Tobago Travels
MADISON'S
5 Essential Things To Do In Tobago Plantations
After all the time I’ve spent time at these perfectly peaceful villas and I still can’t get enough of them, however, with every ‘goodbye’, there’s the chance of a warm returning ‘hello’.
The beauty of Tobago is never very far away on the estate, from our feathered friends visiting us at our bedroom windows to the competing spectrum of floral species that can be seen spread throughout the estate, here are, in my opinion, Essential Things to do in Tobago Plantations.
#5 - The Sugar Mill
In the latter half of the Eighteenth Century the island of Tobago was transformed into a sugar colony and exported its first shipment in 1770. In 1775, the sugar crop was largely destroyed by ants. Therefore, cotton and indigo were produced as an export substitute. However, in 1798 sugar again became the main export crop. The sugar mill was an engineering apparatus introduced to the island by the Dutch and the Courlanders.
The Sugar Mill at Lowlands is the most intact with the foundations, walls and roof in place. It forms part of the Tobago Plantations Estate, with a four-star hotel nearby. Anyone can access the sugar mill once the dirt road that leads towards this site is remembered. This sugar mill is also sometimes glimpsed from the Claude Noel Highway, the only highway on the island, once the bushes are not too heavily overgrown. The sugar mill is made from bricks, grey and black stones, mortar and mud.
The entrance to the sugar mill is clear and you can easily walk around it. It's a great excuse to go for a walk, run or stroll in the shadow of the Sugar Mill, its ancient presence reminds of our past and yet we can enjoy this monument to industry just a “stone’s-throw” from your villa.
#4 - The Petit Trou Lagoon
Perhaps my favorite island activity, visiting the Petit Trou Lagoon. It is located on the western side of Tobago; it features an interwoven system of mangrove trees - crucial to the security and health of the coastline’s ecology. Experience the beautiful surroundings on a romantic walk along the boardwalk, which stretches from the Plantations, in Lowlands.
Along the boardwalk, you find a variety of water activities such as; surfing and standing paddle board. The tranquil waters of the lagoon make this the ideal spot to perfect one’s balance while explore the mangroves that make life possible at the coastline.
These mangroves teem rich with wildlife, from Green Turtles and Pelicans to Mullet and Tarpon. The mangroves serve as breeding and feeding grounds, and is home to a diverse tropical-ecosystem. You can enjoy this natural wonder mare minutes from your doorsteps at Shandison Villa, The Lauren Taylor, Sea La Vista Villa and Sea La Vie Villa.
#3 - Bird Watching
Birds come in even more colours, shapes and sizes. Seeing them in their natural habitat is the best and only way to spend time with these remarkable creatures. At our Luxury Villas of Tobago you get the perfect opportunity to do just that, WATCH, RELAX and ENJOY!
While lounging in the pool, on private beach or just soaking in the sun one the grass, you can see birds flying to one of the many bird feeders spread throughout the Shandison and The Lauren Taylor property, luring our winged friends even closer. Birds like the Copper-rumped hummingbird, Magnificent Frigatebirds, Red-billed Tropicbird, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Rufous-vented Chacalaca, Motmot, Blue-backed Manakin, Bananaquit, are some of the incredible birds that call Tobago home.
This island paradise boasts a variety of bird species that found their way to the island from neighboring Venezuela and surroundings, with some species’ migration patterns stretching as far as the Artic Circle.
You don’t have to search far to find these splendid specimens, they find you where you are, all you have to do is be there.
#2 - Mangrove Boardwalk
The Boardwalk at Tobago Plantations is just one of the hundreds of places to visit on the island but it is definitely not one to be missed.
As you traverse the meandering wooden planks to different paths, the sights and sounds (and smells) of the thriving mangrove environment surround you. Look out for crabs popping out of their holes and birds perched on the roots of the trees as you navigate your way to the stunning Petit Trou Lagoon.
There is a particular spot at the end of the Boardwalk where the birds gather at 5:30pm in large numbers. I suggest you get a good night’s rest,
and head out early.
