The dual-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago, best known for its island friendliness and unique blend of modern hospitality and traditional charm, has unveiled a wealth of news for the upcoming tourism season.

Developments include brand new hotel options, activities for all travel styles and an eclectic mix of cultural events that are derived from the destination’s diversity and history.

Here Breaking Travel News takes a look at what’s hot in this leading destination.

Coco Reef Resort & Spa

With 135 rooms, suites and villas, Coco Reef Resort & Spa offers easy access to the three most magnificent beaches in Tobago: Store Bay, Pigeon Point and Coconut Bay.

This summer, the resort is offering a number of enticing deals for travellers.

From May 1st to December 20th, for $1,995, guests can enjoy transportation to and from ANR Robinson International Airport, deluxe ocean view accommodations with a private patio or balcony for five days and four nights, daily breakfast buffet, two tank dives for three days (six dives), nightly entertainment and night/day tennis.

This rate is based on double occupancy.

Also valid May 1st to December 20th, Coco Reef Resort guests can enjoy a golf package for two.

At $2,310, this package includes two rounds of golf, transportation to and from the golf course, a 50-minute Swedish massage per person, ocean view accommodations with a private patio or balcony for five days and four nights, complimentary breakfast and transportation to and from the airport.

For more information Coco Reef Resort & Spa – which is considered the Caribbean’s Leading Hotel by the World Travel Awards, visit the official website.

Coco Reef’s John Jefferies, right, celebrates at World Travel Market with World Travel Awards founder Graham Cooke

Radisson Hotel, Trinidad

The newest hotel addition to Port of Spain, The Radisson Trinidad, officially opened its doors in April 2014.

The 243-room hotel is a sign of investor confidence in the local economy coupled with the strength of the country’s tourism sector.

The Radisson is best-known for its 360-degree revolving restaurant, which is situated on the 14th floor.

Guests can also enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at the Olympia restaurant and enjoy an afternoon cocktail or nightcap at the Maple Bar & Lounge.

Catering to the typical traveller to Port of Spain, the hotel also offers a 24-hour business centre, same-day dry cleaning, complimentary parking and complimentary high speed internet.

For those trying to let loose and relax, the stunning pool is equipped with a swim-up bar surrounded by tropical gardens.

For more information on the Radisson Trinidad Hotel, take a look here.

Bacolet Beach Club, Tobago

Bacolet Beach Club, one of Tobago’s premier boutique hotels, recently completed expansions that include the addition of the ‘West Wing’ building.

The addition features 15 luxurious, marble tiled suites and an infinity pool overlooking the hotel’s private bay.

In addition, a new bistro- restaurant, “d’Rhum Shop” opened at sister hotel Half Moon Blue.

The restaurant’s menu includes savoury comfort food such as ribs and pizza.

For more information, visit Bacolet Beach Club.

Castara Retreats, Tobago

Located in Tobago, Castara Retreats, a family-run eco-resort, announced the addition of four new apartments to its accommodation offerings.

Over the past 18 months the hotel has almost doubled in size, expanding capacity to accommodate up to 36 guests and features 14 stylish, high quality self-catering lodges.

Additionally, management at Castara Retreats recently announced the appointment of new head chef, Carolyn Senior to the team.

The hotel’s restaurant offers European-style dishes (freshly caught fish each day, lamb, chicken and steak dishes, home-made pastas, inventive vegetarian options) and fabulous cocktails, popular with visitors and locals alike.

For more information, visit Castara Retreats.

Blue Flag Certification

The Las Cuevas Beach in Trinidad was selected in September 2014 as the pilot beach for the implementation of the Blue Flag Certification program, a voluntary eco-label developed through compliance with a strict criteria dealing with environmental education management, water quality, safety and other services.

The 2015 Blue Flag season for Las Cuevas Beach, now the only certified beach in the English-speaking Caribbean, is January 16th to November 16th.

During this period, beach goers can view the Blue Flag information board which will display monthly updates on the water quality and on-site environmental education activities.

The information board also provides a description of essential services available at the beach and the designated Blue Flag zone.

Carnival

With less than one month remaining for the Caribbean’s largest and most anticipated celebration, Trinidad Carnival, the island is a buzz with final preparations for the event.

The biggest part of its mystique lies in its unique ability to bring people from all walks of life and backgrounds together for a celebration of culture, calypso and cuisine.

Hotels on the island are at full capacity with thousands of masquerade band revellers and bystanders eagerly awaiting the highlight of the festival, the parade of the bands on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, February 16th-17th.

Goat Races

On Easter Tuesday, April 7th, the coastal village of Buccoo comes alive with the Buccoo Goat Races, an energetic event drawing in thousands of spectators every year.

Visitors are encouraged to check out this unique cultural experience indigenous to the island of Tobago since 1925.

Goat-handlers known as jockeys’ race specially trained goats for a year’s worth of bragging rights while patrons have the opportunity to try their hand at crab racing.

The event starts with a street parade where booths offering crafts, t-shirts, food and drink line the streets.

Many residents even open up their homes and provide delicious, authentic cuisine for those who have worked up an appetite after a day at the races.

For more information, visit the website.

About Trinidad & Tobago

Trinidad & Tobago is located in the south-eastern region of the Caribbean.

With its careful approach to tourism, the dual-island nation offers a distinct blend of culture, eclectic cuisine and an assortment of eco-adventure activities.

Trinidad, the ‘cultural capital of the Caribbean,’ is home to the world famous Carnival and the birthplace of the steel pan drum, the only new acoustic instrument to be invented in the 20th century.

Tobago, sister island to Trinidad, is the quintessential Caribbean island with secluded beaches, quaint villages, private villas and award-winning eco-attractions that include the Main Ridge Rainforest, the oldest protected reserve in the western hemisphere and the six-time award winner for World’s Leading Ecotourism Destination by the World Travel Awards.

For more information on Trinidad & Tobago visit the tourism website.