Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort

This wonderful place is full of amazing views of the water line aswell as the golf course, not to mention the aesthetic addition of two cats. If I had to say what the best part of this hotel is, it would have to be the absolutely transcending experience i received after eating the butter present at this wonderful establishment.

Avoid this course – poor service, unwelcoming staff, and mismanagement We recently played a round at Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort Golf Course in Tobago and unfortunately had a very disappointing experience. We arrived promptly for our 7:00 AM tee time, only to find the clubhouse closed. The security guard told us management was late. When the manager, Tamara Philip, finally arrived around 7:20 AM, her first comment was not an apology, but a complaint about how our drop-off vehicle was positioned. Not exactly a warm welcome. It took another 15 minutes before the pro shop was opened, only for her to tell us that we didn’t have a tee time booked—despite giving her the name of the staff member who took the reservation. Instead of resolving the issue, she was dismissive and offered no apology or solution. Then came a warning: if it started raining, there would be no rain check. Fine—but the issues continued. We were told we needed a driver’s permit to rent a golf cart—a requirement that was never communicated when we booked. We eventually showed a photo of a permit, which seemed to suffice, but then we were told that if we were caught with the cart on the course, they would take the keys away. The whole interaction felt confrontational and hostile. Not once did we receive an apology. In fact, it felt like we were unwelcome from the moment we arrived. This course is government-run, and sadly, it shows. The staff clearly does not care about hospitality or customer experience—and the treatment we received made it hard not to feel that foreigners aren’t particularly welcome. If you still decide to play here, be prepared for poor service, arbitrary rules, and possibly being treated like an inconvenience. And if you must, try speaking to the “dinosaur” Tamara—though don’t expect much help. Extremely disappointed. Would not recommend.

The Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort, once regarded as Tobago’s premier hotel, has unfortunately lost much of its former glory. While the location within the scenic Tobago Plantations Estate—particularly its proximity to the island’s top-tier golf course—remains a strong point, the overall condition of the hotel is in serious decline. The rooms are extremely dated, with unreliable plumbing and inconsistent air conditioning. In an attempt to mask the musty odor, strong air fresheners are used, which only highlight the underlying issues. The outdoor jacuzzi is in a terrible state and clearly neglected. Additionally, the overwhelming seaweed buildup along the beach, accompanied by a pungent odor, significantly detracts from the beachfront experience. Service at the hotel is a mixed bag. While a few staff members were warm, professional, and welcoming, others appeared indifferent and disengaged, suggesting a lack of proper training or oversight. The resort, once a flagship destination, is now in dire need of a comprehensive renovation and more effective management. It’s disheartening to see a property with such potential continue to decline. Without meaningful investment and attention to guest experience, the Magdalena risks fading further from its once-respected status.