a juice, or soda, or water?! I'm supposed to pay for a drink, or choke? I just find that's really poor. Breakfast was a buffet, and it was sufficient, with your staples of toast, eggs, sausage, fruit, yogurt, tea, and so on. On Sunday, it was slightly different, with bake and saltfish being an option. The breakfast tasted good, so was adequate. For lunch on Saturday we had sandwiches, a chicken and a fish, and it was delicious. You could tell it was fresh, and cooked after the order was place, so it was hot, well-seasoned and tasty.
Spa:
There's a spa but I really didn't even think about it at the time, so I can't comment on the quality and price of services offered, as I did not indulge. However, my booking confirmation noted that they have a "range of spa treatments, including Swedish massage, stress release foot and aromatherapy massages, with prices starting from TT$330 per person." Having the option is always a plus, and as I sit in my apartment wishing I was in Bago, I'm wishing I had the option.
Beach/Pool Access:
My friend is tiny…5 ft 2’ and this is her passing on the walkway from room to pool.
The beach is accessible via a walkway directly from the hotel. There's no lifeguard, but it's a nice beach, with a beach bar. The beach bar was very rustic, but convenient to get your drinks without having to walk back to the hotel, or walk down with your own stocks. Also, they were playing music, and soca, so while not loud, it was vibesy, and a good time. The water was not rough, and we dabbled but did not bathe. The bar only takes cash, so for those cashless people, take note. The pool was lovely. It's open 24/7 as long as you're not loud during the night to disturb other guests. There's alot of lounging space directly around the pool as well as further down, between the pool and the walkway to the beach. This pool I'm referring to is what I considered the main pool, but I could be wrong. There are two other pools on compound, which we did not have time to use. One peeve that I have is that the walkway to the pool/beach was covered with plants (see pic), so it was a bit hazardous, especially when wet, or dark, or both. All in all, these facilities did add to the experience, as it gives options of free in-hotel activities.
Overall:
The overall hotel and restaurant needs some upgrades, and more attention needs to be paid to upkeep. Deep cleanings are clearly not done regularly. The decor, and overall furnishings in some areas look dated and a bit worse for wear. There are some amazing photo opportunity spots and great potential, but it needs some work. If you don't want to rent a car, stay somewhere closer to the places you want to visit because that taxi cost is gonna add up real quick. I'm sure you can take local taxis, but honestly I don't even do that in Trinidad, so I would have to figure out how to do it in Tobago and get back to you guys. Would you want me to?
Honestly, it was so strange to be in Tobago and not have the beaches pumping with music, and not have a bar/club/roadside to hang out at night. Even at Store Bay, it was so quiet, and did not have many people. All the food sheds weren't even open. My heart breaks for everyone who depends on the tourist and even local support for their livelihood. It was a hard 2020, and from the looks of it, 2021 will also be a major challenge. This is another reason to support local. You're literally affording someone else the dignity of earning an income by providing you with a product or service. On one of my laments about probably not being able to travel in 2021, my friend told me to save so I can do a big trip when we can. To which I responded, nope. I'm going to make the most of everything I can do in the areas I can do it. If that's limited to Trinidad and Tobago, then so be it. I'm going to live and explore the hell out of my beautiful twin island republic. Besides, at the rate things are going, the zombie apocalypse might be next, so I'mma live the present to the fullest.
My overall rating is a 3/5 for everything, and my friend's was the same.
My Itinerary for this two day getaway:
Friday evening:
- Leave work, park at airport, check in, flight to Tobago, taxi to hotel, check in hotel, relax.
We got dinner in Trinidad so we just relaxed on the balcony and had some much needed girl chat.
Saturday:
- Breakfast at hotel restaurant
- Relax at Bacolet beach
- Lunch at restaurant
- Rental car dropped off at Bacolet Beach Club
- Drive to Penny Savers for wine, water and chocolates - the essentials you know.
- Ice Cream Stop - I had ponche de creme which was heavenly
- Relax at Store Bay - water was super cold, and it was overcast, but it was a lovely evening
- Dinner at La Tartaruga - delicious food, great service, highly recommend
- Wine, chocolates and good company on the balcony
Sunday:
- Breakfast at hotel restaurant
- Pigeon Point - it was still overcast, and the water was cold, but it was lovely. Best part was randomly meeting up with some of my besties so we got to have a quick catch-up in.
- Crab & Dumplings at Store Bay
- Drop off the rental car at airport, and check in
- Arrive home and start planning the next Bago getaway
I plan on doing several Bago getaways, so you can look out for my feedback when planning your trip.
Also, if any hotel, villa, or Airbnb wants to offer accommodation for me to visit, and share the experience, hit me up. Just putting that out into the universe. :)
I also did a review on Le Grand Courlan Resort & Spa in Black Rock...Check it out here....
Where's your favorite place to stay in Tobago? Comment below…
Private access Bacolet Beach - Y’all should know by now I can’t go anywhere and not climb up on something.
