Trinidad's Top 5- Doubles

Source: Trinidad Carnivals website

Okay guys, I know “Doubles” is a SERIOUS topic.  There are hundreds of Doubles venues in Trinidad but I am just narrowing it down to the general Top 5 agreements and well, my personal favourites.

First, watch this if you don’t know how to eat doubles –

Click here to view How To Eat Doubles – Eatahfood YouTube Page

1. Sauce Doubles – Curepe

Click here for the Unofficial Facebook Page and actual location

2. Debe Doubles Hassanali’s (The green shed)

Click here for the Unofficial Facebook Page for actual location

3. Doubles Factory (DASS Doubles) -Aranguez, El Socorro South road

Click here for Unofficial Facebook Page

4. Airport Doubles (Hanif & Sons) - Piarco International Airport

5. UWEE Doubles – St. Augustine

Honourable Mentions (For me) – Doubles by Medford- Chaguanas – Click here for Doubles by Medford Unofficial Facebook Page

Comment your favourite Doubles place! 

Trinidad's Top 5 - Outdoor Activities

1. Cave Exploration

If you like bats, then you can go the Bat Caves of Tamana (Central Range); 1.5 million bats, including vampire bats. Infested with histoplasmosis, a dreadful place and a dark chamber filled with life.

Then there is Aripo Caves (Aripo Main Cave) (Northern Range), Trinidad's largest accessible cave system and home to a colony of nocturnal birds.

Then Gasparee Caves (situated at Point Baleine on the Northwestern end of Gaspar Grande Island). Gasparee caves have beautiful speleothems, including flowstones and curtains. – I RECOMMEND THERE.

Click here for more Information and Pictures on Aripo Caves

Click here for more information and pictures on Bat Caves of Tamana

Click here for more information and pictures on Gasparee Caves

I would like to thank Island Hikers for all their information.  They are really the best.

Click here for Island Hikers Facebook Page

Click here to see Island Hikers tours and Trails

Click here for another tour contact

Click here for another tour contact- I really recommend tours guys, do not go 

alone.

Gasparee Caves- Source: Island Hikers website

2. Kayaking – Williams Bay, Chaguaramas

Perfect if you don’t want the beach waves but ocean vibes.  It’s even warm water guarantee.  

Open from 6.00 am to 6.00 pm every day for rental of recreational kayaks and mountain bikes.

Contact Numbers:

Mr Merryl See Tai- 680-6244

Ms Margaret Wong Chong 685-7294

Click here for the Trinidad and Tobago Canoe/ Kayak-Federation Facebook Page

Source: Trinidad and Tobago Canoe/Kayak Federation Facebook Page

3. Zip lining- Chaguaramas (Macqueripe Beach)

There’s only one Zip lining adventure park in Trinidad – It’s safe and ridiculously fun.  

Contact Information: +1-868-303-7755

Click here for Zipitt Facebook Page

Source: Ziptt Facebook Page

4. Turtle Watching

Turtle watching is usually around March- September. There are three main nesting beaches - Matura, Fishing Pond and Grande Rivière-(This was actually listed as one of my top 5 beaches)

Click here for Island Hikers tour, pictures and more information

Click here for more information on Turtle watching and a list of approved tours

Source: Island Hikers website

5. Birdwatching- Literally all over Trinidad

A bird watcher would fall in love with Trinidad. Over 460 different species of neo-tropical birds, making it a true birding gem. 

In Yerette- Hummingbirds located in Maracas Valley, St.Joseph you can view 13 of the world’s most iridescent, beautiful, tiniest and rarest of hummingbirds in the world.  

If you want to see “97 native mammals, 400 birds, 55 reptiles, 25 amphibians, and 617 butterflies, as well as over 2,200 species of flowering plants.” – Go to Asa Wright Nature Centre located Arima.

There are so many places in Trinidad you can bird watch, view some more options in the links below.

