Why go?
For a refined Caribbean getaway at one of the most sophisticated beachside settings Barbados has to offer. Couples will want for nothing here, and will fly home feeling recharged, utterly pampered and dosed up on vitamin d.
Honeymoon style
Befitting its name, Coral Reef Club is located on a surreal beach, where a kaleidoscopic coral reef lures in snorkellers and divers beneath the surface of the bay. Couples with itchy feet after a few hours of sunbathing can jump into a pair of water skis, a sailing boat or spend the week ticking off the full sweep of watersports on offer. A heavenly spa offers that pampering exhale overspun couples need after the tense wedding build up, and the light, airy suites or cottages connect them directly to the beach, just with the utmost privacy honeymooners hope for. Any stay here is a seriously spoiling one, from start to finish.
Set the scene
The wow-factor sets in as soon as your transfer edges up the pine and palm tree lined driveway towards the pillared grand entrance. The reception, with its coral facade, is located in the original house, with all the heritage character you’d hope for in a hotel steeped in star-studded history. Inside, you can’t help but be dazzled by the carved coral walls and archways. As a family-owned and run resort, you are often welcomed by members of the O’Hara family alongside friendly staff – giving Coral Reef Club a degree of substance and history sometimes lacking in Caribbean resorts.
White washed cottages and suites are scattered amongst the well-established tropical gardens which roll on to meet the beach. Many claim this to be the most beautiful beach in Barbados, with pine trees and palms providing dappled shade and deeply cushioned sunbeds the perfect theatre seats to watch the light move the water through various shades throughout the day. You can expect a sweet treat such as a sorbet, to take the edge off the afternoon heat and local artists are often known to pitch up with an easel on the sand. The main pool is wrapped in tropical greenery, lagoon-style, with winding pathways leading guests there. Look out for the resident monkeys and parrots who are often spotted in the trees.
Rooms
The accommodation at Coral Reef Club is nothing short of exceptional, with a butler service in place across all the rooms and suites. The vast, light-filled Luxury Cottage Suites are ideal for honeymooners, with wrap-around terrace featuring a dining area, sunbeds and a much-needed private plunge pool for those balmy Caribbean afternoons. A stepping stone pathway leads you, storybook style, to the beach. Inside, tiled floors and white-washed stone walls interact with the natural light for a fresh, airy feel. There’s a spacious sitting room, a plush bedroom with a dressing table and French doors that fling open onto the terrace. Marble bathrooms offer only the deepest of tubs and rain showers to wash the day’s sand and salt in, using deliciously-scented products from The White Company. Pretty blue and white patterned soft furnishings add a sophistication home-from-home feel. A tray of tea is served to your room at 4pm daily (on the dot), a nod to the British ritual, and honeymooners can expect a glass of Champagne as a welcome drink.
Food and drink
The restaurant is a destination in its own right, thanks to its beachside setting and stunning interiors. The pretty, sweeping terrace overlooking the water is festooned in pink, yellow and green hues, with a clear feminine theme. Breakfast is served daily here, followed by lunch and dinner, with an à la carte menu shifting to the fisherman’s haul or the farmer’s goodies. Curated by Executive Chef, Hance Bannister, menus are a fusion of European and Caribbean cuisine starring plenty of fresh seafood and local produce. Try the Tandoori shredded lamb followed by a pan fried fillet of Mahi Mahi served with spinach, tomato and avocado compôte (beginning to get the picture)? For pudding there are often innovative twists on the classics – the coconut bread pudding drizzled with a Bajan Rum anglaise, for instance. It’s unlikely, but should you fancy a change of scene, sister hotel, The Sandpiper can be found right next door with its elegant poolside restaurant.
The story
Coral Reef Club has been family-owned and run since 1952, when it first opened its doors as a hotel. It started very organically. The family owned a four bedroom villa where they’d put up guests for the evening (as an overspill from a nearby hotel) and it has expanded gradually, and tastefully ever since. Today, it very much remains a family business with parents, sons, partners, and grandchildren all keenly involved and naturally well-versed in the nuances of running a luxury resort. The O’Hara family welcome guests for cocktails at their family home on the resort weekly for that personal touch, and you’ll notice many of the guests here are loyalists, returning year after year to this charming hotel.
Family-friendly
For babies, all the facilities will be set up in your room ahead of your arrival making it a breeze for parents travelling with little ones. The restaurant caters for children however, (and perhaps a boon for honeymooners without sprogs), under fives are not permitted after 7pm. A fantastic babysitting service gives parents a well-deserved break over a candle-lit supper, a couples massage or simply a moment of peace by the pool. The more grown up lot can get stuck into the complimentary non-motorised watersports including snorkelling, kayaking, laser and Hobie Cat sailing and paddle boarding. Children are welcome year-round, except 20 January – 28 February when children under the age of 12 are not accepted.
Spa
Many members of the team have been proudly working for this serene spa since its grand opening 15 years ago. Located beneath the soaring palms and tropical canopy, it’s an ultra zen oasis for couples to hide away from the outside world. The relaxation zone is at the centre of the spa, an open-air immersive courtyard with a trickling waterfall and surrounding rush of dense green. Tranquil candle lit treatment rooms feature dark wooden doors, contrasting with light stone walls and polished tiled floors. With each bespoke treatment, therapists use Natura Bisse products as well as formulating their own scrubs and oils from local ingredients such as coconut, jasmine, lemongrass and ginger. Couples will delight in the Diamond Wellbeing Massage tailored to every body’s unique needs. Post treatment, try a signature lemongrass and ginger tea and make use of the sauna and steam room before heading back to the beach.
Location
Coral Reef Club is situated on the glamourous west coast, or ‘Platinim Coast’, of Barbados, 30 minutes from the airport. The beach and coral reef is unbeatable. The location is great for ticking off many of Barbados’ must-try restaurants, with The Cliff, Sandy Lane and Lonestar all a short taxi ride away. Howtown has a bustling shopping centre and lively atmosphere at weekends, head to First Street on a Sunday for karaoke, BBQs and a big dose of Caribbean culture.
For more information visit: coralreefbarbados.com/
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