Staycations, holidays and residential living come together in a 5-star community for those who prefer tranquillity and authenticity over fanfare.
Located on the rustic South East Coast, where the untouched “heaven” of the Atlantic side of the island intersects with developed “earth” of the South coast, the Crane resort effectively marries Barbados’ authentic beauty with the epitome of five-star luxury.
The resort opened its doors in 1887 as the Caribbean’s first resort hotel, and pays its respects to rich historical origins both in its design and its culture.
Managing Director, Paul Doyle purchased the resort in 1988 and describes the extended and ongoing development of the property as “it evolved and it evolved and it evolved.”
The property currently boasts 252 suites, eighteen of which are the original 1887 hotel rooms and range from 404-square-foot studios to 4,014-square-foot, three-bedroom penthouses with hardwood floors and antique furnishings; many with their own private gardens and plunge pools. The Crane Resort was awarded the AAA Four Diamond Award for its accommodation and has four restaurants and five pools, ranging from lagoon style to free form, to classic infinity.
5-acres of the 40-acre property have recently been developed as a “gated residential community within a gated resort,” offering five residential buildings with two and three-bedroom residences ranging between 1,916 and 3,619 square feet, with private rooftops for the penthouse residences. Doyle depicts the aesthetic of the residences as a “contemporary Crane look” that balances elements of the traditional with modern, custom-designed interior themes by W Design Studio
The design of the residences draws on that of the original 19th century rooms, with coral-stone walls and sprinkles of modern accents, furnishings and amenities, such as underground parking from which residents are transported directly to their personal foyer via elevator, as well as lush gardens, private pools and private patios and gazebos that boast spectacular views of Barbados’ rugged Atlantic coast.
The construction of the first 16-unit phase has recently been completed and is completely sold out. Construction of phase two is slated for the end of 2017. The residences offer a turnkey residence management solution, integrated hotel service and exclusive resort amenities for owners.
Self contained luxuries and amenities are provided in a 55,000 square foot colonial village-like setting located at the centre of the property, which Doyle describes as a “reflection of Barbados historical architecture from the period when the resort first opened, with shutters, walls and ceilings that are virtually identical to those of the original resort.” Modern shops, restaurants, bars, a spa, a fitness centre, a theatre and other amenities are set against a cobblestone walkway, with traditional accents such as a “general store” and the vintage aesthetic of Bar 1887, which Doyle compares to Cheers, where “everyone knows your name.”
The aesthetics of the resort, from the perspective of architecture, design and natural surroundings are second to none in Barbados. If the tree-lined trail ways, dense vegetation, cooling trade winds and rugged cliffs do not provide enough of an aesthetic draw card, the half-mile long Crane Beach, located at the foot of a 15-metre staircase or elevator ride, is sure to do the trick. Listed by the BBC as one of the ‘Top 50 Places to Go Before You Die’, by the Travel Channel as one of the ‘Top 25 Sexiest Beaches in the World’, by CNN as one of the ‘Top 100 Beaches in the World’ and by USA Today as the ‘Best Caribbean Beach’, the Crane Beach is certainly one of the most dramatic and beautifulbeaches in the world.’
“Our residents and guests are people who don’t just want to be tourists; they want to experience Barbados and they have friends in the community,” says Doyle, of the large base of repeat clientele who return to the secluded paradise year after year to retreat from the world, amidst world-class architecture and panoramic vistas of the Atlantic. Doyle is also currently developing a new property adjacent to The Crane called Beach Houses.
The sense of community at the Crane is enhanced by its unique embrace of its Barbadian home— by making its prices accessible to locals, regular vacationers, timeshare owners and residents share in the authentic beauty and flavours of Barbadian life. Locals are drawn to the resort’s staycation offering as well as the weekly Gospel lunches.
The Crane resort has been extremely successful in marrying the local with the international. Barbadian staff and guests, foreign vacationers and owners, local beauty, global amenities, indigenous culture, first-world accommodations and the highest standard in turnkey residential solutions provide a melting pot of elements to the community’s integrated draw-card.
Embracing all that is Barbadian, while maintaining impeccable design and service, The Crane Resort and Residences delivers opulence with a soul.
For purchase inquiries or for more information, visit www.thecraneprivateresidences.com or call +1-246-416-6560.
