I have just returned from Trinidad & Tobago FAM, courtesy of Trinidad and Tobago Tourist Board and Monarch Airlines. The group was formed of 15 female travel agents from UK, Denmark, Sweden and Netherlands under the leadership of great Andrew Hillier (We called the group as Andrew's Harem). Flying to Tobago via Grenada in Premium class, we were spoiled by great customer service. After arriving at Rex Resorts at Turtle Bay, we spent some time discovering the delights of the hotel. During our stay, we visited Trinidad, amazing ASA Wright nature reserve, Port of Spain and saw some great sights. Our local guise Cheri-Ann was a dynamic, knowledgeable guide with great sense of humour and she made our stay in Trinidad truly memorable by giving us an insight into the past, present and future of Trinidad. Eating at Richard's Shark and Bake was truly memorable before swimming in Maracas Bay.
Returning to Tobago, we stayed at Coco Reef and our last night at Stone haven Villas was truly unforgettable. We spent a whole day visiting various sites in Tobago, Having lunch at Gemma's in Speyside looking over the house where Ian Fleming once stayed at Goat Island was a delicious, not to miss, affair as the fresh food is to die for. The north of the Island is so green and serene that it will leave you wanting to return. The winding roads on the Caribbean sides of Island were thrilling to say the least. Englishman's Bay reminded me of Wineglass bay in Tasmania. Trip to no man's land snarling on the way and bathing in the Nylon pool were amongst many highlights of the trip.
With two Golf courses and plenty of hotels, the Islands have a lot to offer. There were so many bests that it is difficult to choose a particular day/event over preference to the others. Every morning we indulged in Fast facts about what we learnt about the Islands and the winner had to look after Steely for a whole day. The treasure hunt on the last day was a great learning exercise with a lot of fun and laughter. Out Tour guides were local ground handlers who fully participated in the treasure hunt. we were separated in three groups of four and a group of three and everyone thought that there local guide was the best but I would say that Lynden, our Group's guide from Tobago travels surpassed every expectation. Afterwards we had the chance to meet the hoteliers and do a presentation and sing a SOCA song.
The entertainment venues may not be a lot but the “Signature lounge” will remind you of Cheers Bar in Boston with music from all over the world, especially SOCA and local calypso. If you are in Tobago, the Signature lounge is a must. This bar is on par with the best bars in the world. There is a karaoke night on every Wednesday and the hosts are delightful with a great sense of humour and passion for music. It is truly a hidden Gem. Sunday school street party would be remembered by all who participated til the early hours.
This was the best FAM that I have been to due to a dynamic leadership. Andrew Hillier was truly an inspirational tour leader and my heartfelt thanks go to him for making this FAM a truly memorable, knowledgeable and fun affair. I also like to Thank Monarch and T&T tourism board for giving us the opportunity to learn more about these Islands. The diversity is genuine and as I said during my trip that if they could package their diversity into a bottle and export it to the world, the earth would be a happy place to live.
Sounds like a fantastic trip Iamozy.
Thanks also for the local tip offs. If I am ever lucky enough to find myself on Tobago, I will definitely go to the Signature Lounge!
Thanks Emily. Please don't forget karoni swamp and Asa Wright nature reserve in Trinidad. To see the scarlet IBIS, the national bird is a dight for sore eyes.