Click here for Yerette Facebook Page

Click here for Yerette website for tour details

Click here for Asa Wright Nature Centre Facebook Page

Click here to see options to visit Asa Wright Nature Centre

Click here for Asa Wright website and for tips for when visiting the centres

Click here for More information on Caroni Bird Sanctuary 

Source: Yerette Facebook Page

Source: Asa Wright Nature Centre Facebook Page- Photo taken by Wendell Reyes

Honourable Mentions

Pitch Lake - The largest of only three natural asphalt lakes in the world, covering about half a square kilometre and producing some of the world’s finest asphalt (mined and exported since 1859)

Pointe-à- Pierre Wild Fowl Trust - Home to many rare bird species (both free-roaming and caged), including Trinidad national bird, Scarlet ibis.

Trinidad's Top 5 - Beaches and Bays

1. LAS CUEVAS BAY- North Coast

Currently the first and only Blue Flag-certified beach in the Southern English -speaking Caribbean… (BTW, if you didn’t know, Blue Flag-certification is awarded by the Foundation for Environment Education (FEE), which is based in Copenhagen, Denmark.  This basically means it’s international standards for cleanliness, environmental awareness and sustainability.  

Source: Island Hikers

2. MARACAS BEACH- North Coast

In 2015, Forbes listed Maracas as one of the best beaches for 2016. It’s 2016 guys, go Maracas now! Have a Richard’s Shark and Bake! Eat, Drink and Enjoy.

Source: Forbes

3. GRANDE RIVIÈRE BEACH- Northeast Coast

Grande Riviere is a rather quiet beach and gorgeous! AND it’s the second largest leatherback turtle nesting ground in the world!

Source: Discover T&T

4. PARIA BAY-North Coast

If you like hiking, beaches and waterfalls then Paria beach is for you because you literally can only get there by hike or boat! J

Source: Caribbean 2011- sama-sama

5. SALINE (“SALLY”) BAY- Northeast Coast

Not to be confused with Salybia… Saline Bay is VERY refreshing. With clear water, kayaking and at the centre of the beach is a small offshore reef, Saline is worth it.

Source: Pinterest

Trinidad's Top 5- Hotels

Need Vacation at home? – Top places you should go for the best vacation experience…

1. HYATT Regency Trinidad

HYATT is definitely one of those hotels that look exactly like their pictures. Always clean, GREAT service and YOU GET GOOD CHAMPAGNE when you check in! With the best sushi in Trinidad, you can eat and drink while watching the ocean downstairs. On the 3rd floor lies the most relaxing spa, ever and the 4th floor is the pool (with an extraordinary view as well and an amazing service bar -most important.). 

AND - THEIR BREAKFAST IS GREATNESS! (Okay, clearly I love HYATT - You will too okay.) 

For Locals, there is a weekend package for you - In which you should take as often as you can, do this getaway guys, you will not regret it. 

Click here for HYATT website to book a room

Source: HYATT website

2. Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre

Almost in line with HYATT View, Hilton ranks number 2 on my list only because the rooms are so complicated to get to (Yeah, I know it’s on a hill and it’s weird and whatever – For me, maybe, let the staff tell me exactly where to go because I am slow.) The breakfast is pretty good and the rooms are fairly clean.  Their Poolside is an amazing hangout vibe (some of the best parties happen there-  like LUXX J)

Click here for Hilton website to book a room

Source: Hilton website

3. Courtyard Port of Spain

Located in town next to MovieTowne, very clean, service was great – the staff was extremely courteous, the best part is that the room looks exactly like the pictures as well.

Click here for the Courtyard Port of Spain Website and to book a room

Source: Courtyard  Marriott Website

4. The Carlton Savannah

If you’re staying for Carnival, this is probably your best option (budget wise). It’s clean and it’s in a great area.

Click here for Carlton Savannah website and to book a room there

Source:  Management Photos

5. Kapok Hotel

Yeah, my comments are getting less and less, you see my top 5 was based on how clean the rooms were and if the services were good.  Let’s put it this way, if it’s on my top 5 list, the rooms were clean and the service was good, I think the difference was the location and quality of rooms. Kapok quality was fairly good. (Good enough to make top 5 – then again, I haven’t visit all the hotels in Trinidad yet so my list may be updated in the future.)

