Footprints Eco Resort by Danny Sriskandarajah

Descending along a bumpy dirt road, you quickly realise that Footprints is well off the beaten track. The self-described ‘eco-resort’ is an ambitious and commendable effort to allow visitors to experience Tobago’s rich natural beauty and diversity. Tobago is not the typical ‘sun, sea, and sand’ Caribbean destination; at least not yet. The appeal for many visitors to the island is its relatively unspoilt and untouched nature. This is where Footprints makes its mark.

Footprints is not for everyone. The resort sees itself as having two imperatives: the preservation and protection of the environment, and the comfort of guests. If you are only interested in the latter, there are many more appropriate alternatives around Tobago. If, on the other hand, the invitation to be a ‘part of the solution’ sounds appealing then Footprints’ simple but charming approach will impress.

Located on the secluded Culloden Bay, Footprints has been built to minimise its impact on the local environment. This is done through such measures as using recycled or rescued wood, renewable energy, and saltwater for the two pools and Jacuzzi. There are several hiking trails around the resort, lots of opportunities for bird-watching, and good snorkelling on the reef off the resort’s own beach. The Cocoa House Restaurant seeks to replicate an old cocoa plantation house, complete with a retractable roof, and is a lovely spot to enjoy local food and fresh fish, and a bit of star-gazing.

The main part of the resort consists of 2 standard rooms and 2 superior rooms perched atop a cliff and directly above the beach. The superior rooms are more spacious than the standard rooms and are better value for money. Two secluded villas overlooking the ocean can sleep up to 6 and have private pools and jacuzzis. There is also a Lover’s Retreat villa nestled into a hillside. Renting a car is a good idea for exploring the rest of the island but, for those who want just to relax, Footprints provides complimentary transfers to and from the airport for guests.

Footprints is certainly rough around the edges but it is the blurring of the distinction between nature and the resort that adds to the charm.