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EMMA MUNBODH ENJOYS A LUXURIOUS STAY AT COBBLERS COVE HOTEL, BARBADOS
VIBE
Sip on rum punch in this west-coast haven where views are blissful all year round. The island-pink Cobblers Cove Hotel comes with its own tropical garden and more than 40 suites overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Each room is beautifully adorned with paisley interiors and chic wicker furniture. Slow down and soak up the West Indian sunshine or get exploring with boat trips at your fingertips – from paddleboarding to a rare chance to swim with the local turtles.
STYLE
Perched on one of the most beautiful spots on the island – a palm-lined beach overlooking a beautiful bay – guests enjoy stunning ocean views and splendid sunsets.
For style, think colonial meets English country house. The theme is powder-pink – and even the staff ’s uniform is embellished with pastel stripes.
The hotel is intimate, crowd-free, and the same guests have been visiting for decades. As well as sunbathing around its pool, Cobblers Cove offers a range of complimentary water sports for guests including windsurfing, kayaking and water-skiing.
Away from the seafront, it has its own tennis courts, with rackets and balls available to borrow, and a wellequipped and modern gym.
A floating pontoon, which is brought in close to shore each morning, is also a great place to swim to and sunbathe on, as the waves sway you along the sea. There’s also a spa and salon.
FOOD AND DRINK
Food is served at the Camelot Restaurant which is run by Bajan chef Jason Joseph.
The restaurant is regarded as one of the finest places to eat on the island. Each night it serves up a new a la carte menu with daily specials such as maple-glazed duck and live music from local musicians during the week.
In the mornings, a comprehensive buffet of pastries, fresh fruits, cereals, meats and cheeses is served up. Home comforts including avocado with poached eggs, also feature on the menu as well as local delicacies such as smoked fish or crab eggs Benedict.
The lunch menu consists of light bites such as a chicken club sandwich, seared tuna and fresh salads.
On a Sunday, guests can enjoy a traditional Bajan barbecue serving up grilled lobster, swordfish and steak.
The potent Cobblers Cooler is the property’s signature cocktail, containing a healthy measure of rum, grenadine, fresh banana, orange and pineapple.
SPA
Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the resort’s Sea Moon Spa.
Services include deep-tissue massages, facials, soothing aromatherapy body wraps and body scrubs.
WHAT TO DO
If an afternoon of pampering doesn’t take your fancy, guests can instead indulge in a spot of shopping at the hotel’s own Salt Whistle store.
Alternatively, stretch it out at a yoga class – which can be privately arranged – or get your salsa on at a Latin dance class.
All hotel stays include a complimentary daily boat trip. Motor out to swim with turtles, cruise the coast or waters, or get a tour of Simon Cowell’s X-factor mansion.
Feeling fishy? Join Barker, the hotel fisherman, and head out in search of barracuda or tuna. Paddleboards, kayaks, snorkels, flippers, and small sail boats can be borrowed free of charge at any time. Jet-skis, Flyboards and other motorised water sports can be organised for you.
A DAY OUT
Kilimanjaro Connections offers stunning sunrise hikes. Alternatively, get dizzy at the Mount Gay rum distillery – located 30 minutes from the hotel.
The local Sea Shed hotel offers a glamorous night out – the lobster is exquisite. The hotel’s peaceful, narrow sandy beach extends from the hotel to Speightstown, a calm beachfront town with a renowned local bakery and famous Fisherman’s Pub just a 10-minute stroll away.