Le Grand Courlan Spa Resort - Adults Only

Just returned from Tobago, having stayed at Le Grand Courlan. What a beautiful island, so unspoilt and quiet. The hotel staff are fantastic - we felt that they became friends. Everyone was prepared to go the extra mile to make our stay there as perfect as possible. It almost seems wrong to single out anyone, because from the gardeners to the receptionists everyone was so helpful and friendly. However we have to highlight a few! Whenever we met Merle she was cleaning toilets, but always had the biggest smile. Her cheerfulness and care she took were extraordinary. On reception the theme of friendliness, helpfulness and positivity continued - Jolisa, Petra and Kuniba did a wonderful job. We are especially grateful to Kuniba for arranging a last minute visit to watch a turtle laying eggs - a highlight of our holiday! We also have to mention Serica (omelette maker extraordinaire!), Sandra(who took special care of my sister in law) and Jason(who. paid attention to details). Keon's smile and cheerfulness were definitely as welcoming as Merle's and he seemed to work everywhere! Finally we must mention Roger in the spa, who eased the tension in our muscles and left us feeling renewed and refreshed! What a pleasure it was to be in a hotel where good service mattered to everyone. The rooms were spacious and well equipped, a little tired in places, but everything worked - the fridge and the air conditioning were invaluable and the beds extremely comfortable. There was plenty of variety to suit everyone's taste at breakfast and although the evening buffet may have been a bit boring after 2 weeks it was always tasty and cooked well. We would definitely recommend this as a holiday destination and would go back without question!

Le Grand Courlan grows on you. At least it is easy to dismiss the property, as it is easy to dismiss Tobago itself, tourism well-intentioned but not-quite-there. But therein is the charm. The architecture has a quiet elegance; basic rooms become comfortable; worn becomes beloved. The luxury market hasn't captured Tobago (yet), and its rustic charm feels just right. You first notice it through the gentle breeze rustling through the palm trees, calming sounds of waves from the beach a short distance away. You'll want to alternate between the pool and the neighboring beach (be sure not to miss Waves restaurant, my favorite hang out spot in Tobago). The pool is almost too grand with a swim up pool and a seahorse-motif, but why not? You're on vacation! Be sure to never miss a sunset because the hotel has a straight-on view of the spectacular sight: purples and red aglow. The best view is from the pool or the two-story veranda next to it. Cozy rooms and the best drinks on the island while lazing by the pool - isn't this what the good life is about? Let Tobago charm you with its raw, natural beauty and call Le Grand Courlan your Tobagonian home.

Visit dates 25/3/18 -8/4/18 Thank god I listened to our travel agent (Paula at Blue bay travel for suggesting this resort and destination , rang up initially to book Jamaica , so glad I didn’t ) This review is all written on our experience of this resort on the dates we stayed mentioned above and is written from the heart. Ok let’s get the negatives out the way , yes we had a couple of negatives , are they even worth mentioning ? No they are not because the positives most certainly out weigh them , and if people want to spend their holiday taking photos of a tiny bit of peeling paint or a mark on a sun lounger cushion !! Then those people have nothing better to do other than moan and should stay at home!! And nothing in life is perfect, is it ? Now on to the good stuff Tobago !! Blown away by it , such a hidden gem , unspoilt , clean , lush green , an under sold country that I’ve wanted to visit for years , and thanks to the unbelievable deal we got through Bluebay travel was finally able to do so , when I sat on the plane to come home I was In a compleat daze to what I’d experienced over the past 2 weeks , I almost felt I’d stolen this holiday due to the deal , and had a tear in my eye because I didn’t want to leave, and if I were a local I’d want to keep this place a secret too. I emailed this hotel prior to our arrival to request a quiet room , with a nice view of the sea due to a sudden family bereavement I needed some quiet time , so on arrival I was touched to find a sympathy card and poem waiting for me , along with a spotless room with a beautiful view , the hotel was very quiet throughout our 2 week stay which some may not have liked , but do your research folks this is not Disney land this is the Caribbean at its best it’s a small hotel sat on the edge of paradise , just pure and natural , you hear the birds , the sea breaking on the beach but this is surely what we go on holiday for isn’t it , to get away from the norm to experience a different culture , if you want Home from home then stay at home don’t come to the Caribbean and moan about laid back staff it’s the Caribbean way of life , don’t come here and pick about tired peeling paint ! This hotel sits on the beach front and looks down on the most natural beach so it gets the elements from the sea , the sun etc this hotel is in no way tired or run down . Our room was clean and smelt lovely all day long the cleaner was great .we found all staff to be most pleasant and helpful, I wish I knew all their names , but special mention to Sandra , who was like a personal chef to us , Roger in the spa , the receptionist in the spa , Dion , the restaurant manager sorry forgot his name but from Venezuela , the breakfast team , Judith the rep , I could go on and on . We thought the food was great , we had no buffet food during our stay all 3 course diners from a menu on our all inclusive , never experienced that before ! Yes it was quiet but we like that In fact had whole place to ourselves a lot of the time , just perfect for us . Waves restaurant was just lovely the food ,the setting listening to the sea and amazed to see a giant leather back turtle come up the beach and nest in day light whilst we sat and had lunch !! Where else in the world can you experience that . There are no sun beds /loungers on the beach so take a beach mat as we did , it was beautiful , natural and un spoilt , just don’t go if you want commercial , because you don’t get commercial in Tobago , the whole island is stunning and un spoilt , do the island tour our driver Greg was brilliant and we were blown away by the beauty of this country around every corner something stunning , the place where the rain forest meets the Caribbean Sea !!! Go swim in the water fall , we’ve done a lot of the Caribbean and this tops the lot . For us perfect hotel in a perfect location and felt so safe there , went running every morning on my own , ( lady runner) the locals so friendly and kind family type people who talk to you even when ur swimming ! The best gym I’ve used in Caribbean is at this hotel . How am I ever going to top this ! Well may just have to go back !! Thanks Le Grand I’ve had a lot of people ask me about this trip from my photos asking where , which hotel etc. Thanks to all the staff at Le Grand Thanks to Blue Bay too

