Truly Tobago Travel

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TRAVEL 29 The THE Voice 14.05.15 14.05.15 VOICE SPECIAL TRAVEL FEATURE www.tobagostyle.travel/uk

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TOBAGO STYLE INSIDE British Airways Tobago Football Legends tournament Wedded bliss under the sun Authentic, Accessible and Affordable The Caribbean’s playful paradise Enjoy your tee in Tobago with a round of golf

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Football legends flock to Tobago

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:

ON THE BALL: Ian Wright with Tobago Brand Ambassador Yorke (right) at the launch

HEADING TO THE SUN: Tracy Davidson-Celestine, Tobago’s Secretary for Tourism and Transportation (centre) with from left to right: Paul Davis, Ruel Fox, David Howells, Mitchell Thomas, Ian Wright, Ian Dowie, Luke Young and two British Airways British Airways ambassadors

By Rodney Hinds

S

OME OF the most popular footballers to have played in the Premier League will take part in the British Airways Tobago Football Legends tournament to be hosted in the beautiful Caribbean island of Tobago from June 15-22.

Former Manchester United star and Tobago Global Brand Ambassador Dwight Yorke heads a posse of top names including, Stan Collymore, Paul Davis, David Howells, Ruel Fox, Sean Davis, Paul Hall, Luke Young, Iain Dowie and Mitchell Thomas who will play in next month’ football extravaganza.

Yorke said at the launch of the event last year: “Today’s launch is all about giving visitors from UK and Europe the chance to come and see football Tobago-style.

“As well as mixing with players everyone is familiar with, you will get a chance to relax in one of the most beautiful places on earth, play a little golf and enjoy the unrivalled hospitality offered by the people of Tobago.”

TOURNAMENT The British Airways Tobago Football Legends tournament will see 64 of the best Premier League’s past players locking horns in Tobago.

The fast paced six-a-side tournament has been organised by the Tobago House of Assembly, British Airways, which flies twice weekly to Tobago and the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA).

Fans from the UK will be able to rub shoulders with the stars on BA’s flights to Tobago ahead of the tournament.

“We are excited to host this prestigious event and strengthen our long standing relationship with our friends in the UK and Europe,” said Tracy Davidson-Celestine, Tobago’s Secretary for Tourism and Transportation.

“Football might have been invented in the UK but I can promise you that we have a very special brand of fun-filled sporting excitement and

“ We are excited to host this prestigious event ”

natural beauty that makes for a unique visitor experience.”

Old rivalries will be reignited, said Yorke and other officials at the launch. Players from Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham, Everton and Liverpool are expected to face-off against allstar line-ups from the PFA and the Caribbean.

“We can’t wait to be able to bring this fantastic event to Tobago in June,” said Bobby Barnes, deputy chief executive of the PFA. “We are sure there will be a few old scores to settle as none of the lads have lost that competitive edge. We’ll just have to make sure they take it easy on the rum punch!”

Former Liverpool striker Collymore is the latest top Premier League legend to confirm he will compete in Tobago.

Collymore, now a leading broadcaster and social media football pundit, will also play a major role in promoting the British Airways Tobago Football Legends tournament. “I can’t wait to visit the beautiful twin islands and play in the tournament,” he said.

“I am excited to join with Trinidad & Tobago and British Airways in spreading the word about this great event. I am equally committed to visiting a number of local communities as part of the outreach team.”

Others expected to strut their stuff include, exEngland winger Darren Anderton, who will be joined by England team mate Ugo Ehiogu, former France and Man. United star Louis Saha, Dutch internationals Pierre Van Hooijdonk and Michael

PLAYING DAYS: Dwight Yorke in action for Manchester United

Mols, Swiss international and Liverpool defender Stephane Henchoz and ex- Portugal and Arsenal star Luis Boa Morte.

The six-a-side tournament will see top players competing in high quality games amid the sumptuous Tobago scenery, and will see them travelling the length and breadth of the island working with local children to ensure a lasting legacy from the tournament.

COMMUNITIES Collymore will run a special promotion with a vacation giveaway to watch the Legends event in an effort to help raise the island’s profile and his Twitter followers from 704K to over the magic one million mark.

The ex-England and Liverpool star, famous for scoring the winning goal for Liverpool against Newcastle in the 4-3 win that many regard as the best ever Premier League game, will also work with youth in a number of local communities.

The Divisions of Tourism and Transportation, Education, Youth and Sports have teamed up with leading UK airline British Airways, the Professional Footballers Association, which represents past and present professional footballers in the UK, and a host of local supporters to bring the footballing greats to play on island.

Top UK broadcaster Sky Sports will also air a 90- minute documentary on the event. official hotel partner, Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort, is offering special packages during the month of June.

