Hummingbird Heights - Review Page 1
Reviewed by Steve & Jill Wooler in January 2003
One of Tobago’s newest holiday accommodation properties, Hummingbird Heights consists of a single spacious and comfortable apartment for up to six people, and/or bed and breakfast accommodation for the solo traveller or couple.
Owned and managed by a charming British couple who treat you more as house guests than paying customers, both types of accommodation offer remarkable value for money and represent a well-sited base for touring Tobago. Capital Scarborough is on the doorstep and all Tobago's most popular beaches and restaurants within a short 20-minute drive.
Location
Hummingbird Heights is located on a hillside in the district of Highmoor on the northern outskirts of the capital, Scarborough. I suppose this technically rates as a built-up residential area, but “built-up” is a somewhat ridiculous term in Tobago. Don’t attempt to find the property without specific directions – it ain’teasy! Mind you, the same can be said for most properties on the island, as I have found to my cost a few times. Having said that, the location will not pose a problem to incoming guests because English owner’s Neil and Shirley Rogers make a point of welcoming guests at the airport and accompanying them during the 20 minute drive back to the apartment. Once you know where it is, it’s actually very simple and is very conveniently located for all areas.
One of the beauties of the location is that it offers the opportunity to experience and become part of the local community, rather than simply being a “tourist”. As elsewhere in Tobago, luxury villas and other expensive modern properties stand cheek by jowl with normal wooden local housing. This is very much the case at Hummingbird Heights. Take the 15-20 minute stroll into Scarborough and you will know what I mean. Local residents will automatically know where you are staying. Take the opportunity to stop and chat. The vast majority will be only too glad to pass the time of day and guide you on your way with a welcoming smile.
Architecture
Hummingbird Heights is not the easiest of properties to describe. The building is basically a three-storey mini tower – totally unique for Tobago. It rises out of the hillside somewhat incongruously, but not unattractively, compared to neighbouring properties. The big advantage of the design is that the upper floors provide brilliant views over Scarborough Bay and capture the cooling Atlantic breezes.
The first thing that strikes you as you arrive at the property is the hand-painted wall bordering the terraced parking area and swimming pool. Decorative and colourful, you immediately know that this is a place with a difference.
During our stay, major work was in progress to landscape the grounds. Knowing how quickly plants grow in the tropics, I think we would notice a major difference by the time this review is published and a beautiful riot of colour before the start of the next season. The gardens immediately around the house are more established and as one would imagine, every effort is being made to encourage hummingbirds to the property. I can vouch that the plan is working.
The route from the parking area to the apartment automatically takes you past the pool. It is Shirley and Neil’s custom to invite newly arriving guests to stop here and enjoy a rum punch as a welcome to Hummingbird Heights and Tobago. Having just endured a long flight and the stress and hassle of arrival at any foreign airport, it is the visitor’s first chance to stretch, relax and start to feel that they are actually “on holiday”. The temptation to take an immediate dip is hard to resist and most will succumb to the temptation. Having had time to settle in, new guests are also invited to a welcome snack (more correctly a light meal) of flying fish sandwiches – delicious!
Apartment
The main apartment at Hummingbird Heights provides spacious, comfortable accommodation for up to six people. Although located on the second floor of the building, access from the ground-floor pool area is via two short flights of stairs and did not prove onerous even when carrying luggage. However, as with any hillside property, it may not be best suited to the elderly or those with walking difficulties.
The apartment has two bedrooms – one offering a queen-sized double bed and the second two single beds. Additional sleeping capacity is provided through two pull-out sofa beds in the main living area. The rooms are simply, but adequately, furnished. A single common bathroom is located between the bedrooms, with direct access from both.
The spacious living area is open-plan and consists of a seating area, dining table with chairs for six, plus the kitchen. The kitchen is equipped with the usual array of basic equipment and utensils. On arrival, the fridge was stocked with a welcome pack of essentials for the following day’s first breakfast – bacon and eggs, butter, bread, fruit juice and milk. In fact, everything needed to get your first day off to a wonderful start.
Leading off the main living area is a large balcony. This is equipped with table and chairs. It overlooks the pool and provides wonderful views of Scarborough, Rockley Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The apartment does not currently provide a TV, but guests are always invited to share the cable TV in Shirley and Neil’s apartment upstairs.
Although not air-conditioned, the apartment has ceiling fans in each room and benefits from the wonderfully cooling Atlantic breezes. The windows are fitted with netting and can be left open at all times. We were perfectly comfortable at night and would certainly not have used air-conditioning had it been available.
All rooms were clean and the apartment had been recently decorated. A weekly maid service is provided for cleaning and bedding and towels are changed every three days. The apartment does not have a washing machine or tumble drier, but guests are welcome to use the facilities in the owner's apartment for a small fee to cover costs.
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