Combining the amenities of superior accommodation with the casual charm of the Caribbean, the 104 spacious rooms, garden cottages and suites in the two-level Caribbean style buildings are bustling with activity, business clients, Europeans on holiday, and Americans, all looking for a great round of golf on a tropical isle.

The 127-acre Par 72 course rises gently from the sea over naturally terraced land. With its changing elevations that test your golfing skills and make the game more challenging, the course is considered by many in the international golfing fraternity to be one of the finest in this part of the world. The club hosts regular golf clinics and the pro shop offers lessons and rental equipment. Use the practice range for a pre-game warm-up and either walk the course, hire a caddie, or use the motorized carts for your 18-hole game. Moderate green fees are a most welcome surprise.

Two lighted tennis courts, sauna and massage facilities, three restaurants and five bars, a beach and swimming area, pool, Hobie cats and windsurfers, water-skiing, fishing and snorkeling are all available at the hotel. Scuba diving, horseback riding, tours, and hikes can be arranged. Meeting facilities for conferences and banquets will accommodate up to 200 persons. All this is yours in 16 acres of tropical gardens and only 15 minutes away from the Crown Point Airport, and 10 minutes from Scarborough, the capitol of Tobago.

The rooms and suites were redone in 1999 and feature tile or carpeted floors, mahogany furniture, large bathrooms, hairdryers, bathrobes, TV, AC, phones, and balconies or patios overlooking the grounds. Spacious garden cottage rooms offer a choice of open or closed patios with furniture, and have a wet bar and refrigerator. Tropical hibiscus, bougainvillea, and other colorful flowers bloom in profusion all over the well-manicured property. The pool features a swim-up bar and is adjacent to the old sugar mill ruins on the property housing the main restaurant where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily. Families will find baby-sitting service available and you can book separate children's rooms. No special children's programs are provided.

The Beach bar has great tropical drinks and soft drinks while you're enjoying the sand and surf. The Sugar Mill restaurant is everyone's favorite, featuring casual dining all day long. Jacaranda offers elegant air-conditioned dining on the main level overlooking the pool and grounds featuring Continental and Caribbean specialties. Le Beau Rivage restaurant is in the clubhouse at the golf course across the road from the main hotel grounds. A gourmet restaurant overlooking the 18th hole and the Caribbean Sea: you will find all your French and Creole favorites here. Meal plans are available to include with your accommodation and golf packages. Weekly entertainment features a variety of local entertainers and musicians.

For a Caribbean golf vacation, conference, or a family holiday with something to do for everyone, Mount Irvine is a fine vacation choice.

© 2001, Linda Gettmann