I have been fortunate enough to travel extensively to the Caribbean for both business and pleasure, but a few summers ago, I decided that the time had come, to take our toddler on his first Caribbean holiday.
Our “tick list” included; somewhere we could embrace the Caribbean culture, access to a private beach (pretty hard to come by in the Caribbean, I know) somewhere we could easily venture out with the buggy and a resort that would welcome our family. There was one place which ticked all the boxes and that was Coco Reef Resort & Spa in Tobago.
Upon arrival in Tobago, we took a taxi to the resort but hadn’t realised that Coco Reef is only a five-minute transfer time- ideal! Elaborate gold signage welcomed us to the islands best resort. We drove up the breath-taking driveway lined with beautifully manicured gardens fringed with palm trees and with an array of tropical birdlife visible. We parked up alongside the resorts own gold Rolls Royce and were personally welcomed by the GM.
We were ushered to a private check-in room, where Bertie was served his own pineapple mocktail, and Mum and Dad were spoilt with our own glass of Laurent Perrier Rose Champagne. Registration and check-in complete, we were escorted to our room which we were delighted to find had been named after us.
Everything at the resort was immaculate and all the staff were friendly and approachable. Coco Reef has a real feeling of old-world charm but with a luxurious feel. There are gold statues around property, quirky local artwork and crystal chandeliers – it feels very opulent without being tacky. They have a zero tolerance policy on single use plastics and take pride in the surroundings, you know you are somewhere special. The décor at Coco Reef is traditional Caribbean with wicker furniture, mahogany floor tiles and floral soft furnishings. Modern rooms would not fit with the character and style of this property. You very quickly look beyond the floral bedspread when you get absorbed into feeling of the place.
Our son was too young for a kid’s club, so we didn’t need a large family-orientated property- what ultimately sold Coco Reef to us was the beach. Coco Reef boasts Tobago’s only private beach- the golden sandy bay has its own shallow lagoon. We spent hours building sandcastles, running up and down the beach and paddling with the school of fish swimming around our toes. The shallow water with no waves is perfect for small children.
There are plenty of bars, restaurants and shops within walking distance- Store Bay to the West and Pigeon Point a longer walk to the East. Whilst there is only two restaurants, they mix it up. Lunch at Bacchanals is either a la carte with light menu, buffet or BBQ. The dinner at Tamaras was INCREDIBLE and comparable with some of the dishes we have had at 5* properties. The menu changes every two days, so plenty of options. We opted for All Inclusive, but given the location- you don’t need to. We just chose to for budgeting purposes.
We had such a wonderful holiday here and made lifelong memories. I personally recommend this resort to anyone who wants to holiday somewhere with an identity and sense of place, for those who want to be able to walk out to experience nightlife, culinary and heritage. Also simply anyone who wants an authentic Caribbean experience. The photos simply don’t do the property justice. We would return in a heartbeat!
Kerrie Bartholomew – Account Manager – Clear Marketing