Click here for Kapok Hotel website and to book a room there

Source: Kapok Hotel Website

  

Trinidad's Top 5- Venues to watch a match

Gather your friends and go to these pumped up places to watch a match… 

1. Hutt Shutts -(Tacarigua)

Everyone I spoke to agreed with this being the number 1 venue. Hutt Shutts has the space and the perfect “TV” to watch a match.  The music, the vibes, the food and great drinks prices are just a perfect combination to watch a game.

Unfortunately, I don’t have a picture of Hutt Shutts on the inside but I will try to get one to update the blog.  My friends and I usually go there for “oners” now and then.

What is a oners : We say we are going for a one drink that turns into one bottle…

Contact Information for Hutt Shutts: +1-868-299-4300

Click here for an unofficial Hutt Shutt Facebook Page

2. Trotters -(Port of Spain)

Click here for Trotters website

Click here for Trotters unofficial Facebook page

Contact Information : +1-868-627-8768

 

Source: Trotters website

3. All Out Sports Bar and Gourmet Grill
Contact Information : +1-868-622-6730

Click here for All Out Facebook Page

Source: All Out Facebook Page

4.Twenty2 Sports Bar- Port of Spain

Contact Information- +1-868-622-0147

Click here for Twenty2 Sports bar Facebook Page

 

Source: Twenty 2 Sports Bar Facebook Page

5.Toppers- Grand Bazaar

Contact Information: +1-868-645-8677

Click here for Toppers Facebook Page

Source: Toppers Facebook Page

Honourable Mentions:

·         Bootleggers – Click here for Bootleggers Facebook Page

·         Woodford Café – Click here for Woodford Café Facebook Page

·         Game Time Sports Bar- Click here for Game Time Sports and Bar Facebook Page

Trinidad's Top 5- Restaurant

Foooooooddddd! 

Okay in this post, I am going to let their Facebook pictures speak for themselves. 

I got hungry doing this post.  

SO HUNGRY. 

ALL these TOP 5 got 4/5 stars for amazing service and the best tasting food in Trinidad from me: 

1. ZaZou Bistro Moderne Restaurant- Port of Spain

French food guys, Located inside Trinidad Country Club, just go. 

Contact Number: +1-868-750-2083

Opening Hours: 6:30pm-11:00pm

Price Range: $$$ - Worth it. 

Click here for ZaZou Facebook Page

Source: ZaZou Facebook Page

2. Buzo Osteria Italiana- Port of Spain

The last time I went I had the salad and it was greatness. - You know, salad= greatness, that doesn't happen often.

Contact Number: +1-868-223-2896

Opening Hours: 11:30am-11:00pm

Price Range: $$$

Click here for Buzo Facebook Page

This was the best thing that ever happened to me in life

Champagne was life too

Buzo gorg inside! 

3. Angelos Trinidad- Port of Spain

Private, fast service & simply delicious. 

Contact Number: +1-868-628-5551/7854

Opening Hours: 11:30am-2:30pm (Lunch) / 6:30pm-10:30pm (Dinner)

Price Range: $$$

Click here for Angelos Facebook Page

Source: Angelos Facebook Page

4. Town Restaurant & Bar- Port of Spain

Business Meeting, Birthday lime, Casual lime, Couple dinner - perfect for anything.  

Contact Number: +1-868-627-8696

Opening Hours: 11:00am-10:00pm 

Price Range: $$$

Click here for Town Restaurant Facebook Page

Source: Town Facebook Page

5. Zanzibar by the Sea- Chaguaramas

AMAZING setting - Ocean view with great food? Win. Win. WIN. 

Contact Number for by the sea restaurant: +1-868-634-3346

Opening Hours: Sun- Thurs- 7am-11pm ,Fri-Saturday 7am-12am

Price Range: $$

Click here for Zanzibar Facebook Page

YUM.

