Barbados is the island to go to if you are looking for year-round sunshine, endless smart restaurants and more rum shops than you can count.
The former colony is now a hot spot for A-listers with the likes of Simon Cowell, Cliff Richard and many footballers often visiting. Showbiz types tend to eat eat restaurants that are known as much for their views as the food, and sleep by the exclusive (yet public) Sandy Lane beach.
Cobblers Cove is quite the opposite. Its 'hole in the hedge' is easily missed, but that is part of Cobblers' beauty and appeal. Guests tend to return year after year, some for more than 30.
Where is it?
Cobblers Cove sits along the west coast of Barbados. It's a 45 minute taxi ride from the airport (which costs $USD 45-75) and is close to the original port town of the island, Speightstown.
Design details
No detail has been missed in Cobblers. The hotel remains styled just as it was in the colonial era. Everything is pink and white, down to the straws your drink is served with.
Which room?
There are no bad rooms at Cobblers. Each of the 42 suites boasts a sitting room, kitchenette (not that you ever have the need to use it) and a view of either the hotel gardens or the Caribbean Sea. Suites follow the hotel’s colonial style and include personal touches, such as his and hers dressing gowns, and more practical things like mosquito spray.
But be warned, located in your garden or balcony are loungers you could easily drift off on after an evening meal at the Camelot restaurant.
In the menu
Camelot is recognised as being the best hotel restaurant on the island. The evening menu changes daily and includes seafood dishes such as tuna breast and mahi-mahi. Each Tuesday, the hotel manager hosts a cocktail reception at the poolside, mingling flawlessly with each guest, with no champagne glass left empty.
There is also the opportunity to go on a tour of the local markets with the head chef, Jason Joseph. Afterwards, a lunch is served using ingredients purchased on the trip.
Facilities
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The hotel has all the facilities you might expect from a luxury resort: a gym, tennis courts and a hair & beauty salon. What most hotels do not have is a dedicated water sports team with an array of activities provided free of charge to all hotel guests. You can book daily water skiing lessons or, for something more gentile the hotel has a sailboat and stand up paddle boards.
Extra curricular
Make sure you hire a car for a few days and explore the island. Visit old plantation sites that are now rum distilleries, such as St. Nicholas Abbey or plunge into the depths of Harrison’s Caves. Close to the caves are the amazing Hunte’s Gardens tended to by Anthony Hunte, where you can explore exotic and rare species. You may not be able to leave without Anthony offering you some of his rum blend.
When to visit
Barbados is a year-round destination but be wary of travelling in June and September; these are the quiet months when most hotels and restaurants close for renovations.
Getting there
Thomson, Virgin Atlantic and British Airways fly to Barbados from various UK airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Bournemouth.