The Crane

Set on the world-famous Crane Beach, overlooking a perfect azure blue sea, is the Caribbean's first resort hotel. Built in 1887 and fully restored and expanded in the 20th century, this truly unique property combines elegance, old-world charm and incredible natural beauty with a romantic sense of seclusion, creating a feeling among guests of having retreated to a spot on earth where life is truly...simpler.

By marrying nineteenth century grandeur and furnishings with twenty-first century luxuries, conveniences and world-class amenities in its new development of private residence units Barbados' oldest Holiday hotel has created a level of exclusive resort living to be enjoyed by its guests.

Built in 1887, its distinctive unhurried feel and colonial, nothing-is-too-much hospitality live on among its special spaces. From grand private, ocean facing residences, to lavish suites in the original centrepiece - the 18th century mansion, and penthouse villas with four-poster king-size beds all sit secluded among lush grounds.

Pick of the wonderful facilities are the cliff top swimming pool, a stunning cascading multi-pool complex, and an alfresco jacuzzi.

Those mesmerising, good-for-the-soul views are very much made the most of in Zen, The Crane's cliff top Thai and Japanese restaurant with traditional Tatami rooms, an exquisite sushi bar and a stunning private dining space. There's a wonderful Sunday brunch with live Caribbean gospel music in the morning, followed by a traditional buffet lunch at the award winning L'Azure Restaurant. The Carriage House, the hotel stables over a hundred years ago, serves a lighter, all-day menu.