I have waited 3 weeks since our holiday before leaving this review to ensure that emotion doesn't taint my review and that I give a true perspective of what you could expect here. The hotel is clean, though dated in places. The rooms are spacious and have a lovely balcony that is furnished. Towels, shampoos and soaps are provided as are bathrobes were also provided. The room had a television and a fair selection of English/American channels to watch. A kettle and (unstocked) fridge and a selection of tea/coffee and coffee whitener is provided daily. There is a safe in the room (free) an iron and ironing board. We used tap water for filling the kettle and for cleaning our teeth and weren't advised either way. Separate towels for use around the swimming pool are provided in the room and can be exchanged at the reception, daily. (We had to find this out for ourselves) Very little information was provided at the check in or at the welcome meeting the following day. The main restaurant is buffet style as you'd expect but don't expect the same level of opulence of choice that is enjoyed on any of your other holidays. There is usually, soup and main dishes will consist of a choice of two meat dishes, fish dish, chip/potatoes, a vegetable and rice. The Bistro is menu driven and our experience was that most of what was on the menu wasn't available. During the first week we had issues with no ice cream, no bread rolls with the soup. I ordered the Greek Salad with Olives and Feta cheese off the menu and received a salad that consisted of tomatoes and lettuce. After complaining we were told that they didn't have any olives or feta cheese. The time to get served with each course is exceptionally long, anywhere between 20-45 minutes and the hotel was far from busy, especially in the second week. The swim up bar was shut on the first two days we were there. After complaining it was open every day after that. Although it advertised as being open from 11am to 6pm, most days it didn't open until 11:30-12:00. The girl that worked on the bar had a 'don't care attitude'. Playing with her phone, face-timing her friends was more important that serving customers that were waiting at the bar. She didn't bother to stock it before opening and rather than get it re-stocked would send us up to the main bar. 50% of the drinks on the bar menu are not included in the 'all inclusive' package and 75% of the drinks that were on the 'all inclusive' package weren't available as they didn't have them or didn't have the ingredients. I asked for a banana milkshake for my partner and they told me they didn't have any banana's - outside the Bistro is a banana tree with a good supply of fruit on it! Most of the staff are friendly but a few were far from it. Waves restaurant, located on the beach (there are quite a few steps down to the beach from the hotel) has a bit more ambiance and good food. They are only open from 11:30-17:00 for 'all inclusive' package. After 17:00 any food ordered at Waves has to be paid for. Not a brilliant beach for bathing and the sea was a bit rough during our stay. The first week of our stay there was no entertainment except on the Thursday evening when they had the 'Managers Welcome Party'. We made our complaints to the management and things did start to change on the second week. Entertainment was put on on a few nights but it was always too early, usually whilst people were getting ready for the evening. ie circa 5-6pm The reception exchange currency but the exchange rate is very poor.

We were here for two weeks in January along with our two friends. For the price we paid our expectations weren’t too high, however this hotel was awful. The whole place is in dire need of a refurbishment. Most of the staff looked like they were doing you a favor if you asked for another cup of coffee or glass of wine. There were quite a few break ins when we were there which didn’t make us feel very safe! We would go down to Waves for lunch which was good and the staff there in the main were very friendly. Breakfast and dinner in the main restaurant was awful. They would run out of fruit at breakfast and it wouldn’t be replenished. Also salad at dinner was often lettuce tomato and cucumber. The bar area had no atmosphere at all and there was a large outdoor area where it would be nice to sit out but no chairs/tables! Mattresses were being left out from the sun beds overnight so after a heavy shower you had to stand around waiting for them to dry out as no spare chairs. Wouldn’t bother with Judith the rep she was a rip off. We booked a driver for the day and he took us all around the island which is very beautiful, also pigeon point is well worth a visit. All in all we had a good holiday but with some tweaks this hotel could be so much better.

