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The Crane Resort
November 23, 2009 by Fractional & Shared Ownership Property News & Reviews · Leave a Comment
History, Luxury and Island Tranquility
In 1922, The Red Book of the West Indies reported “The Crane hotel occupies a high cliff on the Southeast of the Island swept by fresh, invigorating breezes. From its windows is displayed the beautiful sea, fringing with exquisite colors the white soft sandy beach of the hotel’s superb bathing place, that has no superior anywhere in the world.” And recently Crane Beach was named, “one of the top ten beaches in the world” by Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. This is the other side of Barbados, unspoiled, spacious, naturally spectacular, devoid of traffic and formality.
In the 19th Century, The Crane was built as the Caribbean’s first resort hotel and has been known ever since for its sophistication and old-world charm. Set on 40 acres on the Southeastern coast of Barbados, The Crane is best known for its spectacular beach, cooling sea breezes and exquisite restaurants, serving sumptuous cuisine in a truly
breathtaking setting.
Blending the old and the new – this was the vision of owner Paul Doyle when he began to develop The Crane into the luxurious residence resort that it has now become. Enthralled by the traditional nineteenth century colonial architecture of the historic Crane hotel, first established in 1887, he worked with well-known architects, Lane Pettigrew Associates (LPA), to preserve and maintain the traditional feel of the property while adding modern amenities and comforts.
Design Elements
The new development at the resort takes its design from the original interiors completed in 1887. Utilizing 19th century colonial architecture, suites boast grand proportions that make maximum use of ocean views and
cooling sea breezes. They also feature key elements copied exactly from the original resort, including coral stone walls, hardwood floors, 10- to 12-foot-high timber tray ceilings, and natural timber doors and windows. Top
floor suites also feature 25-foot-high vaulted pine ceilings.
Stressing the importance of supporting the local economy and remaining true to the history of The Crane, Doyle selected a team of Barbadian artisans at a company called Antique Reproductions to produce the furniture for the new suites. Working steadily, it took an entire workshop of men two years to hand-carve the first set of majestic,
traditionally high king size four-poster beds out of local mahogany. Many of the other pieces found in the suites, including a true reproduction of an 18th-century planter’s bar, were also produced locally.
While The Crane remains steeped in Barbadian history, the property has also added all the 21st century conveniences and amenities found in the finest resort hotels, including private plunge pools. Ground floor suites feature private infinity pools of up to 28 by 12 feet, created to give the illusion of meeting the horizon of the ocean.
Unique in Barbados, the corner turrets of each building house octagonal plunge pools, attached to individual suites, that are fully open to the view and the cooling breeze with lofty arched windows but remain quite private.
Wood and glass patio doors open fully to the landscape outside, and even when closed provide spectacular views of the ocean. Traditional Caribbean wooden louvered doors just inside the glass doors can be left closed, with just the louvers open, and a cross-vent is created by opening doors in front of a cleverly designed louvered panel over the Jacuzzi bathtub. When closed, these mirrored doors also reflect the seascape off the balcony.
The interior design of the new residences is simple and elegant, yet warm. Liberal use of varying woods – cedar, pine and cherry – creates a fresh, wood scent that permeates the suites. All surfaces in the suites are wood, marble or coral stone, complemented by carefully selected furnishings that evoke a sense of comfort. Prints of watercolors painted at The Crane by a guest in 1888, one year after the original hotel opened, adorn the walls, along with prints of other historic Caribbean scenes.
Designed for people who value sensible luxury, by placing financial considerations and rental returns high on their list of priorities along with spectacular accommodation, The Crane offers an unparalleled resort lifestyle for the few that are lucky enough to discover this piece of paradise. Combining timeless period architecture with twenty-first century luxuries, the the fully-furnished and fitted residences at The Crane include everything from furniture
to corkscrews.
The Crane offers the unique opportunity to purchase of some of its luxury residences for only the amount of time required, while retaining the important benefits of unequaled value and secure ownership in perpetuity. The
resort doesn’t engage in the expensive sales practices favored by the industry, and the resulting savings provide Crane members the world’s best value in fractional ownership, at prices often lower than ordinary timeshare
apartments. Based on its spectacular location and outstanding residences, The Crane is the only Caribbean member of the prestigious Registry Collection exchange program.
Owners at The Crane enjoy superior services and quality lifestyle facilities found only in the Caribbean’s top luxury resorts. At The Crane a sense of belonging is part of daily life, as a true sense of community is the natural ambiance
of the resort experience. Services include attentive daily housekeeping, room service from all restaurants and full concierge services. Amenities include incredible swimming pools, award-winning gourmet and casual restaurants,
a beach elevator with a sea view, lighted tennis courts and acres of tropically landscaped gardens.
Crane Village
Recently added to the resort is the new heritage-designed Crane Village, an ideal mix of retail shopping and dining facilities to please the most discerning guest. Inspired by the heritage architecture of Barbadian design and overlooking the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the 55,000-square-foot Crane Village welcomes its guests to enjoy the best of Caribbean culture without ever leaving the serenity and peace synonymous with The Crane.
Travelers who appreciate fine dining and flavorful food will enjoy the variety of eateries and entertainment options in the village, such as D’Onofrio’s southern Italian cuisine, Pizza Terrace’s al fresco dining, the Village Café’s full café menu and Bar 1887, a traditional bar featuring Rum Shop Happy Hour with authentic Barbadian tapas.
Visitors can also enjoy the 3,000-square-foot duty-free emporium in The Village Town Hall. Shoppers can browse for fabulous resort wear at Dingolay Boutique, buy keepsakes and souvenirs for family and friends from The Crane Signature Shop, Tamarind Seed artisan boutique, Pages Book Store, or the Caribbean Art Gallery, and stock their fridges with fresh vegetables and fruit, wine and additional convenience items from The General Store. The Town Hall meeting and function space accommodates up to 100 guests with a selection of venues for conferences, receptions and private functions.
Crane vacationers will also benefit from the state-of-the-art fitness center with picturesque views of the Atlantic and two new spa treatment rooms for ultimate relaxation. The facility will offer fast track fitness solutions, cardio and weight equipment and personalized spa packages.
With cobblestone streets and tropical landscaped gardens, guests will notice the grandeur of Barbadian design and culture captured throughout The Village. With historical architecture, steep gable roofs, wooden shutters and ornate fretwork integrated with fine mahogany features, distinctive lime stonewalls and typical breezy verandas, The Crane Village is an idyllic haven treasured by all who experience it.
If you are in the market for leisure real estate ownership, visit the resort’s web site at www.thecrane.com or email
property@thecrane.com for more information.
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