Coral Reef Club – Barbados
Smart but understated, the Coral Reef Club has been the retreat of choice for discerning travelers for decades. It is still owned by the same family, and their weekly cocktail parties are not to be missed. Guests need not lift a finger – the service is faultless, and you soon see why most people are seasoned regulars. Set along a long stretch of white sandy beach, in twelve acres of lush tropical gardens and lawns, filled with frangipani, hummingbirds (that are surely some of best in Barbados), it is pure Caribbean sophistication.
The colonial style architecture sits gracefully amongst the palms, looking out over the emerald Caribbean. If you love unpretentious luxury, there’s no better place to unwind. Or enjoy the odd sundowner or two.
At A Glance
Luxury Hotel
Why We Love It:
For its fantastic Spa & beautiful grounds.Style:
Tropical colonial splendour.Location:
Set amidst 12 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, on the beach on the calm west coast of Barbados.Rooms:
88 rooms, suites & villas.Swimming:
In the turquoise ocean, in either of the 2 outdoor freshwater pools or in some rooms own private plunge pool.Children:
The place to introduce your children to Caribbean sophistication.Accessibility:
Facilities are available on request.Open From:
All year round.rooms
Scattered around the verdant gardens, the rooms, suites and villas are simple and elegant. White tile floors, white walls and high, beamed wooden ceilings and covered verandahs, they are colonial style and supremely comfortable. Some look out over the water, whilst most are dotted around the garden or have views of the pool.
food
Dining at the Coral Reef Club is delightfully old school formal. Think afternoon tea, dressing for dinner and waiters in bow ties. The Reef Restaurant, with its white linen tablecloths, looks out over the beach and beyond, serving the daily catch, mixing classic European influenced cooking and Caribbean flavours. The menu changes daily, with a West Indian evening and a fabulously sumptuous barbecue on another. The breakfasts, laden with tropical fruit and freshly squeezed juices, are equally impressive. Guests can also dine at The Sandpiper, the club’s sister hotel.
activities
There are all the toys at the Coral Reef Club. All the non-motorized water sports are complimentary, from taking out a hobie cat or a Laser, to the more sedate paddle boarding and kayaking. Diving and snorkelling really shouldn’t be missed here. The pristine waters are brimming with all manner of marine life, and the hotel has its own PADI centre, catering for all levels from beginners to seasoned divers. There are several shipwrecks close by for exploring – and a night dive off one of these is a highlight.
The hotel can also arrange deep sea fishing. Thrill seekers can waterski, wakeboard or doughnut. There are two tennis courts with complimentary coaching every day except Sunday, for both adults and children. The renowned Royal Westmoreland, with its par seventy two championship course is within easy reach, as are the three courses at Sandy Lane – arguably offering some of the finest golf in the entire Caribbean. The Spa at the Coral Reef Club is delightful – so definitely make sure you book a treatment.
family
The accommodation choices for families are excellent, with all the baby equipment you could need, and a babysitting service. And it’s worth noting – most rooms have no TV. For children up to eleven, there’s an activity programme that includes sailing and swimming, whilst older children can take part in the complimentary water sports. The water off the beach is calm and clear – perfect for swimming.
An in-room dining service is available each evening (children under five are unable to eat in the restaurant after seven pm), and the chefs will prepare baby food too. Children under the age of twelve are unable to stay between mid-January and the end of February.
Location
Barbados
Set amidst 12 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, on the beach on the calm west coast of Barbados, just 45 minutes from the airport & 20 minutes from Bridgetown.