T British Airways and partner hotel the Magdalena Grand Beach Hotel & Golf Resort, Tobago for the British Airways Tobago Legends Football Challenge offer flights and accommodation in Tobago, please visit: www.ba.com/tobgao and www.magdalenagrand.com/uk

Caribbean island gearing up for British Airways Tobago Football Legends Challenge June 15-22

T Find the perfect accommodations for your stay, from luxurious villas, to quaint bed and breakfast establishments, to guesthouses and full-service hotels, many of them with views to die for. Learn about the many festivals, as well as cultural and sporting events that take place throughout the year. Let us help you find that perfect restaurant, idyllic beach or historical attraction. See why dive enthusiasts, romantics, adventure seekers, bird-watchers and beach lovers all have Tobago on their to-do lists! Visit: www.tobagohoteltourism.com SOCIAL MEDIA

#tobgaolegends | #tobagostyle | Twitter: @visittobago | Facebook: visittobago

The Voice 14.05.15 TRAVEL 31

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Authentic, Accessible and Affordable The island’s natural beauty is simply awe inspiring

Wedded bliss COUPLES CAN get married within three working days in Tobago. The island’s picture perfect views, intimate venues and authentic island flavour offer an impressive range of options for couples seeking a truly romantic experience, destination wedding or honeymoon.

Truly romantic Tobago is indeed the reality with year-round sunshine, pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, verdant landscapes, and authentic West Indian cuisine.

The Tobago Bridal Association will happily provide couples with all the necessary wedding planning guidance including limousines and legalities to caterers and where best to stay for all budgets.

Tobago is undoubtedly one of the Caribbean’s best kept secrets and this tropical paradise is dotted with a large number of private, luxury villas from affordable to mid chic to high-end. All provide modern amenities that ensure each guest experiences the ultimate getaway.

Whether nestled amid lush tropical trees or on gently sloping hillsides with panoramic views of the island and ocean, the island’s villas emphasise elegant comfort amidst the serenity of nature. g Visit: www.tobagobridalassociation.net

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OBAGO, SITTING pretty some 20 miles northeast of Trinidad, knows a thing or two about rarity. The island’s languid temperament, sunwarmed bays and unspoilt villages make it one of the few places in the region that can genuinely lay claim to showcase “the Caribbean as it used to be”.

It measures just 27 miles across by seven miles wide, but within these modest dimensions it packs in spectacular beaches, verdant hills, a unique personality, a proud heritage, consistently delicious food and a vibrant events calendar.

When you factor in an impressively diverse spread of accommodation - from luxurious hotels to characterful guesthouses - you are left with world- class holiday potential.

BEAUTIFUL AND GENTLY TOUCHED BY TIME Tobago’s natural beauty is simply awe-inspiring. Scenic drives on accessible terrain through the flat coral plains of the southwest and hills of the northern and eastern ends of the island will reveal delightful images in succession.

Turtle-watching, snorkelling and diving reveal many of the natural treasures of the sea. And there are many secluded waterfalls and an award-winning main ridge rainforest reserve, home to ancient canopies of verdant green, over 220 species of bird and diverse wildlife.

Unpretentious, simple & rustic LIFE’S A breeze on Tobago. Its slow and scenic pace offers a soothing ‘get-away-from-it-all atmosphere.’ This treasure of an island has long remained ‘under the radar’ and so its people, rich culture and largely unknown and unspoilt terrain serve to intrigue those seeking the ideal private Caribbean escape.

Unpretentious, simple & rustic: experience all that you have dreamed the unspoilt Caribbean to be.

In Tobago, idyllic and isolated beaches are within reach of most hotels, resorts and B&Bs. Sun worshipers and sea bathers can have their pick of pristine beaches where they can truly swim, surf or soak in solitude.

The island is dotted with many uncrowned and idyllic coves and bays. Some are closely guarded secrets that friendly locals will share if asked; other more popular areas are easier to find and won’t disappoint.

As if Tobago’s natural beauty, pristine waters, living culture and delectable culinary offerings aren’t enough to draw visitors, Tobago is also home to some of the warmest, friendly and welcoming human beings. Tobagonians are proud of their piece of paradise and will do whatever they can to ensure that you love it as much as they do.

HOW TO GET THERE Tobago is linked to the world through A.N.R Robinson International Airport. Virgin Atlantic Airways, British Airways and Caribbean Airways provide direct service from London (Gatwick) to Tobago.

Several major carriers make direct scheduled stops to the island from Germany, Frankfurt, Sweden and the USA. Cruise ships call at the terminal in Scarborough located in the heart of the town. Trinidad also connects Tobago to the Caribbean and North America.

