Cobblers Cove

Nestled just off the main coast road, Cobblers Cove offers a private beachfront hideaway with a classy British Colonial air and acute attention to luxury detail. The fort-like stone wall in front hints at the secluded world inside where charming two-story cottages (containing suites) surround gardens with stone pathways interconnecting the property. 

Once a plantation owner’s private beach house (built in 1943), the Great House now stands as a grand architectural centerpiece that contains the graceful Drawing Room and bar, and serves as elegant gateway to the restaurant pavilion, modest kidney-shaped pool, and large sundeck -- all set along lake-calm, aqua beachfront. Wrought iron tables, chairs, and lounges scattered amid cotton-candy-pink and white-striped umbrellas give Cobblers a postcard-pretty charisma by day. By night, hurricane candle lamps illuminate open-air common areas with romantic ambience. At sundown, guests mingle at the bar and choose rum cocktails from illustrated picture book-style cocktail menus -- before moving on to white-clothed dining tables (and a weekly caviar bar) in the upmarket pavilion restaurant. Cobblers Cove service fits the intimate atmosphere, and attentive managers regularly do the rounds to touch base with guests.

Returning couples and families mainly populate Cobblers Cove, and while the intimate, boutique tone has a distinctly adult vibe, school holiday periods generally bring young children. Kids under the age of 12 aren't allowed January through March. 

Cobblers Cove is located on the northeast coast in Speightstown -- 44 minutes from Grantley Adams International Airport. It’s a three-minute drive to the center of town for supermarkets and convenience stores. Plan on a 10-minute drive to Holetown where Limegrove Lifestyle Centre’s designer boutiques like Ralph Lauren and Cartier mingle with cinemas, restaurants, bars, and other shops. Lovely Mullins Beach, with a popular beachfront restaurant and water sports on offer, is an 11-minute walk from the property. Other nearby highlights include Royal Westmoreland Golf Club (nine minutes), and Barbados Wildlife Reserve (five minutes on foot). 

Spacious suites blend British Colonial elegance with Caribbean island flavor. Each is identified via a colorful name (not numbers) like Bourbon or Marley. Varying soft color schemes and finishing decor touches give each room its own fresh persona, but style cornerstones include Travertine and white marble floor tiling, plantation shutters, and matching white wicker or wood furniture. Suites come in Ocean Front, Ocean View, Cobblers Garden, and Two-Bedroom categories. All have separate living and dining areas with sweeping bi-fold doors that open up to a huge terrace or patio with panoramic garden or sea views. Kitchenettes lack cooking facilities, but do include mini-fridges, sinks, coffee- and tea-making facilities, dining implements, and crockery. There's a small selection of free nibbles like Pringles and chocolate, plus beverages. The minibar can be stocked on request. Bedrooms -- with comfortable king or twin beds -- offer generous desks and small libraries. Luxurious marble bathrooms feature twin granite vanities and spacious frameless glass walk-in showers. Notable extra include robes, soft slippers, beach bags, sea sponges, and a generous supply of REN toiletries. 

Interconnecting rooms can be arranged for groups or families. Camelot and Colleton Suites each unfold over two levels with private rooftop terraces and plunge pools overlooking the sea. All suites feature desks, ceiling fans, safes, and telephones (with free local calls). The twice daily maid service keeps rooms clean, and a daily laundry service is available. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the resort. Some ground floor suites can feel exposed to other guests, so if privacy is a concern, guests should request a second floor arrangement. 

For an intimate boutique property, Cobblers Cove provides an impressive features line-up. There’s the calm beachfront setting upon which the property is set. It's not wide enough for sunbathing, but there’s easy access to the water; plus the hotel’s huge sun deck lines up plenty of sun beds and umbrellas which overlook the water. Free water sports include kayaking, paddle boarding, waterskiing, and sailing. The hotel can arrange for guests to swim with turtles for free. The pool isn’t exactly huge, but it’s set right next to the ocean and surrounded by sun beds, dining tables, and chairs. 

Camelot Restaurant is a major highlight with its fine dining menu featuring plenty of locally caught fresh seafood, prime meats, and Barbadian flavors. Breakfast includes a buffet and full English breakfast options, along with smoothies and crepes. Weekly barbecue buffets and seafood and caviar nights mix up the evening menu, and all-inclusive rates are available. Free, proper English afternoon tea is served on the Great House patio. Room service is available.

Across the road from the hotel, guests will find the fitness center -- a cute air-conditioned cottage full of dated Cybex cardio and weight-training equipment. There’s also a tennis court neighboring a shady gazebo and picnic tables. Private yoga classes on the beach can be arranged. Sea Moon Spa offers a range of treatments including massage, body scrubs, facials, plus nail and hair services. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. There’s a no kids under 12 policy from January to March -- travelers should check with the hotel for specific dates.