Coral Reef Club Hotel: A Luxurious Retreat on Barbados’ West Coast

Blending the charm of an English country house with the natural beauty of Barbados, the Coral Reef Club hotel offers a peaceful escape along the island’s serene west coast. Owned by the O’Hara family since the 1950s, the hotel maintains its warm, personal touch, including a weekly cocktail gathering hosted by the family. Guests can unwind on the beach, by the two pools, or on their private terraces, but there are also plenty of engaging activities available. Enjoy complimentary tennis coaching, explore the vibrant underwater landscape, or indulge in pampering treatments at the hotel’s exquisite spa.

Overall Rating: 9/10

Accommodations

Score: 9/10 Initially opened in 1959 by Budge and Cynthia O’Hara with just 16 rooms, the hotel has grown to feature 88 elegantly designed rooms and cottages made from coral stone. Named after local flora, accommodations are scattered throughout lush gardens and offer options ranging from cozy Garden Rooms to spacious villas that accommodate up to eight guests. Each space includes private patios or balconies where guests can unwind. Selected cottages and the Plantation Suite come equipped with private plunge pools.

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Rooms featuring sea views are the most coveted, but those with views of gardens and pools also offer a peaceful ambiance. Interiors are beautifully decorated in soothing neutral tones accented by vibrant curtains, framed art, and fresh flowers. Bathrooms boast upscale White Company toiletries, with elegant taupe and chocolate marble finishes. Most entry-level Garden Rooms include only walk-in showers, which guests can upgrade to include separate showers and baths. Standard amenities in every room include toasters for convenient in-room breakfast options, regularly replenished iced water jugs, and, upon request, tea trays and televisions, which are standard in the Plantation Suite.

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Culinary Experience

Score: 8/10 While dining at the hotel’s beachside restaurant, guests can enjoy soothing ocean sounds and live entertainment. The atmosphere emphasizes an “elegantly casual” dress code, promoting a relaxed dining experience with friendly service. Evening menus feature dishes like crab dumplings in a zesty coconut broth and fresh catches, such as flaky mahi mahi, complemented by various sides. Several nights each week, buffet and barbecue options are also available. Guests will relish sipping rum punch as they watch the sunset over the Caribbean, while the hotel’s signature Bajan Mule cocktail offers a refreshing alternative. The following morning’s breakfast buffet includes a selection of tropical fruits, made-to-order pancakes, waffles, eggs, and traditional Bajan fare like grilled flying fish.

Additional Amenities

Score: 9/10 The hotel’s stunning coastal location is complemented by its tropical gardens, making it an idyllic choice for relaxation. The property features access to coral reefs ideal for swimming and snorkeling, while guests can also enjoy the complimentary non-motorized water sports equipment available at the beachside water sports center. With two expansive pools available, there’s ample opportunity for swimming and leisure.

A highlight for guests is the tennis professional who provides complimentary coaching sessions every afternoon except Sunday, with different pros rotating weekly. The hotel’s spa, featuring an outdoor hydro pool, thermal suite, and treatment rooms, offers a sanctuary for rejuvenation. Additional facilities include a gym, a hair salon, and a boutique for shopping.

Location Overview

Score: 8/10 The hotel is located just a 15-minute stroll from Holetown, a historically significant site for the first British landing in Barbados in 1625, now bustling with upscale dining, shopping, and nightlife. Guests can reach Holetown via beach boardwalk or road. The hotel’s tranquil beach setting enhances the experience, although renting a car can be beneficial for exploring the island. It’s also conveniently situated 40 minutes from Grantley Adams International Airport, with transfer arrangements available. Nearby attractions include Harrison’s Cave, a 20-minute drive away, and the capital city, Bridgetown, approximately a 30-minute drive. There’s also a shuttle service to the nearby Sandpiper property.

Pricing: B&B rates starting from £517; restaurant main courses from £16; family-friendly accommodations available (though children under 12 are restricted from January 20 to February 28); accessibility features are not specified.

Cathy Toogood visited the Coral Reef Club during her stay.