Getting to Tobago from Trinidad is easy, take a cruise on the fast ferry (duration 2 ½ hours) or fly with Caribbean Airlines (duration 20 minutes).

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The Caribbean’s playful paradise Tobago is packed with natural beauty and hidden charms, with a sporting side sure to satisfy

A

PLAYFUL paradise packed with the natural beauty and hidden charms, Tobago’s playful side is sure to satisfy!

From horse-riding, ATVs, zip-lining, hiking, golf, ‘pullingseine’ (catching fish) with the locals, endless water sports, gourmet-dining, street parties, cultural theatre, goat and crab racing and the island’s unique harvest celebration, where you can literally move from ‘house-to-house’ to enjoy food and drink ‘Tobago style.’

In Tobago you can choose between water or land adventures, which feature species endemic to the island and region that test your endurance - all against a backdrop of sheer beauty and tranquility.

Tobago is considered an ideal water sport destination, whatever your level of experience.

Sailing and all other water-based activities can be fun and exhilarating. The island offers the classic Caribbean ingredients of warm clear water, secluded bays and fantastic snorkelling and scuba diving sites, with predictable trade winds and spectacular coral reef which all make Tobago a great destination for those who yearn for the sea and like to get salty.

When compared to many other destinations, on any day, Tobago offers more water activity options.

Its southerly location, outside of the hurricane belt, provides for almost perfect weather year-round. Even when the wind conditions change, you still have a selection of options.

From wind, wave or kite surfing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, jet skiing or rides on banana boats and donuts to hobie cat sailing, stand up paddling or sport fishing, you are sure to have your fill.

Tobago’s diverse, fertile and pristine landscape brims with activities and adventures to satisfy adventure lovers. Whatever your pleasure, you are far more likely to run short of time than of things to do.

FUN TIME (above): Kite-surfing is popular in Tobago MAKING A SPLASH (top right): Youngsters set for a a swim PEDAL POWER (right): Cyclists in action during the Tobago Cycling International Classic

All that jazz!

THERE WAS fun in the Caribbean sun as Tobago recently hosted its annual music spectacular that is Tobago Jazz Experience.

Attendees came from far and wide to enjoy the sun, sea and sensational music, courtesy of a host of international artists.

The line-up included R&B star Jennifer Hudson; soul singers Jill Scott and Erykah Badu; dancehall don Busy Signal; and the legendary funkmasters, Kool & The Gang. ¢ For information on GeeStor Productions Jazz Experience 2016 trip to Tobago please email: sarah@geestor.co.uk Visit: www.tobagojazzexperience.com STAR STUDDED STAGE (left): Erykah Badu JUST COOL (below left): Funkmasters Kool & The Gang LEGEND (below): Dionne Warwick performs in Tobago ENGAGED (below right): Busy Signal

Enjoy your tee in Tobago of Tobago, and the adjacent IF WATER sports are not Atlantic Ocean. All the holes your thing, budding Tiger have four tee positions.

Woods’ can literally turn In stark contrast to the their hand to a round of coastline holes, others weave golf. The Tobago Plantatheir way through mature tions Golf Club is the cenpalm trees and surrounding trepiece of the Tobago mangroves. Artificial lakes Plantations Estate that inand wetlands have been cludes Magdalena Grand created and developed to Beach & Golf Resort, luxuregenerate nature. The Tory villas and accommodabago Plantations Golf Course tions in Tobago. is PGA designed to ChamThe Par-72, 18-hole pionship standards opened course has been woven in 2001 and was updated in into the landscape of an 2013. old coconut plantation.

Another option for golf lovThe landscape varies ers is The Mount Irvine Bay greatly throughout the Golf Course an award-wincourse with lakes, wood- DIFFERENT BALL ning championship quality 18land thickets, beaches, GAME: Dwight Yorke hole course with spectacular mangroves and wild grass tries his hand at golf views of the Caribbean Sea, providing each hole with a carved out from the grounds very distinctive character of true Tobago golf. The course is a good of an old coconut plantation.

The course was designed by the late test of the game for golfers of all levels.

The flat terrain of just over 7,000 yards Commander John D. Harris and, considhas been sensitively modified to utilise in- ered to be his finest, it is regarded as one digenous plants and increase the habitat of the premier golf courses in the Caribbean. Established in 1968, the course is set diversity for wildlife.

There are characteristic pot bunkers within gently rolling countryside along the sunk into the greensides, and a Par 4 that north coast of Tobago, with a view of the goes out onto the peninsula to enjoy pan- sea from every hole and an abundance of oramic views of Scarborough, the capital massive coconut palm trees.