BELLA VISTA COTTAGE, CHARLOTTEVILLE, TOBAGO

I had booked Bella Vista Cottage based on the reviews and the smart website but hadn't wanted to get too excited - from the photos it looked like a nice, basic little place with a modest terrace. We arrived with the lovely Jeb, who Violet arranged to pick us up from the airport and who couldn't have done more to help us by stopping at the supermarket and an amazing bakery, plus an impromptu viewpoint on the way! On arrival the cottage absolutely knocked my socks off - the view was amazing - so open and so beautiful! The cottage was so much bigger than I had thought from the photos, with a big kitchen area, well equipped and with a big breakfast bar area and a great big terrace that wrapped around all the living areas. Plenty of room for dining outdoors and a nice airy and spacious feel inside. We normally try to find a king size bed but the comfortable double was fine and we loved going to sleep with the sea breeze from the big open doors each night. Being able to open shutters all around gave it a lovely airy feel. The cottage is quite stylish in its own way, with a nice feel to it from the white painted wooden boards, wood floor, bifold doors and books lining the walls. The shower was good - nice and big with an open sea view across the terrace and an opportunity to scare your husband in the shower by popping up at the open window from the terrace. It was a bit of a trek to the village and certainly a stiff walk up the hill after, but the benefit is you have this lovely elevated view and nice breeze. We didn't mind the walk and we're not particularly active types! The walk to Pirates Bay is really nice and it's a very special beach to visit. Charlotteville itself is very charming. Eating out is more snack bar/kitchen than restaurant style, with a few places to choose from. Food is tasty but menus are limited. The roti from the little wooden bar in the middle of town is great. Self catering is a very enjoyable option at the cottage and you can pick up fresh fish from the fishermen each day. There are a couple of little shops to keep you going with the basics, but a big supermarket shop on the way would be advisable. Overall I can't recommend this place highly enough. Violet and Peter were so lovely and helpful, even after we'd left them, later in our trip, they helped us find an accommodation with their friend Trevor in the rainforest. I long to go back there one day and will definitely spend longer - a week would be perfect. Thank you Vi & Peter!

We loved our stay at Bella Vista Cottage and would highly recommend it to anyone who wants a peaceful getaway. From Speyside, the Windward Road turns inland, climbing steeply upwards through jungle-like foliage before plummeting down to the opposite shoreline. Just before the descent, there's a stunning perspective over Charlotteville from Bella Vista Cottage, revealing the houses dotting the hillside down to the calm waters of Man-o-war Bay. The sleepy fishing village, the many boats and sailing vessels moored in the bay, and the beach can all be seen from the deck surrounding two sides of the cottage. We spent many restful hours on the deck sipping cocktails, listening to music and watching the stunning view and a variety of beautiful and interesting tropical birds. There is a bird feeder on the deck to encourage visitations from small birds called the bananaquit or sugar bird. Parrots, pelicans and cocricos are just some of the birds we saw as well as the resident peacocks browsing in the yard.
Bella Vista Cottage, is owned and operated by Vi and Peter Quesnel, two fun and personable people who are eager to see that you have a pleasant and relaxing time. The cottage, a retreat of soothing tranquility, was clean and had all the comforts of home in an open concept design. Perfectly set up for indoor/outdoor living, it is breezy and tropical and lulls you into feeling that you don't have a care in the world. Although it has wi-fi, we felt like we had walked into another world, much slower-paced and romantic, and contact with the outside world was unnecessary.
Bella Vista Cottage is within a short walk down the hill to the beach, the local fishing areas for fresh fish, and the village for light shopping and supplies. There is another secluded beach, Pirate's Bay, hidden at the other side of the village about a 20 minute walk along a track. Any local can point you in the right direction. There are some restaurants and bars in town if you don't feel like cooking. Benches along the sea wall, the pier and a covered pavilion are popular socializing spots. I'm sure you will love Bella Vista Cottage and Charlotteville as much as we did.