Tobago has arrived in the mainstream of Caribbean tourism with the new addition of the $35 million Hilton Tobago. The 200-room property is part of the Tobago Plantations Development and the island's newest hotel. This 750-acre project includes a 90-acre natural lagoon, 60 acres of protected mangrove forest, a beach that is nearly a mile long, and a PGA-designed 18-hole golf course. Opened in November 2000, this new three-story plantation style hotel has a full 20 acres all to itself. The hotel is located just 10 minutes from Crown Point Airport and 3 miles from the main city of Scarborough on Tobago's south coast. Every room has an ocean view with a private balcony. They have 22 deluxe one or two bedroom suites with a Jacuzzi on the deck. All rooms feature air-conditioning, ceiling fans, mini-bar, coffee maker, phone, TV, data port, hair dryer, and tile floors with elegant comfortable furnishings. Conference facilities for large or small groups will make this hotel a favorite convention destination once the word gets out. Dining is offered in two restaurants, a fun pub, and three bars. Room service is also available. The Plantation serves casual fare all day, with the Coral Reef dining room specializing in fresh local seafood and an elegant setting. Fridays Poolside bar and grill makes it easy to grab a drink or lunch by the pool or take your own picnic down to the beach. Activities are plentiful keeping everyone occupied all day and all night. The mile-long beach is a favorite with swimmers and snorkelers. The hotel's own water sports facility includes a PADI scuba center. Water-skiing, scuba diving, day sails, island tours and fishing excursions can all be arranged at the hotel. The large, free-form pool is sure to be a guest favorite with a swim-up bar and children's play area. Nature trails around the lagoon feature many species of birds and native plants. The lovely grounds are landscaped with flowering tropical plants in a profusion of colors. Tennis is available on two lighted courts. A complete fitness center on-site lets you keep in shape, and golf is available at the new 18-hole course adjacent to the hotel. Enjoy a relaxing massage after a hard day of vacation fun. Nightlife and shopping are available here too, with weekly entertainment featuring steel bands and local musicians in Robinson Crusoe's Pub. The adjacent shops feature a variety of clothing and gift items or hop into Scarborough for local crafts and duty free shopping. Kids will be happy here in their own centre with supervised activities, lots of grass to run around on, as well as the wide expanse of beach, and of course the swimming pool. At the Hilton Tobago Learning Centre they provide childcare from newborns to 17 years of age between 9 and 5 daily. Well-trained attendants lead supervised activities and games and take children on glass-bottom boat rides and rainforest tours. Rental cars and taxis are readily available to explore Tobago's natural charms. Visit the rainforest waterfalls, birdwatch, take a drive to the East End for spectacular views out over Little Tobago Island and see the quaint village of Charlotteville. Stop for a wonderful meal at Jemma's Sea View Kitchen, perched in a tree on the beach near Speyside.