The original Bajan beach stay since 1887, this Caribbean beauty has hosted everyone from Buffalo Bill to Rihanna

Cowboys and the Caribbean aren’t usually synonymous, but The Crane counts William Frederick Cody, aka Buffalo Bill, among its early guests. Buffalo Bill visited Barbados’s first resort in the late 19th century, famously leaving his gold chain and fob watch as payment for his stay (we don’t recommend that modern guests attempt the same).

Today, The Crane retains its original beachy beauty spot and cooling breezes, bolstered by some pleasing modern additions: ravishing suites and penthouses, for example, plus terrific restaurants and enough swimming pools to satisfy a pod of mermaids. That’s not to mention the free kids’ club, stellar shopping at the Crane Village and a host of fitness and wellbeing options, from a serene spa to on-site yoga, tennis and pickleball. The hotel is also perfectly positioned, with Grantley Adams International Airport and the island’s best golf course both ten minutes away. Here are four more reasons to reach for your swimwear and sunnies…

The legendary beach
With its blush-pink sands, tourmaline waters and white-froth waves, Crane Beach is a regular presence on World’s Best Beaches lists. In 1922, the hotel garnered an honourable mention in The Red Book of The West Indies, with the writer reporting: “The Crane Hotel occupies a high cliff on the southeast coast of the island, swept by fresh, invigorating breezes. From its windows is displayed the beautiful sea, fringing with exquisite colour the white, soft sandy beach of the hotel’s superb bathing place that has no superior anywhere in the world.” We agree.

Suite dreams
Channelling a spirit of generosity, The Crane’s ultra-spacious suites reveal oceanic boons, from wave-spying balconies to private pools, mini gardens and more than enough space to swing a cat(fish) in. The Junior Suites measure in at a very respectable 739sqft. If you’d rather go large, opt for the 2,965sqft three-bedroom Contemporary Suite with deluxe pool, or live it up like Barbadian royalty in the palatial three-bedroom Penthouse (a whopping 4,014sqft). Rooms are styled with milk, coconut and pearl hues to complement the azure sea-and-sky views, while stately mahogany furniture adds gravitas, recalling the hotel’s heritage. That said, expect all the mod cons: Jacuzzi baths, impressive TVs, aircon and the like. 

Poolside perfection
Water babies of all ages rejoice: more than 70% of The Crane’s suites boast a private pool. The question is, would you prefer a rooftop oasis with island panoramas, or a garden pool edged by tropical greenery, with a dining gazebo for good measure? You can also opt for a suite or penthouse with a plunge pool for mini dips, or a 28ft infinity pool for off-duty-Olympian laps. The liquid lures don’t stop there – the hotel also has a quintet of shared swimming pools. For a dip with retro glamour, head to the adults-only pool, which was built in the 1970s and has the doric columns to prove it. Spy on Crane Beach, 50ft below, from this lofty beauty spot. Families will fall for the one-and-a-half acre cascading Cliff Pool Complex, encompassing a waterfall pool, a Jacuzzi spa pool and a children’s wading pool. 

Delicious food and drink
Eat at a different dining outpost every day, with five enticing restaurants perfecting global flavours. Surveying Crane Beach, Zen’s all-glass frontage capitalises on its dramatic setting. The Japanese and Thai cuisine is as impressive as the Asian-inspired architecture – savour your sushi and noodles in private dining booths or in the sunken-floored Tatami room. For sunshine flavours, enjoy southern Italian fare at D’Onofrio’s, or get a taste of the Caribbean at L’Azure Restaurant, with the requisite Atlantic Ocean views. For perfectly grilled meat and fish paired with tropical drinks or chilled Champagne, opt for the Carriage House or the Grove Beach Bar & Grill. Craving tapas and cocktails? Bar 1887 (referencing the resort’s birthday) has your name on it. A fleet of in-room dining options and sweet treats, home-made gelato and speciality coffee courtesy of the Village Café complete the impressive culinary offering. Bravo.

All holidays with British Airways Holidays are ATOL protected, come with a generous baggage allowance per person and a 24-hour holiday helpline. Secure your holiday now with a low deposit at The Crane and enjoy flexible payments until you fly.*

*Full balance due seven weeks before departure for long-haul holidays. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply. See ba.com/deposits.

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