I love Tobago, the hotel suits me, the staff are friendly & do there best to make your stay a happy one. There are a few things that could be improved on, but the location & wonderful warmth of smiles more than make up for them. Room was spotless & I felt well looked after.The Island is beautiful & no matter how many times I have been around it I still enjoy it & learn something new everytime, do explore. Thanks to all at reception (which I found much improved) Dion at the bar & Reechard & co in Waves. Top eating spots Waves during the day & the Bistro ( sorry didn't get the chefs name) day & night, where the food was always good. Special mention to Roger in the Spa. Thank-you one & all.

We have learnt that taking notice of other peoples reviews is not a wise idea. Le Grand Courlan , which we have just returned from being a classic example. From the moment we arrived at reception we were given a warm and friendly welcome, which continued throughout our 10 day stay. It is heartening to be treated with manners and respect , which we found all around the island of Tobago. Our room was exceptionally clean and this was the case each day, a big thank you to the cleaners. I have to mention at this point Sandra. She is the lady that serves you in Pinnacles restaurant and has a passion for the food she serves. This is where we would like to give some constructive ideas. It would be good if the evening meals could be more varied. Another idea would be to perhaps have a Barbecue once a week on the patio area with some background music? We would like to thank all the staff for making our stay most enjoyable.

Have just returned from a 10 night stay . After reading some of reviews was quite concerned. My fears were unfounded our 1205 was very large clean and had lovely view of the sea and pool area. The bath could do with replace quite old. But room I general was fine. Had a couple issues whilst there blocked toilet and safe stopped working these were dealt with quickly and efficiently . Ok there wasn’t a huge choice of food in the evenings but what we had was very tasty must mention Sandra who dished up our food she was lovely and friendly careful though she gives huge portions. I call her the feeder. We went to waves each lunchtime and again food lovely. A special mention to Dion who made our drinks every night he knew exactly what you wanted and was super friendly . He even came to say goodbye to us when our transfer picked us up. My only moan was the rep Judith went to her welcome meeting don’t bother guys . She never told us anything about surrounding area just wanted to know what trips we wanted !! We booked our trips with Hans Phillips who I found before going over lovely bloke very knowledgeable. Heard various moans from people whilst there one about cooking omelettes taking too long I mean really . We came home feeling very relaxed and rested .

Before I start my review there are two comments I would like to make. 1.Petra behind reception was fabulous, without her support I guess I would not have enjoyed my holiday as soon as I did. I started with a chest infection on my first day and Petra was an absolute star and managed to arrange antibiotics for me. Thanks again Petra. 2.Towards the middle of the holiday we could hear people ( usually the same people) complain about various things which ranged from the food not being covered fast enough, coffee being luke warm etc. Some people will complain just for the sake of it, get over it!! All I can say is, if you want a 5 star hotel then pay 5 star prices!!!. I think most people will agree with what we paid for this holiday and the stunning location, we got a bargain. People have also said the hotel is in need of an upgrade which I agree BUT with the prices we paid for this holiday I doubt there is much money going direct to the hotel to make the changes required. Review Yes the hotel is in need of an upgrade but the location is absolutely stunning, it does seem strange that you have to sign for all your meals and drinks, but once you get your head around it then you just accept it. I contacted the hotel before we traveled to make sure we had a walk in shower and a couple of other requests and all of which were met with a very quick reply from the hotel. We had room 201 and was in a great location with fab views, beware sun bed snatchers are out early here, during our first week I watched 5 men all bring their towels down and claimed their beds BEFORE 6.30am Yes there is also a lack of evening entertainment,the reception area had smooth radio playing during the day ( which was pretty good) so having that played in the bar would have made a difference, but there was some really nice/lovely people there during our stay and people were happy just to drink, chat or play Pool. The food at the waves bar was excellent although off site and down a lot of stairs but well worth the effort. For trips we used Darren who dropped us off and picked us up exactly where he said he would and at the correct time we agreed, thankfully he came early for us when we returned from Scarborough as there is not a lot to do there but gets busy when the Cruise ship docks, having said that the gardens were lovely and worth a visit while in Scarborough. If you want to use Darren for trips here is his number 1.868.709.7614, reception will always give him a call for you, just ask for Darren's taxis. Sandra who served our evening meal was fab, my husband has walking difficulties and most nights she took his meal over to the table for him, the only criticism I have with the food is that I love the various salad options abroad which were a bit limited here, but there was still plenty of other nice food to eat. Dion at the bar was a star, he remembered all our drinks after just a couple of days. The guys cooking the eggs in the morning also did a fab job. Our room was big, clean, and towels changed daily, the bed was huge and very comfy what more do you need !!! I do think the hotel could do with more chairs and tables outside the bar area, the weather was so warm in the evenings that I think more people would have used that area for drinks and chats. I would also recommend taking up the offers of the spa treatments they were so relaxing. If you go to this hotel with the expectations that match the price you have paid then you shouldn't be disappointed, but we all know peoples expectations are different Would we return to this hotel: Yes we definitely would .