On Barbados Platinum Coast, pristine beaches dangle like charms on a bracelet. In the center of this coastline sits Crystal Cove, an all-inclusive resort on a stunning swath of beach.
If your family is seeking a tropical retreat to kick back and detox from life’s daily grind, you’ve hit the vacation jackpot.
Surrounded By Sea
At Crystal Cove, the sea is a shade of blue so vivid it wouldn’t be out of place in a box of Crayola crayons. Like a Caribbean cocoon, the water is as calm and warm as a soak in the bathtub.
Aside from a beautiful beach, the resort has three swimming pools, each one surrounded by comfy sunbeds just right for napping. For extra pampering, strolling Beach Ambassadors offer refreshing drinks, juicy fruit popsicles and cool towels throughout the day.
Activities
Watersports are complimentary, including motorized sports like water skiing. Sail, kayak, challenge your balance on a standup paddleboard or ride the gentle waves on a boogie board. Borrow a snorkel mask and you’ll be treated to a Pixar parade of frolicking fish.
Land-based activities include beach cricket, beach volleyball and tennis. For adults who want to stick to their usual workout routine, the well-equipped fitness center does the trick.
Not too Big, Not too Small
With 88 rooms and suites, Crystal Cove is just the right size. You won’t find lines at the buffet or an early morning race to snag a waterfront chaise lounge. The resort feels like a compact coastal village, with everything right at your fingertips.
There are a variety of room configurations, including some with sweeping sea views, verandas and duplex layouts, with spaciousness acting as the unifying factor. Contemporary furnishings are fresh and colorful, enhancing the uncluttered, laid-back feel.
Outside of each room, there’s a variety of tropical plants, trees, shrubs and fragrant flowers that would give any botanical garden a run for its money.
Kids Club
The Flying Fish Kids Club is a winner. Children age 3-12 are welcome to spend all or part of each day with the engaging staff of trained professionals. Board games, jigsaw puzzles and bingo provide old-fashioned fun. Wii, foosball, table tennis, lawn games and a small playground are also options. There are plenty of art supplies so kids are encouraged to get creative. The club offers dinner and a kid-appropriate movie in the evening, allowing parents to enjoy an adults-only meal.
Friendly Service
The staff goes the extra mile to ensure your vacation is memorable. Many employees have been at the hotel for years. They are proud of their island’s heritage, going out of their way to engage curious guests with snippets of information regarding the history and culture of their beautiful island.
Fresh Cuisine
All meals and beverages are included in the rate.
Reflections Restaurant serves three meals daily, including a special children’s buffet each evening starting at a bedtime-friendly 5:30. The a la carte dinner menu starts at 7 pm. Options include fish so fresh it tastes like it was just swimming in the sea. Herbs are grown right in the kitchen garden. Breads and desserts are made daily.
At Drifters, a casual lunch buffet, dinner and a lovely afternoon tea are served.
For adult beverages, there’s the discrete swim-up bar as well as the Vista Coffee & Wine Bar.
Variety Is the Spice of Life
The Elegant Hotel group has several sister properties sprinkled around the island, connected via complimentary water taxi. Chances are, once you’re settled in at Crystal Cove you’ll never want to leave, but it’s nice to have the option to dine at their other all-inclusive properties. Additionally, you may use the facilities at any Elegant Hotel, a good way to see more of beautiful Barbados.
By Allison Tibaldi