Crane Resort/Barbados

[GregT]

Good afternoon TUGgers,

I have been able to reserve a week at the Crane resort in February 2023. I will be staying as part of the Hilton system, and am studying Barbados.

My son and I are going and I know we will scuba dive, visit Harrison’s Cave, and likely do a catamaran snorkel trip.

I know that the property is on the south east side and that the beach can be rough, which is a bummer because he loves to swim in the ocean.

I would appreciate any feedback from visitors who have a special adventure or memory from Barbados so we can try and add it into other things to do.

I am looking forward to it and appreciate any thoughts!

Best,

Greg

 

[optimist]

We were there ten years ago and loved it. I had to look through my photos and it looks like we tried
Oistins Fish Fry on Friday night
Harrison's Cave
St Nicholas Abbey and Rum tasting
Sunset sail
Flower forest botanical gardens
A batik demonstration though I can't figure out where it was
Barbados Concorde experience (Which now looks closed unfortunately)
Nidhe Israel Synagogue -fascinating history of Barbados settlement in the 17th century
There is a plantation feel to the rooms which was gorgeous and ours had a perfect seafront view.

 

[Larry]

Sailing tour with snorkeling stop and swimming with giant turtles some of them over 100 years old. Highlight of our trip.

 

[Chrisky]

Are you renting a car?
Beaches not far from the Crane which are better for swimming are Miami/Enterprise Beach, very close to Oistins. The fish fry is great any day of the week. Further along is Dover beach which has a lot of huts with locals cooking their food.
The batik demonstration mentioned above is at Earthworks pottery.
Go to Speightstown and eat at the Fisherman’s Pub for good local cooking. Barbadian cuisine is known for Pepperpot, Macaroni Pie, their fabulous fresh fish such as Flying Fish, what they call Dolphin (which is actually MahiMahi).
Also in Speightstown is a very interesting interactive museum explaining some of the history of Barbados.

Arlington House Museum, Barbados

You can swim with turtles at Worthing Beach, on the south coast, without paying for a tour. At this beach are two very good local beach bars - Carib Beach Bar, or Crystal Waters Beach Bar. Both of these bars are within a 2 minute walk of each other.

 

[dioxide45]

We went to Barbados in 2018. We didn't stay at The Crane, but rather a resort on the south end near St Lawrence Gap. We were in Barbados for 12 days. The one thing that I can't stress more is to RENT A CAR. I know it will seem daunting at first, but the drive from the airport to The Crane isn't all that hard and it will let you get a feel for driving on the left with a right hand drive car. We never would have seen everything we saw without a rental car. The Crane is just so removed from everything else that you will want a car to get everywhere. You will certainly want to drive over to the west side of the island for much calmer waters for swimming. Also check the cruise ship schedule and plan to avoid Bridgetown on those days. Also go to Bliss Cafe for breakfast. We miss that place!

 

[Janann]

I would appreciate any feedback from visitors who have a special adventure or memory from Barbados so we can try and add it into other things to do.

My special memory is that my husband played the guitar that is hanging on the wall at Cutter's restaurant. It is just a short walk from the resort. They sell traditional flying fish sandwiches, and large bottles of rum punch to go. I don't know if you can still order their food on the sand at Crane Beach and have it delivered to your beach chair.