Visit Date: June 2010

My family and I stayed at the Rex Hotel last month for 2 weeks, and had a fantastic holiday, we had a few trips with the dive center on site, Manta Dive/Tobago Dive Pirates, which turned out to be the best dive holiday we ever had, the staff went over and beyond, they were very helpful before and after the dives, took their time to show us which fishes we saw on the dives, they also had brand new kit, which was great, the dive leaders were very attentive and safety conscious. It was the beginning of the rainy season so the vis was not as we had expected, but, that didn't didn't stop us from having a fantastic time! Will be back soon.

Visit Date: June 2009

When we arrived, we were met by Shaun Robinson, the owner, who encouraged us to treat the hotel as our home away from home. At first I was skeptical - but quickly realized that he meant it with all sincerity. He - and all the dive staff - were genuinely interested in understanding what would make our vacation memorable, fun and relaxing - then set about to deliver!

The diving in Speyside is the best i've ever experienced! Every site was unique in terrain, fish, corals - and the reef health was INCREDIBLE! We saw more diversity of fish & corals than in any other diving we've done. We were there during the Manta season - and we had many sightings. We had frequent visits at the dive dock - and jumped in the water as the gentle giants swam slowly by. At this time of year, the mantas feed right in front of the hotel - in 4-5 feet of water. On the last day, there were three circling & feeding - and we walked in and saw them swim slowly by. What a thrill! We were eager to see one swimming in deep, clear water - and Shaun's local knowledge sent us to eexactly the right spot for a close encounter of the Manta kind!

The food and restaurant service were fine - we ate there most of the time and were satisfied. We found that the portions are a bit small compared to some of the local restaurants - and the service was unenthusiastic. Jemma's is a few hundred yards from the resort - built right into the large limbs of trees - and serves incredible family-style feasts for the same price.

We definitely plan to visit again and see our friends Shaun, his son Swiss, and the rest of the dive team - Kester, Tullie, and Silton! I was welcomed in their home as a visitor - and left as a friend.