The best way to think of the Coral Reef Club is a country house hotel lost out in Jack Sparrow’s tropics. 12 acres of gardens, cottages, and palms make it the perfect candidate for an incoming Lana Del Rey record, and thanks to its storied history and celeb clientele from Agatha Christie to Robert De Niro and King Charles III, its street cred is way up there with hotel island rivals like Sandy Lane and Cobbler’s Cove. It is, old world meets new world, minus the BS. A short 15-minute stroll away from Holetown (where the Brits first landed in Barbados in 1625), the hotel is tucked away from view and is supremely private. Peacefulness is nearly guaranteed, and the beach, though small, is flecked by towering casuarinas that spy cerulean waves that peak their way up from the shore to the restaurant terrace. Pair the brilliant white sand alongside a waxing of mahogany trees, frangipani, bougainvillea, and ponds, and you’ve found yourself in Barbados’s answer to the Garden of Eden.
All this green bling is thanks to the work of the hotel’s owners, the O’Hara family, who have been spearheading the hotel operation since the 1950s. Unlike other hotel owners, they are present in all spaces, from check-in to check-out and in between. This personable touch has made its way through virtually every member of staff you encounter. Think hello and smile galore with the odd joke and handshake, which for any unsuspecting city type like me, takes you off guard. This chummy and familial take on service accounts for the hotel’s record number of repeat guests, many of which have been coming to the hotel every year for decades.
As for the design, it’s colonial Caribbean meets English country house: fresh flowers in vases, winding floral curtains, and pictures and portraits telling all sorts of stories on the walls. When Budge and Cynthia O’Hara took on the hotel back in 1959, following a three-year stint by Budge as general manager, it had just 16 rooms. Now it has an astounding 80 set in luxury cottages and stone buildings. The majority of them are spread out through the gardens, sleeping one or two. My first-floor cottage with sea view was a mish-mash of natural whitewashed hues set across three rooms and two huge balconies. Colour pops come courtesy of the art and prints, trendy headboards, luxe throws, lashings of cushions, and from the window, the bright green umbrellas that top the beach. Come golden hours, the terrace sets the stage for wondrously special sundowners and sunsets, best observed from the comfort of your lounger. As for the bathrooms, expect a large tub and lots of marble topped by amenities crafted by The White Company. It’s all old school glam, but sexy.
As for the grub served here, it’s a mix of white table service and casual cool. It’s all served at the beachside restaurant to the hum of the sea. À la carte menus plate up all sorts, from crab dumplings to the fruits of the ocean grilled at your request. Think well-seasoned lobster and prawns, or if you are not a fish person, fine thick steaks and rotisserie chickens. It’s on the formal side, but after a few rum punches, nobody will notice what’s slid off the shoulder or onto your pants. There are also buffet or barbecue nights two or three times a week, and come breakfast, a large buffet of treats starring tropical fruit platters, fluffy pancakes, fry-ups, and Bajan staples (grilled flying fish and fishcakes) takes centre stage. Whatever you eat, request the hot sauce because it’s banging.
When it comes to fun, there’s oodles of complimentary non-motorised water sports on offer. Think snorkeling, paddleboarding, and Hobie Cat boating - there’s more if you give them your credit card. If you fancy lounging, there are two slick pools to choose from, and if you need a good pummel, massages on repeat are the order of play at the spa house. There’s also a tennis court and a paddle court coming, and as the gardens are spectacularly manicured, you can hop on a weekly tour to learn all about the shrubs and seedlings sprouting all over the place.
Fast Facts
Location: Saint-James, Barbados
Address: Porters, St James, BB24017, Barbados, Caribbean.
The vibe: English country house meets Bajan seaside paradise. It’s flashy, but not pretentious, and there’s an air of English eccentricity that runs through the walls. Pair all of it with plenty of Bajan smiles, and you’ve got a winning formula that’s seen guests come back decade after decade.
Room Count: 80
Starting Rate: From about 1090 USD per night.
Dining: Barbecue club classics and a side of posh fine dining by the sea. Order room service, especially if you have a sea view – not just for the ease but also for the Instagram snap.
Amenities: Bar, restaurant, spa, pool, gym.
Closest Airport: Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA)
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