“We don’t come here to be seen, we come here to disappear” is the motto of the Crane, the low-key resort set above the legendary pink-sands of Barbados’ Crane Beach. Distinguishing itself from the typical all-inclusive Caribbean resorts, which often appeal to the more extroverted traveler, the Crane offers a secluded and serene environment. Sure, the four-diamond property has received travel industry accolades and has hosted Princess Margaret, Mick Jagger and homegrown talent Rihanna over the years, but you’d never know it by the resort’s humble ambiance. And Crane guests seem to prefer it that way.
Crane Beach
Dating back to 1887, the Crane was the first hotel resort built in the Caribbean islands. At the time, it was a colonial building with only eighteen guest rooms. Fully restored since its early days (it’s currently owned by Canadian Paul Doyle), the Crane went through a massive expansion in 1998. It now has 240 rooms housed in several large buildings. There is a luxury spa on-site; a pool complex with waterfalls and whirlpools, a fully-equipped fitness centre and Zagat-rated, Japanese-Thai dining at the property’s Zen Restaurant.
There is even an elevator that takes you from cliff-top where the resort is located to Crane Beach, so as to avoid making the journey down the rocky path. But despite the modern amenities, you can still see vestiges of the former town square and the train tracks that used to run through it. The Crane pays homage to its roots with a “General Store” on-site, an old-fashioned ice cream shop and a “Town Hall.” Each Wednesday there is an open-air market in the village with local crafts and jewelry for sale as well. And, as the Crane just celebrated its 125th Anniversary, there is a museum showcasing memorabilia from its past in honour of this milestone. The appeal of this resort is its mix of contemporary and old-world charm.
The mahogany-style reception area, where guests are greeted with their choice of resort’s specialty drink, the Rum Punch (likely to be the first of many) or non-alcoholic fruit juice, is where the heritage style is first seen. Guests are then led to their rustic-designed suites, which feature hand-carved four poster beds and antique fixtures. The residential rooms are enormous and come with flat screen TVs, large bathrooms and a kitchenette with all modern appliances including a dishwasher. There is also an in-suite washer and dryer and complimentary WiFi and long-distance calls made in the room. Most suites have ocean views, and some have their own pools or gardens.
Master Bedroom at Crane
Once settled, guests can make their way to one of the property’s four pools, choosing between infinity- or Roman-style, depending on their desired view. After a sufficient amount of time spent lying around, guests can make use of the Crane’s amenities. Those in need of pampering will love the Serenity Spa, which offers relaxing massages, facials and other treatments using the Sothys skincare line. Those looking for something more energetic can make use of the fitness centre or the outdoor tennis courts (though there is no instruction for either, the Crane does offer a sunrise yoga class Wednesday mornings and group Zumba dance classes Tuesday evenings, numbers permitting). And of course, guests can try water activities down at Crane Beach, which is kept immaculate.
As relaxing as the Crane is, guests will want to explore other parts of the island, particularly the catamaran cruise on the clear blue waters of the West Coast, where you can snorkel among the sea turtles, tropical fish and the occasional underwater shipwreck. There are also tours of local rum distilleries (Mount Gay and St. Nicholas Abbey) and gorgeous views at Cherry Tree Hill and Bathsheba beach. And if it’s Friday night, there is the famous fish fry at Oistins Bay Gardens, which is attended by both locals and tourists. For more casual lunches, guests can walk a few steps off the Crane property to Cutter’s Deli, which features a flying fish sandwich and a rum punch that does indeed pack a hefty punch.
On site, guests can dine at one of the resort’s four restaurants: starting the day with a breakfast buffet at L’Azure, the spacious, white-on-white, restaurant with outdoor seating that provides views of the azure sea. Though some guests make their own meals in their kitchenettes, lunch can also be eaten at the resort’s Carriage House and pre-dinner cocktails can be enjoyed at Bar 1887. For dinner, should guests be growing tired of Bajan fare, there is D’Onofrio’s Trattoria, a casual, Southern Italian family restaurant, and the aforementioned Zen which features excellent Thai curries and the ubiquitous flying fish (though this time in the form of sushi).
By day’s end guests will be ready to call it a night in their king-size beds, with a chorus of chirping frogs serenading them to sleep. That distinct sound is certainly something that will remain constant, no matter how much expansion the resort undergoes. That and the spectacular cliff-side views of Crane Beach…
Lynn was a guest of the Crane in October 2013. Photos are courtesy of Siren Communications.