#1 - The Lilly's
Some nature lovers love hiking, some swimming and fishing, some enjoy the feeling the wind in your hair as you explore the wild. Me? I like to sit by the Ponds. There are 3 major ponds on the Plantation’s Estate, and if you enjoy the flora scattered throughout the estate, then you’ll love the picturesque sight of pink and white lilies floating on the ponds surface.
If you enjoy a calm, cool, easy afternoons, there is no better place to be but in the presence of these gliding beauties.
Whether you're visiting for the first time or a returning face to the island, we're sure you'll always discover new things about the island. Here are some Fun Facts about the Island:
1. Tobago's name is derived from this smoking device.
The First People named the island ‘Tavaco’ after the long-stemmed pipe they used to smoke tobacco.
2. Tobago changed hands over 30 times.
From the late 15th century onward, no other West Indian Island has been fought over by European powers with as much intensity than Tobago. Over a period of 250 years, there were numerous upheavals during the quest for ownership by the Spanish, British, Courlanders (modern-day Latvia), French, Dutch and even Americans.
3. Nylon Pool got its name from this Royal.
The iconic Nylon Pool got its name from Princess Margaret who visited the island in 1962 while on her honeymoon. Upon seeing the in-sea shallow white ground coral pool, she is said to have marveled at the fact that it was as clear as her nylon stockings.
4. ‘Robinson Crusoe’ and ‘Swiss Family Robinson’ and were both filmed in Tobago.
Robinson Crusoe was shot in 1926 while Swiss Family Robinson was filmed between 1959 and 1960. According to film lore, the producers of Swiss Family Robinson turned down shooting in Jamaica and Trinidad but when they discovered Tobago, they instantly fell in love. John Mills, who played Father said, "I've been all over the world to shooting locations and I don't think I've ever been to a more lovely location."
5. The Main Ridge Forest Reserve is the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere.
The Main Ridge Forest Reserve was declared a Crown Reserve in 1776 making it the oldest legally protected forest reserve in the Western Hemisphere established for a conservation purpose. Described as the backbone of Tobago, it spans about two-thirds of the island and is home to a number of flora and fauna. It's estimated that the rainforest provides habitats for 12 to 16 species of mammals out of the nearly 90 in the Caribbean, 24 non-poisonous snakes, 16 lizards and over 210 species of birds.
6. It's the home of this award-winning chocolate.
The Tobago Cocoa Estate in Roxborough produces the Trinitario Cocoa Bean that creates its signature chocolate bars. The delicious bars are world-renowned, winning a multitude of accolades including the International Chocolate Awards.
7. You can take a road trip around the entire island in a day.
Tobago encompasses an area of 116 square miles which means you can explore the island in a day. No matter what type of tourist you are, there's no better way to discover a destination than a road trip. Revel in its natural splendor and drive through the Main Ridge Forest Reserve, beach hop, or learn about the island's storied history by visiting forts and ruins of sugar factories, windmills, and waterwheels.
8. Latvians, not the British, were the island's first settlers.
Tobago was formerly a British colony and left an indelible mark on the island in many ways. But, you'd be surprised to know that they weren't the first to colonize. Although it was first sighted in 1498, no one was able to settle in Tobago mainly because the indigenous tribes fought them off. That changed in 1642 when the Courlanders (modern-day Latvia) established the first sustained European settlement, occupying for 12 years until the Dutch settled in another part of the island.
9. There's another London Bridge...and it exists in Tobago.
The most famous dive site in Charlotteville, the natural arch of Tobago's London Bridge's arch echoes its namesake. It's perfect for advanced divers and provides a unique experience every visit with its dramatic overhangs and crevices. It’s not for the faint-hearted since it’s only eight metres deep and four metres wide with a huge surf, but well worth the effort since there are turtles, green morays and huge parrotfish living in the zone.
10. Tobago is the hometown of actor Winston Duke.
Born in Argyle, Tobago before moving to New York, Winston Duke has quickly become a Hollywood favorite with his memorable performances as M'baku in several films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Jordan Peele's Us, Netflix’s Spenser Confidential and more. In between his busy schedule, he still finds time to visit home, including checking out the annual Tobago Jazz Festival.
Discover even more things to do, see and experience here and check out our other blogs for more ideas on how to plan your trip to Tobago.
