Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Trinidad & Tobago: Two Islands. Two Unique Experiences

The twin-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago is a unique and true Caribbean paradise boasting of a heady mix of cultural activities, eco-adventure and culinary delights. From relaxing on palm tree-lined white sandy beaches, to swimming in aquamarine clear waters, from the picturesque Maracas Beach to the Western Hemisphere’s oldest protected rainforest, T&T invites you to experience a destination where Thrill meets Tranquility! The twin-islands  undoubtedly offer a one-of-a-kind island escape.

Discover Trinidad

Trinidad, the larger of the two islands, is an entertainment centre with a wide selection of nightspots, restaurants and shopping destinations. Coupled with world-famous ecotourism sites, Trinidad has something to offer the nature-seeker as well as the party animal. Port of Spain, the capital since 1757, is a busy port city that is rich in history.


Trinidad is also home to several spectacular ecotourism attractions including the Caroni Bird Sanctuary, home of Scarlet Ibis and manatees, and the Asa Wright Nature Centre, a birdwatchers’ paradise hidden under the thick canopy of rainforests. This lively cosmopolitan island is a carousel of rhythm, colour and movement bursting with activity, music, festivals and vitality.

Discover Tobago 

 


If Trinidad is the energetic heart of the twin-islands, Tobago is its serene soul. Located just 15 minutes by air, or two hours away from Port of Spain by fast ferry, it is home to a host of beautiful beaches, waterfalls, wetlands and diving sites.


Covered by lush forests and surrounded by sparkling blue bays, Tobago’s crystal clear waters are home to spectacular reefs, boasting 300 species of coral and colourful fish.


Tobago is a quiet chunk of perfection, where the sun caresses and green hills tumble to turquoise serene seas and sandy beaches. An unspoiled holiday island, with a warm and peaceful lifestyle!

Entertainment & Nightlife

These Caribbean islands offer different experiences in the realm of entertainment. Alive with nightlife, Trinidad boasts myriads of options from pubs, to live theatre and modern dance clubs. You can enjoy fine dining and live music at a great number of venues in and around the capital city.

Tobago too offers you a variety of nightly live entertainment, including pool halls, casinos with blackjack and roulette, karaoke nights and variety shows with live music.

Culture & Cuisine

The country bursts with a rich culture, stemming from a history of European colonialism, West African slavery and East Indian indentureship. From Carnival to calypso, steelpan to stick fighting, Trinidad and Tobago has a rich and expansive culture that represents its diverse peoples and history.

Cricket is extremely popular in Trinidad, thanks to the island’s British heritage. Teams go bat-to-bat at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain. Trinidad and Tobago has given the world several legendary cricketers such as Brian Lara, Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo and Sunil Narine among others.


Many countries in the world boast of Carnival celebrations, but none quite as stunning and all-embracing as Trinidad’s national festival. With its massive masquerade bands, spectacular costumes, pulsating music and unparalleled stamina for partying, Trinidad's Carnival is often described as the greatest show on earth. It is a time for release and everyone is invited to join the party.

No trip to this twin-island nation is complete without samplings of the local cuisine. The unique culinary experiences reflect the culture which has made this nation the melting pot of the Caribbean. A local “Roti Shop” should be on the agenda and a trip to the “Doubles” man for a savoury breakfast treat is something not to be missed. For another local, tasty treasure head out to Maracas Bay and enjoy the world famous “Shark and Bake”!

History

The history of Trinidad and Tobago begins with the settlement of the islands by Amerindians. Both islands were encountered by Christopher Columbus on his third voyage in 1498. Trinidad remained a Spanish colony until 1797 but was largely settled by the French. Tobago changed hands between the British, French, Dutch and Courlanders but eventually ended up in British hands. Trinidad and Tobago obtained its independence from the British Empire in 1962.