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40 Knowledge Barbados 41

The Sandpiper Cobblers

Family-owned and run, we love including Harold Shepherd but worth the splash for its Christophe Poupardin dishes Hotel hit: Cove
The Sandpiper, with its loyal after whom Harold’s Bar is designer vibe, wrap around up daily fusion feasts, plus Another hotel that has been number of devoted returnees.
following and small, intimate named. 2015 also saw a revamp terrace and killer location. a Wednesday West Indian The air of elegant nostalgia kept in the family for two The repeat booking percentage
vibe. This Bajan haven has with a second sleek pool The newbie takes the room buffet when tables groan under that pervades every corner generations is the hugely speaks for itself. We love the
the perfect beach locale, added; the beach bar has had count to 50, maintaining the sumptuous platters of flying popular Cobblers Cove. On suites with their large sitting
just a short amble from the a facelift (although still serves hotel’s small scale intimacy. fish, Caribbean shrimp, lobster a quiet narrow sandy beach rooms, wicker chairs and
restaurants, bars and shops of the far-too-drinkable Harold’s If you can drag yourself salad and lamb curries. The near the little old-fashioned elegant furniture. If there
Holetown. Last year it scooped Smile), and a new beach deck up from your sunlounger, restaurant (open on three town of Speightstown, it is in was a ‘suite-off’ Camelot at
‘Small Hotel of the Year’ just a few feet away from the activities include paddle sides) is highly romantic, the highly capable hands of the Great House would win
at the Barbados Hotel and sea, opened for business. The boarding, kayaking and surrounded by torch-lit Hugh Godsal, whose parents hands down with its two-floor
Tourism Association Awards, Beach House can be rented snorkelling, tennis coaching tropical gardens. As night founded the hotel back in 1968. setting and private rooftop
not a surprise to those in the as a three bedroom villa or as and R&R down at Coral falls, smooth jazz and calypso Once known as Camelot, this plunge pool. Famous for
know. The service is spot-on three individual suites. This is Reef’s spa. Foodies loosen vibes fill the air and stars pink mansion is something of being Barbados’ only Relais &
with many staff like family, push-the-boat-out-territory your belts as Executive Chef twinkle into the sea. an island icon. It was first built Châteaux property, epicurean
in 1944 as a seaside getaway experiences are a focus here
for a plantation owner and it – The Camelot Restaurant is
retains oodles of character. formal but the food is worth
This is the Caribbean with a every bit of quiet politeness.
twist of Britishness: there’s In between gourmet fare, the
a large book-lined drawing hotel’s tours are also some of
room complete with wooden the best on the island; there’s
board games; afternoon tea a brilliant heritage tour of
is served daily and even the plantation houses (some not
General Manager hails from open to the general public)
Yorkshire. There are just 40 and the fishing expedition
suites so Cobblers is small led by Barker, Cobblers’ own
(and discreet) with a huge fisherman is a must-do.
Hotel hit:
Its low-key attitude and
laidback informality, Colony Club
a rarity on the west coast Hotel hit:
Totally tropical in every way,
the award-winning Colony A proper good dose of
Club is one of those tear-your- fun activities in the sun
passport-up destinations.
Coral Reef Club The palm-fringed beach is
postcard-perfect; the sea
Along the beach is The prawns, steak and fresh fish glints under the Caribbean
Sandpiper’s sister hotel, the on the grill. During winter sun and everyone is treated
just as dreamy Coral Reef there’s live entertainment like a VIP by the dedicated
Club. Cocooned in 12 acres every night and the O’Haras beach and pool ambassadors.
of glorious gardens filled with host a weekly cocktail night. Devotees love this property
frangipani and bougainvillea, But the limelight stealer is The for its timeless sophistication,
the O’Hara family has yet Spa, with its foot ritual patios relaxed atmosphere and
again worked their hospitality and private gardens, shaded delicate sprinkling of
magic. The gentle pace is cabanas and menu of stress- modernity. Colony Club can
the same but perhaps more busting treatments. The Spa’s also be action-packed (great
elegant country house hotel expertise belies its size (there for those with teenagers
in the tropics. This old-school are only four treatment rooms in tow). There’s a load of
luxury has real charm. We and one couples pavilion); the complimentary watersports to Plate dinner excursion inspired by the seasons and
love the Plantation Suites and muscle melt massage comes (motorised and non), yoga, will have you fishing for your as well as complimentary
Luxury Cottages decorated highly recommended. Coral tennis, snorkel safaris, cooking supper; your catch-of-the- breakfast there are loads of
in tranquil hues and pale Reef is hosting two further demos and excursions galore. day will then be filleted and themed evenings including
Hotel hit: wood with sink-into beds wellness retreats this year The suites are spot-on, decked served with a fiery sauce and lobster night and lots of music
The Spa and it’s dedicated and enormous bathrooms. featuring a healthy dose of out with lots of mahogany, fresh produce from the hotel’s – think jazz, steel-pans and
marble, billowing white
sometimes a saxophonist. An
organic vegetable and herb
Evenings are always convivial
yoga, Caribbean-style Zumba
week-long wellness retreats with drinks in the piano and holistic treatments. The cotton and Ren bath products. garden. The Laguna extra bonus, guests are given
lounge and Thursday night retreats will be running in May Foodies also flock here for a Restaurant and Lounge is a bottle of the hotel’s own rum
barbeques sizzle with jumbo and October. number of reasons. The Bait a real hub, the menus are punch on arrival.
To speak to one of our specialists, please see contact details on inside back cover To speak to one of our specialists, please see contact details on inside back cover