A Day at The Crane

I’ve been very fortunate to have traveled to a number of fascinating places around the world in the past few months, but one in particular still stands out as being the very definition of utter bliss: The Crane resort near Bridgetown, Barbados.

A Day of Bliss: The Crane Resort in Bridgetown, Barbados. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

Even now, nearly three months later, I can’t seem to shake the memory of my all-too-short stay here. And I’m an unabashed cruiser; I used to tell people I don’t like taking land vacations. But it took all of half an hour wandering the sprawling grounds of this resort, first opened in 1887, to change my thinking entirely.

Guests have been coming to The Crane's Historic hotel, one of many properties on-site, since 1887. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

There are guests who come to stay at this picturesque resort, perched atop a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, year after year. You can even stay in the historic 1887 hotel, front-and-centre next to the sea, but you have to be fast: people love this building so much they book years in advance.

Our 1-bedroom suite at night, seen from the bathroom. Note the open-concept design prevailing throughout the resort. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

Gilchrist & Soames bathroom amenities. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

But there’s an assortment of rooms here to suit every taste and budget, from affordable Courtyard rooms to lavish suites with a private plunge pool and hot tub, facing the Atlantic Ocean.

Our one-bedroom room was enormous at nearly 1,200 square feet and equipped with a guest bathroom, master bathroom, kitchen, dining area, living area, and separate bedroom. Wooden shutters and glass windows can be alternately opened or shut, allowing you to let the warmth of the Atlantic in, or keep it out.  Air conditioning and large-bladed fans also help to keep things cool, but really: half the joy of being here is turning the AC off, throwing the windows open, and letting the fans do their work.

Feel the warmth of the Atlantic breeze... Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

My camera, however, can’t stand Barbados: the heat and humidity makes the lens condense every time I open it, and I’ve learned to start carrying around lens wipes with me wherever I go. It probably doesn’t help that I very nearly dropped my camera down the stairs on the first day, and almost submerged it just a few hours later, on the gorgeous beach located on-site and accessible via a set of stairs or by glass elevator down to the chalk-like sand.

Looking down at the beach (and the Atlantic) from The Crane Resort. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

Bliss. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

Just don't put your camera down as low as I did! Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

But unlike me, most guests at The Crane aren’t running around with cameras strapped to their wrists; instead, they’re fully embracing the healthy, laid-back lifestyle of the island.

Take a relaxing stroll through the massive property of The Crane. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

Things I remember most vividly include the delicious, spiced rum punch they make on-site. Even now, three months later, I can almost taste it – spicy, sweet, fragrant and potent, it’s the perfect combination to the nearly-constant Barbados sun and heat.

Few things can compare to taking lunch outdoors, within sight of the Atlantic - or any one of the Crane's multiple swimming pools. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

The other thing that continues to stay with me to this day is how wonderful the open-air concept works here; windows remain open to the warm breeze coming in off the Atlantic, and large wooden fans slowly whirr in the lobby, connecting guests with the beautifully fresh air that has attracted travelers here since the property first opened in the 1800’s.

The Crane even has its own Village filled with shops, bars, and even a street market on certain evenings. Weekly programs outlining events during your stay are left in all guest rooms. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

The entire resort is decorated in an attractive, colonial style that is warm, inviting, and typifies the laid-back lifestyle of Barbados. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

The Crane may be just ten minutes from Grantley Adams International Airport, but it’s a world apart from anything I’ve experienced before or since. And I get antsy when I’m not at sea; usually two or three days at a hotel is enough for me. But The Crane was different; I could have holed up there for a month and remained quite happy, sipping rum punch and pool-hopping, only leaving to have some delicious Japanese food at Zen or to take lunch outdoors at the Coconut Grove Bar and Grill.

Breakfast in L'Azure. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

The Crane boasts several different - and unique - swimming pools. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

Pools, palm trees and relaxation - the perfect antidote to stress.

One night sleeping in one of The Crane’s comfortable, spacious guest rooms with the warmth of the Atlantic blowing gently through the room will make you a believer – even if you’re not a resort person.

Trust me – I know!

Night falls on the Crane's outdoor village. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

We stayed as guests of The Crane before our transatlantic crossing aboard Silversea’s Silver Spirit. Click here to see our thoughts from that great day back in April!