By Helmut Dostal
One man’s vision has transformed what was the Caribbean’s first resort hotel, dating back to the late 1800s, into a prized, modern-day, oceanfront village that has earned a worldwide following.
Paul Doyle, a Canadian entrepreneur with a keen eye for both design and sense of place, is the man who has made Crane Resorts what it is today. From the original, graciously restored hotel building (which happens to be my favourite) to the stately suites and his newest private residences, the resort and its guests are wrapped in a feeling of quiet elegance and unpretentious luxury.
Speaking of Doyle’s brand-new private residences, they are certainly something to write home about. The first area, featuring 16 two- and three-bedroom homes, is complete. It’s not hard to see why buyers are snapping them up in units of one, two or more weeks of ownership. The interiors are well designed and finished to exacting standards. Living rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and are open
to generous, fully equipped kitchens with the latest integrated appliances, smart millwork and lovely granite countertops. All of the upper floor units and the stunning penthouse patios have incredible ocean views. With up to 3,600 square feet, a plunge pool and private elevator access to the parking garage, the penthouses offer perfect privacy.
Residence owners and guests alike have full access to the nicest beach on the island and can use the hotel amenities as they please. These include several hotel pools and decks, the romantic Serenity Spa and state-of-the-art fitness facilities, plus a selection of stylish bars and restaurants and an on-site resort village. Each restaurant is staffed by friendly local Barbadians, whose easy smiles are as natural as the sunshine on the beaches. Poolside-casual, semi-formal or Japanese Zen, it’s here for the choosing.
The Crane hotel itself and, by association, the residences, are part of a well-run resort organization delivering a five-star experience. From the moment we meet our driver at Bridgetown airport to the minute details of our food presentation at the award-winning Asian restaurant, it is sunny ways, my friends, sunny ways.
