Trinidad & Tobago Nature Explorer

PAX Guest House

Tunapuna

High on a hill in the grounds of a Benedictine monastery, Pax Guest House has the mountains and forests of the Northern Range at its rear and wide views over the plains to the south. It is well sited for day trips to most parts of the island.

There are 19 guest rooms, dining and sitting rooms, and balconies overlooking the gardens. Nature trails lead around a 600-acre estate. The hospitality is genuine and the ambience is peaceful. Rooms. Pax is famed for its high teas in late afternoon. The manager, Gerard, makes a fine rum punch at sundown.

Rooms are simply furnished, many with antique furniture made by the monks and with ceiling fans. Some have private bathrooms, but most just have sinks in the room, with separate men’s and ladies’ showers and WCs a few steps across a corridor. The whole property is rather a 1950s time wharp - in need of renovation.

Asa Wright Nature Centre

Arima Valley

Asa Wright, surrounded by the forests of the Northern Range, is a world famous destination for birdwatchers. Over 170 bird species have been recorded at this former coffee-cocoa-citrus plantation established from early work in the area by Dr William Beebe. Many species can be seen from the verandah of the main Victorian house or along numerous trails on the estate.

The lodge has 24 en suite bedrooms, mostly in cottages in the gardens near the main house. All have private verandahs.

There is an oilbird colony that can be visited by guests staying for 3 nights or more. The property is spread over a hillside with numerous steps to reach some rooms. There are a couple of rooms in the main house for less able visitors.

Asa Wright Lodge gets very booked up in high season so you need to reserve well in advance.

Mount Plaisir Estate

Grande Riviere

An charming, easy-going hideaway hotel located directly on the beach in the quiet village of Grande Riviere on Trinidad’s remote north-east coast, below the forests of the Northern Range. The good-sized beach in front of the hotel is a great place to see leatherback turtles. They nest in numbers between March and August. Hatchlings make their hazardous journey to the sea between May and September. For birders the main attraction is the Trinidad Piping Guan, a rare endemic which can be found in forests behind the village. Recently renovated rooms decorated in a contemporary minimalist style all include energy efficient A/C and fans, mini-fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, in room safe, hair-dryer and wifi. Nov TV in rooms. Hotel facilities include a small plunge pool, restaurant, bar/lounge and gift shop.

Cuffie River Nature Retreat

Moriah

This is a super locally owned eco-lodge for those who enjoy walking and natural history situated on the edge of the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere. Each of the 10 spacious, high ceilinged guest rooms have private bathrooms with solar heated hot water, balconies with seating looking onto the lush vegetation, safe and tea/coffee making facilities. There 8 deluxe suites with two double beds, one family suite with three double beds and an executive suite with an ultra king sized bed, three different views over the property and cable TV. Free wifi with varying signal strength is available. There is chlorine free saltwater swimming pool,  well stocked fruit tables and nectar feeders to attract birds. Great Caribbean home cooked meals are served and whatever ingredients the lodge can't grow themselves the owner, Regina Dumas, buys from surrounding villages. The lodge's award winning local guide, Desmond Wright can escort you on a shared guided walk at additional cost along 5 trails - 3 are good birding trails (over 100 species have been recorded on the property), others are for admiring the scenery including a splendid 50ft waterfall.

Note: as Regina serves a set meal at a fixed time, please do tell us in advance if you have any food allergies/dislikes.

Blue Waters Inn

Speyside

Set in the semi-private and stunning Batteaux Bay in Speyside in 46 acres of lush grounds, Blue Waters Inn is a resort style property with 38 rooms in total. All rooms and bungalows have A/C, safe, coffee maker, safe, wifi, balcony or patio and differing views of the sea. Spacious beachfront standard rooms each have a king sized bed, bay views and are located near the restaurant, bar and pool area. Beachfront superior rooms have a king or two double beds, bay views and a ceiling fan. Beachfront deluxe rooms are more spacious with a king or two queen beds and sea views, whilst beachfront deluxe studios have a king bed and a full equipped kitchen. One bedroom beach bungalows have a king bed, separate living and dining area with kitchen, sea views and are steps away from the beach. Bungalow no.9 has two bedrooms, a spacious opening living/dining area and large kitchen.

On site there is an onsite restaurant "Aqua", bar and dive shop, free use of kayaks and paddle boards, TV room/library and a number of nature trails in the grounds. There is a small swimming pool overlooking the bay the depth of which starts at 3 ft. with a step down to 7ft.

Note: if you should wish to walk into the village it would be a 20 minute walk, 1.5km, over a steep hill)