Virgin Holidays View
Built in 1887 on Barbados' southeast coast, The Crane was the island's first resort. Today the original hotel forms the centrepiece of a luxurious villa complex that combines 19th-century grandeur with modern-day luxury. Perched on a hilltop, panoramic views are the order of the day. Take the elevator down the cliff top and you've got the fabulous pink sand Crane Beach at your disposal, the resort offers loungers, umbrellas, boogie boards and beach service. Known for casual luxury and warm hospitality, many of The Crane’s luxurious suites feature their own private pools or gardens and full kitchens. The resort's infinity pool with its Roman-style columns and marble sun deck is a lovely place to linger, admiring ocean views from the comfort of your lounger. There's also a fantastic pool complex comprising 5 freeform pools with waterfalls and fountains, 2 tennis courts and a gym. For eats, L'Azure is something of a hotspot with the popular gospel brunch, entertainment on a Sunday and classic Caribbean and international fare served throughout the week. Zen at the cliff edge serves cuisine from the Orient and is perfect for a more romantic dinner by candlelight. The Carriage House Poolside Restaurant offers casual poolside dining for lunch and dinner. D’Onofrio’s, Italian casual restaurant now open for lunch and dinner in the heart of the Village. Hideaway in your ultra-spacious residence, lounge in a poolside cabana or socialise at the new shopping & dining Village where evening entertainment awaits, the choice is yours.
Where is it?
Overlooking Crane Beach, a perfect location for those seeking tranquillity, ultra-spacious surroundings and magnificent ocean views. 20 minutes to the South Coast. Transfer time from airport: 10 min.
Eats and drinks
2 ocean view and top Zagat rated restaurants: L’aZure serves breakfast (buffet and à la carte), lunch and dinner (à la carte Caribbean and continental cuisine) and is the setting of the popular Sunday Gospel Brunch; Zen offers Barbados’ only authentic Thai and Japanese restaurant (open for dinner 6 days a week). D’onofrios serves delicious Southern Italian cuisine. Carriage House restaurant offers casual poolside dining for lunch and dinner. Beach service at lunch time is also available. 1887 Piano Bar. In-room dining if you can’t bear to leave your residence, or stock up on groceries at the general store and whip up your own meal or snack.
Entertainment
The Sunday morning breakfast buffet features the ever-popular Caribbean gospel choir and a steel band performs during Sunday brunch. Cocktail party on Monday nights. Live nightly entertainment in Bar 1887.
Fun and games
Over an acre of multi-cascading pools and a cliff-top whirlpool, 2 floodlit tennis courts, fully equipped Ozone fitness centre including cardio equipment and weights, spa offering a range of beauty and massage treatments*, free boogie boarding on the beach. Golf nearby*
Handy stuff
Shopping village includes a department store, Colombian Emeralds jewellery store, convenience store, ladies boutique, Crane logo store, art gallery. Babysitting (on request*, also see our family offer). Elevator to beach, beach service. Free high speed Internet access in rooms, lobby and pool areas. Laundry/dry cleaning*.
Mobility
Good general access around the property.
Room info
240 luxuriously appointed residences. Junior Suites Garden View feature balcony/patio, garden view, air-conditioning, cable TV/DVD player, marble bathrooms, Jacuzzi tub, robes, spa showers. Fully equipped kitchenette, hairdryer, iron & ironing board, four poster king size bed, sofa and dining area, with 1 king-size bed or 2 twin beds, sleeping max 2 adults.
Room Upgrade
1-Bedroom Ocean View Suites - as above with spacious balconies with panoramic ocean views, separate large living/dining area and fully equipped kitchen with washer/dryer, sleeping max 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.
1-Bedroom Suite with Plunge Pool - feature all above amenities plus a private plunge pool or 28ft pool.
1-Bedroom Ocean View with 28ft pool - as above but with a 28ft pool.
1-Bedroom Penthouse Suite, sleeping max 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.
2 and 3 bedroom suites also available.
Minimum stay
3 nights except for 24-31 Dec '11, 01 Jan-29 Apr '12 and 24-31 Dec '12 when it is 5.
Additional information
*Denotes local charge.