SCARBOROUGH, Tobago – Reported by Elite Traveler, the private jet lifestyle magazine
The Magdalena Grand Beach Resort in Tobago officially opened its doors on Friday, June 1, with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamala Persad-Bissessar, cutting the ribbon during the Grand Opening ceremony.
Prime Minister Hon. Persad-Bissessar delivered the keynote address and she spoke about the impact the addition of the resort has had on tourism in Tobago and the economic benefit to the local community. She started by quoting Vince Angelo, general manager at the Magdalena Grand, as saying “that since its opening last year, over 17,000 room-nights have been booked with guests.”
Persad-Bissessar added, “Today, I feel that we can all agree that we are off to a very good start and things will continue to get better. The State’s investment has already begun to generate returns.”
In her remarks, she noted arrivals to Tobago from Austria, Canada, the Caribbean, France, Italy, Qatar, Norway, Trinidad and the United States of America.
“We have complete confidence in what the Magdalena Grand is able to offer to our guests and we are proud to officially open the resort and utilize our potential to the fullest,” said Angelo. “Keeping in mind the feedback we have already received and our ambition to succeed, the staff views the official opening as a day to celebrate and look forward to years of accomplishments,” he added.
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Cultural dancers, festive flowers and celebration banners hung on columns and lined the walls of the resort as guests entered the main ballroom for the official ceremony.
Over 400 people attended the ceremony, including Nikolas Eastwick-Field, principal, efm Hospitality, the resort’s operator, and John Murphy, executive vice president, efm Hospitality, to commemorate the momentous occasion. Upon arrival, guests were treated to the sounds of a steel band as well as traditional island drinks. The ceremony opened with the Trinidad and Tobago national anthem, performed by Mr. Harrison Mac Millian and Mr. Farley Beckles, and an opening prayer, recited by Pastor Duane Samm.
Pleasure Pirates and the members of The Signal Hill Choir provided musical performances throughout the ceremony. Brian Frontin, chairman, Evolving Technologies and Enterprise Development Co. Ltd., concluded the service with a Vote of Thanks.
Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, guests gathered in the main lobby where they were entertained by the sounds of local island music. Cultural dancers dressed in traditional Trinidad and Tobago ensembles passed out chocolates and island gift bags. A reception with food stations of local delicacies and cocktails followed.
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After the formal ceremony, Honorable Kamla Persad-Bissessar performed the official snip of the ribbon at the Ribbon Cutting ceremony and unveiled and presented a inaugural plaque commemorating June 1, 2012 as the official Grand Opening of the Magdalena Grand Beach Resort.
The 178-room resort with 22 one- or two-bedroom suite combinations, had a soft opening in December, 2011. It is the first four-star beach property to open in Tobago in 12 years and has been designed to accommodate the needs of both leisure and business travelers.
All of the resort’s beautifully appointed rooms feature spacious marble bathrooms with shower and tub; deluxe toiletries, bathrobes and slippers; pure cotton linens; central air conditioning; ceiling fan; iron and ironing board; salon hair dryer; mini refrigerator; coffee/tea maker; safe; High-definition flat screen I.P. televisions with satellite programming; complimentary wireless Internet access; and I.P. telephones.
Guests can choose from two meal plan options, which are added on to the cost of a nightly stay. The MAP is $65 per person, per night, with tax and service charges included and provides breakfast and dinner. The Full American Plan (FAP) is $100 per person, per night, with tax and service charges included and provides three meals daily. All buffet meals, including brunch, are free for children four years and younger and 50% discount off the adult price for children five to 12 years of age (tax not included).
The Magdalena Grand Beach Resort offers several restaurants, bars and casual dining options including the Pembois Buffet, the resort’s main restaurant; Kali’na fine dining restaurant; Robinson Crusoe Pub; Tavaco Lounge Piano Bar (situated in the lobby); Salaka Grill, a poolside and beachfront grill, Li’l Nylon Pool, a swim-up pool bar and Benné Café, a gourmet pastry shop and café.
On-property amenities include room service from 6 am until 10:30pm; concierge service; business center; 24 hour fitness center; full-service beauty salon and massage therapists; tour desk; convenience store, gift shop and secured parking.
The resort offers a full range of facilities and activities including three swimming pools – including an adults-only pool; a Dive Center with its own training pool; an 18-hole PGA-designed Championship golf course; pitching and putting greens; driving range; day and nighttime tennis; and daily guest activities program. Guests can ride bicycles as well as take advantage of a variety of off-property excursions.
The resort’s complimentary Club Cee Cee Kid’s Club is available to children four to 12 years old. Guests under four years of age are able to attend with a parent or adult. Club Cee Cee features arts and crafts, movies, book collection, board games, a nature learning center and computer/technology area. Outdoor activities are also available.
For groups with a minimum of ten rooms, including corporate meetings, weddings or reunions, the resort has the capability of building a private URL, which features customized packages and is accessible solely by the individuals that are part of the group.
The Magdalena Grand Beach Resort is a 15-minute drive from A.N.R Robinson International Airport in Tobago and is situated on the 750-acre Tobago Plantations Estate, a gated community of luxury villas, condos and bungalows.
