Barbados

The warmest of welcomes

The warmest of welcomes Crane Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Caribbean island of Barbados. Photo: Filip Fuxa | Shutterstock

When global tourism spend fell, quick-thinking Barbados, ranked top in the region in the latest Global Innovation Index, chose to make the most of its renowned Caribbean hospitality

Beyond the sun-lounger

  • Kite surfing. Photo: Jim Reilly
    Kite surfing. Photo: Jim Reilly
  • Horseback treks. Photo: Estefania Medina
    Horseback treks. Photo: Estefania Medina
  • Sailing on the Caribbean Sea. Photo: Estefania Medina
    Sailing on the Caribbean Sea. Photo: Estefania Medina
  • Serenity, St. James. Photo: Realtors Luxury Villa Rentals
    Serenity, St. James. Photo: Realtors Luxury Villa Rentals
  • Serenity, St. James. Photo: Realtors Luxury Villa Rentals
    Serenity, St. James. Photo: Realtors Luxury Villa Rentals
  • Serenity, St. James. Photo: Realtors Luxury Villa Rentals
    Serenity, St. James. Photo: Realtors Luxury Villa Rentals
  • The exclusive Villa Bonita, St. James. Photo: Realtors Luxury Villa Rentals
    The exclusive Villa Bonita, St. James. Photo: Realtors Luxury Villa Rentals
  • The exclusive Villa Bonita, St. James. Photo: Realtors Luxury Villa Rentals
    The exclusive Villa Bonita, St. James. Photo: Realtors Luxury Villa Rentals

For those seeking more than a tan, Barbados offers a range of activities. And for those who decide to stay longer, it could even offer a second home – the island has the Caribbean’s most active real-estate market

We have created a destination which is ostensibly upscale, but can at the same time cater for a wide cross-section of visitors

William Griffith CEO of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc

Tweet This

Widening appeal

  • A Bajan hummingbird. Photo: Macmukka
    A Bajan hummingbird. Photo: Macmukka
  • The green monkey, originally from Africa. Photo: Barry haynes , CC BY-SA
    The green monkey, originally from Africa. Photo: Barry haynes , CC BY-SA
  • A snorkeler explores the coral reef. Photo: Bcampbell65 | Shutterstock
    A snorkeler explores the coral reef. Photo: Bcampbell65 | Shutterstock

Recognising that Barbados has become a mature destination, tourism planners have encouraged diversification away from beach holidays to eco-trips, taking in caves, colourful marine life, exotic fauna and tropical plants. The effort has paid off: the island has been selected to host the 2017 World Flower Show

Spotlight on

The Crane

Sunrise at The Crane Sunrise at The Crane

This luxury hotel, resort and residential village markets itself as being at “the intersection of heaven and earth” – no exaggeration given its location on the world-famous Crane Beach (top), repeatedly ranked among the world’s best beaches

At The Crane, location is everything. First opened in 1887 and since painstakingly renovated, this unique property now includes shopping, entertainment, restaurants, fitness and spa facilities beyond its original 18 rooms. For owner Paul Doyle, the key to The Crane’s charm is its tranquillity, away from Barbados’s main tourist activity, and this special appeal has contributed to the growing popularity of its one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, which are available for weekly residence, a quarter-share, or a whole ownership basis. Each year, almost half of The Crane’s new property sales come from existing owners seeking a longer stay or a larger residence. But while the stunning setting, top-notch service and world-class amenities position The Crane at the luxury end of the market, Doyle is keen to stress that it provides a friendly, relaxed and comfortable experience. “It is down to earth,” he says. “What we sell is natural beauty.”

We are here to prove that value and luxury are not mutually exclusive

Paul Doyle Owber of The Crane

Tweet This
3170

This article was published 10 March 2016
in partnership with: