Tobago's Carnival celebrations reflect many of the island's traditions to include steel pan, masqueraders and calypso. The festivities include a variety of bands, whip wielding devils called "jab jabs" (from the French word diable), spoon bands and African drumming. Compared to the island's neighbor of Trinidad, however, the Carnival on Tobago is laid back.
In the weeks prior to the Carnival, the island hosts a variety of cultural events. Some of the activities include calypso competitions where participants compete to be crowned Calypso Monarch. Additionally, there are calypso tents set up to showcase the island's singing talents and steel bands compete for an opportunity to win the title of Tobago Panorama Champions.
Two days prior to the Carnival commencement, there is a large two day climax of pre-Lenten activities and celebrations. Some of these activities start between 4 and 5 AM on Carnival Monday with J'Ouvert (meaning "opening of day in French patois). J'Ouvert revelers party 'till daylight on the streets of Tobago's capital in Scarborough. Indeed from around noon on Carnival Monday to late Carnival Tuesday, Scarborough belongs to those enjoying masquerade-mostly women in feathered and sequined costumes.
Visitors to Tobago for the Carnival have a variety of luxury rental villas to suit every taste and budget. Choices range from traditional Caribbean gingerbread homes with detailed fretwork to new and luxurious properties. Villas Caribe offers an outstanding collection of special villas for the vacationer.
The Ohana villa is a special home that was voted amongst the top twenty villas in the Caribbean by the prestigious Conde Nast Traveler magazine in '2007. The villa was designed by one of the Caribbean's famous architects. The word "Ohana" is actually a Hawaiian term that stands for family rest house. The owner of Ohana wanted the architecture and interior design of the home to "successfully entangle guests in an organic and spiritual way". The result is that Ohana is a perfect haven of peace and quiet and provides the idyllic spot to escape with family and friends. The villa provides barefoot elegance and 180 degree views of the Atlantic Ocean and set on lushly landscaped grounds. The gardens run down to a small sandy protected cove. The villa was designed with a Balinese tropical influence and offers tiny house that are perched upon a bluff. Four double bedrooms surround the large sun deck and swimming pools as well as Jacuzzi and large koi fish pond. Each air-conditioned bedroom is lavishly furnished with a four poster bed and en-suite bath. The kitchen is fully equipped with a stainless appliances. The expansive living room is open to the bay. A staff of house manager and housekeepers enhance the pampered experience that guests will find at Ohana. http://tobago.villascaribe.com/villa-listing/ohana
The Oceana villa is a beautiful villa that offers views of the glistening nearby blue waters through it's lushly landscaped grounds. The villa has two master suites with king sized beds and two additional bedrooms with two double bedrooms each. All of the bedrooms have air-conditioning and spacious en-suite baths. A split level living area is nicely equipped with comfortable seating. The interiors feature high ceilings, exposed rafters and tiled floors. Outside, is an expansive private swimming pool. Golfers will find a wonderful 18 hold golf course just a stone throw away from the villa. http://tobago.villascaribe.com/villa-listing/oceana-tobago
Villa Soleil is another outstanding villa on Tobago. The home is perched on the edge of a cliff and offers dramatic views of the Caribbean Sea. The home offers a delightful mixture of Japanese and Caribbean styles. Designed around two internal courtyards, all rooms take advantage of the lovely view. The kitchen provides top of the line stainless steel appliances. The dining table seats 12 and there are various sitting areas in the living room and main courtyard. Built on two floors, Villa Soleil has four air-conditioned bedrooms. The lounge opens onto the wooden pool deck complete with lily pond, BBQ area and swimming pools-one deep and one shallow. A path leads from the deep pool deck to the sea. Villa Soleil provides an ideal getaway. http://tobago.villascaribe.com/villa-listing/villa-soleil .
