The carnival land of Trinidad, the larger part of this twin-island nation, is one of the most racially varied countries in the world. About 40 per cent of the population is of black African descent. A further 40 per cent can trace their ancestry back to India. The remainder is European, Chinese or a combination of all four groups and the languages you'll hear will be English, French, Spanish and Hindi. It's quite a mixture. The island and its inhabitants move at a fast pace, especially in the capital, Port of Spain, whose 500,000 inhabitants live in the tightly-packed corridors of downtown. This is where the action is; the streets are a cacophony of bars, markets and taxis booming loud music.

A daily domestic ferry service connects Trinidad to its more laid back little sister island, Tobago, renowned as being the last unspoilt Caribbean paradise. A typical tropical wonderland of palm-fringed beaches, verdant rain forests and sparkling coral reefs, Tobago also boasts a nature-lovers treasure trove of birds, butterflies, flowering plants and shrubs. There are 100 different mammals and 70 kinds of reptiles roaming the island, too, most famous of which is the giant leatherback turtle which nests on the magnificent leeward (north) beaches. To the south the Atlantic beats against a coast studded with fishing villages, while the hilly interior is coated with one of the world's oldest rainforest reserves.

Set amongst five acres with Tobago’s lush tropical hills as a ackdrop, and a few short miles from both the airport and the Capital Scarborough, the all-inclusive Grafton Beach Resort provides a warm welcome and comfortable, flexible accommodation. With great sports facilities (floodlit tennis courts, fitness centre, sailing and a dedicated dive centre), good food (the hotel has 2 restaurants offering local and international cuisine) and the best cocktails in the area (3 bars on-site), Grafton Beach Hotel is the ideal choice for families, adventurers and couples alike. The resort comprises 8 low-level buildings each housing a choice of gorgeous rooms – 108 in total (offering a choice of garden or ocean views) including four Executive Suites with private Jacuzzis. All rooms are equipped with private balcony or patio, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, hairdryer and mini-fridge. Each room accommodates a maximum of three adults or two adults and two children.