Footie legends take over tropical paradise… but there’s much more to Tobago than that
The Magdelena Grand Beach and Gold Resort plays host to some top ex-footballers but head to Pigeon Point if snorkelling is more your sport
IT was a memorable week in Tobago but I definitely needed a break afterwards.
Just imagine it. Seven days and nights with a host of top ex-footballers in a leading, all-inclusive hotel.
The Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort has probably never seen anything like it.
Former players including Dwight Yorke, Patrik Berger, Stan Collymore, Pierre van Hooijdonk, Stephane Henchoz, Luis Boa Morte, Shaka Hislop — as well as cricket legend Brian Lara — all living it up at this popular hotel.
The stars were in Tobago for the British Airways Football Legends tournament.
Teams represented Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Aston Villa, plus there was a Premier League All Stars side and a Caribbean XI.
They all played hard and partied hard but still had time to take in some of the many delights of this jewel of the Caribbean, like the tranquil beaches at Pigeon Point, and the famous Bucco Reef.
Paddle boarding at Pigeon Point tested your balance and the famous local guide Alibaba tested your restraint on the boat trip to the reef and the awesome Nylon Pool.
His motto seemed to be: “No worries if the rum runs out, we’ll roar off and get some more while you’re snorkelling.”
And he did.
The snorkelling at Pigeon Point was excellent — we even found a baby shark nestling in the seaweed.
Adventurous souls ventured into the rainforest and saw the impressive Argyle Falls, a triple-decker waterfall well worth the yomp up.
Back at party central, there were steel bands, limbo dancers, lively markets, great food and an 18-hole Championship golf course to add to the experience.
Plus a free bar.
When the players had finally jetted back home, I headed to the north of the island.
I jumped in a cab then gave the driver my destination and promptly fell asleep for the slow drive along the coastal road.
An hour or so later I woke up and looked out to see the most amazing bay glittering down below.
“Wow, that’s amazing,” I said. “Where’s that?”
The driver smiled as he told me: “That’s where you’re staying.”
I was chuffed. Even more so once I checked into my room, which was just yards from the beach.
It was everything I wanted.
Every morning I woke to hear the waves washing on to the sand just outside my bedroom window.
And every night I fell asleep to the same, soothing sound.
The welcome from the staff was typically warm and friendly, and the affable, ever-smiling manager Curtis Lee set the perfect tone.
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But the welcome was not quite as warm from the other residents. Well, it was at first.
But not when they found out I was writing a travel report for the world’s favourite newspaper.
“Please don’t tell anyone about this place — it’s our little secret. It’s lovely, it’s peaceful, it’s perfect.
“If you write about it, everyone will want to come here.”
It was easy to understand why.
For a “get away from it all” break, it was idyllic.
A wonderful sunny cove all on its own surrounded by greenery, hills and little else.
On site, you are treated to a comfortable room, tasty food, a well-stocked bar . . . and good times.
Secluded and quiet, yes, but still plenty to do.
There is a small infinity pool, a beach, sunbeds, kayaks and boat trips. And for divers, it is superb.
I even passed the Padi open-water diving course there after signing up at the hotel’s in-house school, under the supervision of ace instructor Jochen Lee-Wo.
So I was able to really enjoy diving in the surrounding reefs and coastline, going far beyond where my usual snorkel would take me.
It was terrific but every night I wrestled with my conscience at the bar, slurping the best pina coladas I have ever had.
Hmmm.
What to do? Keep the secret or publish and be damned?
Well, as I am desperate to go back there and enjoy its unspoilt charm, I have decided to keep schtum.
So if you want to discover just how brilliant the Blue Waters Inn at Batteaux Bay, Speyside, really is . . . you will just have to jet off to Tobago and try to find it yourself.
Go: Tobago
GETTING/STAYING THERE: British Airways Holidays offers seven nights at the 4.5* Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort from £851 per person, based on two sharing a Deluxe Ocean front room on a B&B basis.
Price includes two rounds of golf per person at the Tobago Plantations course and direct returns from London Gatwick with BA when departing on September 5, 2017.
See or call 0844 493 0120.