Food makes everyone happy, everyone.  
I am hungry again.
Someone please feed me. 

Trinidad's Top 5- Lounges

The top venues to go when you're feeling to party.

Key:

1 star - it is horrible/ so bloody expensive

2 stars- it's bad/expensive

3 stars- it's alright

4 stars- it's great!

5 stars- it's flawless

Here're my personal ratings: 

1. 51 Degrees Lounge- Port of Spain

Clubs, Lounges or whatever you want to call it have come and go whilst 51 Degrees Lounge has been pumping no matter what. Yes, some of you guys will say you have outgrown the "51 stage" but I am certain that if you go there on their open nights, you will absolutely enjoy it. 

Parking: ★★★★

Admission cost: ★★★

Admission process: ★★★★

Club Safety: ★★★

Vibes: ★★★★

Drinks Prices: ★★★★

Service: ★★★★

Cleanliness: ★★★

Overall: ★★★★

This being said, 51 takes the cake in my opinion. 

Opens : Thursdays and Saturdays - Go from like 11pm -

Click here for 51 Degrees Facebook 

Click here for their amazing website - You can also get listed here -here also lies the only empty picture of 51 I believe. 

Thanks Joash! 

2. Paprika- Port of Spain 

Here's where you meet those new party pumping friends that you probably wouldn't lime with until you actually see them there again. Everyone there is so nice (including the crowd) I don't know if it's their drinks or what, somehow, everyone there is just happy. THEN you become happy and the night ends up being amazing. 

Parking: ★★

Admission cost: ★★★

Admission process: ★★★★

Club Safety: ★★★

Vibes: ★★★★

Drinks Prices: ★★★★

Service: ★★★★

Cleanliness: ★★★★

Overall: ★★★★

Opens: Well, Paprika is a restaurant as well so I believe they open fairly early, however, for the "club" vibes go from like 10pm - 

Click here for Paprika Facebook page

(I TRIED to get a venue picture but vibes took over. - Sorry guys) 

The shots though

3.Siam Nightlife-Port of Spain

Siam is pretty new on the block, one might argue that it's a little too new to put on this list. However, it's a very refreshing experience (so far) -This might change over

time, who knows...

Here's why it made number 3: 

Parking: ★★ - However, there is a shuttle service (They shuttle from Hilton)

Admission cost: ★★★

Admission process: ★★★

Club Safety: ★★

Vibes: ★★★★

Drinks Prices: ★

Service: ★★★

Cleanliness: ★★★★

Overall: ★★★ and a half :)

Click here for Siam Facebook Page

In love, would have been number 1 if they weren't so new 

Siam is in the same building as Old Havana- WHERE YOU CAN HAVE CIGARS INSIDE! -Hello PLUS.  Love this vibes too! - GO TO THERE FACEBOOK PAGE

In love with Old Havana 

4. The Residence Restaurant & Bar- Port of Spain

Why number 4? Refer to my ratings: 

Parking: ★

Admission cost: ★★★★

Admission process: ★★★★

Club Safety: ★★

Vibes: ★★★

Drinks Prices: ★★

Service: ★★

Cleanliness: ★★★

Overall: ★★★ and a half :) 

Click here to view Residence FB page

5. Silhouettes Lounge- Valsayn

Personally, I have had some amazing nights in Silhouettes! However, it's number 5 mainly because of their spacing, it's kind of small. 

Parking: ★★★

Admission cost: ★★★

Admission process: ★★★

Club Safety: ★★

Vibes: ★★★ and a half :)

Drinks Prices: ★★★

Service: ★★★

Cleanliness: ★★★

Overall: ★★★

Click here for Silhouettes Facebook Page

(Source: Silhouettes Facebook)

Honourable Mentions:

Club Next San Fernando -Click here for Club Next Facebook Page

LIV Nightlife (Located San Fernando as well) -Click here for LIV Nightlife Facebook Page

Happy Partying guys! Don't drink and drive!