A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, family owned and run Coral Reef Club is an all round favourite, combining traditional old colonial style with understated luxury and impeccable service. Add to this a recent revamp and the best has just got better!
Coral Reef Club is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and retains the atmosphere of the magnificent private house it once was.
Originally conceived by the O'Hara family 50 years ago (who still run it today), it has become a Barbados institution and a stylish hangout for the rich and famous. That's not to say that Coral Reef is a flashy resort - quite the opposite, it has an understated elegance and warm hospitality that guests fall in love with. Here it is about blending in, not standing out.
Accommodation
They've recently undergone a re-development programme too, adding private plunge pools to new luxury cottages and Plantation Suites - these also feature fabulous wrap around balconies, four poster beds and gorgeous bathrooms with huge deep bath tubs. All set in 12 acres of lush, tropical gardens that lead down to the sea, filled with fragrant frangipani and bougainvillea.
Dining Out
Barbados is also experiencing something of a 'food revolution' of late and Coral Reef Club is no exception. Many of the chefs have worked in top restaurants in Europe and the Caribbean and daily changing menus include fresh seafood and sophisticated French cuisine with a Caribbean twist. Overlooking the calm waters of the Caribbean Sea and complemented by live local entertainment most evenings (calypso, reggae, steel bands) it makes for a very memorable evening.
Activities
There are two swimming pools, tennis and watersports available from the beach, including sailing on a private 32 foot catamaran, and golf can be arranged at the nearby Royal Westmoreland or Sandy Lane courses.