With Asa Wright Nature Centre and Mt. Plaisir Estate Hotel, two eco-lodges located in Trinidad’s lush rainforest and hidden along its coastline, HADCO Experiences offers a variety of natural experiences for adventure-loving tourists. Ideal for those seeking sustainable travel experiences in Trinidad, our properties cater to everyone from adventure seekers to nature lovers and those who love to relax in luxury–without disrupting the delicate balance of local environments.
Asa Wright Nature Centre is regarded as one of the world’s best spots for birding. Here, you can find close to 200 species, including the chance to enjoy rare bearded bellbird sightings in Trinidad, or to spot one of only 8 known oilbird colonies in the country. (Not to mention all the other wild animals that call this 1,300-acre reserve home.) But even before you step out to enjoy our rainforest preserve and its dense birdlife, we’re hoping you can appreciate the inherently therapeutic opportunities that come when you simply stop and listen.
Recently, there’s been a lot of buzz about the health benefits of forest bathing, or mindful exploration amongst trees. Lesser-known–but still important–are the benefits of birdsong ornitherapy. A staple of sleep and meditation aids, birdsong has been shown to promote feelings of safety, reduce stress and anxiety, and stimulate and replenish the brain thanks to its combination of rhythm, frequencies and its ability to tap into our primal instincts.
Heading out for some Asa Wright birdwatching? Here’s some great news: you can reap the rewards of these acoustic acrobatics without even trying, simply by taking a listen while swimming in a natural pool or finding a moment of quiet on the Great House’s spectacular veranda. Want to take things a step further, and try your hand at purposeful listening? Ask us about booking open-air spa treatments or meditation sessions that can help focus your senses on the surrounding sounds. Click here for details.
For a coastal adventure, head over to Mt. Plaisir Estate Hotel in Grande Riviere, a hidden gem on the island’s north coast, where the community has transformed local attitudes towards their most loyal repeat visitors–Leatherback turtles. The beach here is one of the world’s most dense nesting sites for this endangered species. Each year, between March and August, an estimated 3,500 of these magnificent creatures return to lay over 200,000 eggs before the hatchlings emerge in June and September. As a guest at the hotel, you’ll not only have a front-row seat to this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon, but you can also help support the Grande Riviere Nature Tour Guide Association with their nightly conservation efforts.
During the daytime, adventures in nature are never far away, whether it’s taking one of the house kayaks for a paddle on the sea or along the river (sometimes even alongside a late check-out turtle!) or embarking on an ambitious hike to cool off in one of several waterfalls in the vicinity, guided by the hotel’s charismatic naturalist-in-residence. At nearby Pawi Lodge, you’ll also have the rare opportunity to see Trinidad Piping-guans, or Pawi birds. This is a Critically Endangered species with an estimated population of less than 200, and Grande Riviere is one of the focus areas for its conservation efforts.
Ready to head off the beaten track in Trinidad? Click here for details.
HADCO Experiences has made a conscious decision to lead regenerative tourism across Trinidad and Tobago by crafting immersive, thoughtfully designed experiences that offer guests the opportunity to reconnect in powerful, unforgettable ways. Contact us today to book your journey and uncover the natural treasures of Trinidad and Tobago.
