Tobago has long been one of those destinations kind of like Grenada — frequented by the discerning set. Getting there this time sans PJ was cause for initial concern, but with CAL flights to and from Tobago literally every 20 minutes from Piarco International airport, and a driver patiently awaiting my arrival, I was soon en route to Villa Being, Arnos Vale. Indeed, a place so under the radar that, rave review from the venerable Forbes magazine aside (it was called “the most fabulous vacation villa in Tobago”), the immigration officer was more receptive to the fact that I was visiting celebrity fashion designer Claudia Pegus, as she was not at all au fait with Villa Being.

By the time the huge gate opened and the driver manoeuvred the sharp turn — think: Strawberry Hill — it became pretty evident why even in Kingston, Jamaica requests were being made to secure an invite to Lévé, The Luxury Lifestyle Event Of The Tobago Experience.

Although exhausted — an organic salad and copious flutes of Champagne followed by my favourite dessert chocolate, sound reasoning by gracious hosts Claudia Pegus and Auliana Poon — sleep was no longer a priority. My luxe weekend on the 11-acre organic fruit estate had commenced in earnest.

Finally rolling into bed in the wee hours of Friday morning with temperatures still at 34ºC, nothing prepared us for the torrential downpour that woke us up on Friday and refused to abate until 15 minutes before the start time of the event.

Totally nonplussed, the team of Claudia Pegus, Dr Auliana Poon, Chef Debbie (Debra Sardinha Metivier), LeRoy Clarke’s daughter Adaeze and Brian MacFarlane understood that the show had to go on. The indoor-outdoor (albeit more outdoor) property would roll open its gates in less than 30 minutes.

The 100-plus specially invited guests were en route; the phones started ringing off the hook with people asking for directions. Jazz aside, this was the place to be seen at; Leve was the most sought-after ticket on the island.

With the arrival of Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, cool in white complete with Converse and his gorgeous wife Sharon in the perfect LTD (little tropical dress) — to the pulsating sounds of Les Coteaux Folk Performance — the buzz was palpable.

Auliana Poon flashed her megawatt smile; her dream was now a reality. “This is Lévé — we uplift, we celebrate the best of our country … listen to Panman Balfour — he is from Tobago, as, too, the distinctive sound.” The sound was certainly distinctive. Getting an exact name was a challenge. I reckon old-time Kaiso will suffice.

Tourism minister Shamfa Cudjoe spoke to the importance of “the experience” which cannot be bottled. Poon explained her desire “to harness our iconic gems — products, people, brands, services and location — in an effort to boost the Tobago Jazz Experience and showcase Tobago as a five-star destination”.

By the time the 40 + designs by Claudia Pegus were presented by impeccably styled models — every detail scripted by La Pegus, a presentation, let me hasten to add, that could pass muster at the most chi chi of resorts anywhere in the world, a mental note was made not only to Save The Date and, if at all possible, a suite at Villa Being, but also to secure a drive to The Bacolet Beach Club in Tobago where The Claudia Pegus collection is available.