Have just returned,with my husband, from Crystal Cove where we went to celebrate our 60th Birthdays.
This was our 3rd time to Barbados but our first time to this all-inclusive hotel/resort. One word sums up our experience - paradise. The hotel, weather and the whole experience was perfect for our needs.
On arrival we were greeted by the first of many friendly, smiley bajans and immediately offered a rum punch which had a real kick. We were very quickly shown to our ocean front room with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. The room itself was very well appointed with added touches that were most unexpected.
There was a choice of two restaurants - 'Drifters' which was on the beach and quite casual and 'Reflections' which was a little more formal. Both provided a sumptuous and varied array of food. Now to the cocktails!!! These were available from 10.30a.m. until late. Beware - these are often stronger than you think and it is quite easy to down two or three without realising half of what is in the glass is mosty rum! My husband tried one cocktail entitled 'Tranquiliser' one evening before dinner and I think he is still feeling the effects!
There were many little and unexpected touches i.e. whilst laying on the beach, soaking up the sun and relaxing, a tray of many different types of cold drinks would just appear or another tray of different flavoured ice lollies. There was always someone to help you with, more or less, any request you might have.
We went on the free water taxi to the other 'Elegant Resorts' sister hotels - Tamarind Cove and The Colony Club but were glad that we had stayed at Crystal Cove. Neither of these resorts were all-inclusive but you were given a Bds$20 credit towards your lunch or Bds$50 towards an evening meal. If you went out for the day you could also request a packed lunch.
We visited Bridgetown twice on the free shuttle bus for some retail therapy and got a taxi to Holetown for some more shopping.
We had many more experiences and trips and would certainly recommend this hotel and we hope to go back in the not too distant future.

Just returned from 2 weeks in Barbados staying at the beautiful Crystal Cove. Location, food, service was all excellent. The only not so great points were the entertainment on some nights and the bar didnt stay open 2 late (11:45).
Other than that it was brill. You can get the water taxi to the Colony club and Tamarind Cove bit i wouldnt bother with the latter. The water is a bit rocky around Crystal Cove but its sandy and a bit warmer just past the Colony.
Everyone in Barbados is v polite, we went to Oistins for a fish market and Roots and Rhythm for entertainment, both really good. We also went on a tour of the island in a local taxi which was $35 US per hr. Excellent trip. There is loads to do out there!!

Just arrived back!! had the best holiday ever!!
The moment we arrived we were greeted with a fabulous welcome, in the name of Fabion, what a nice guy. The next surprise was a fantastic free upgrade to a suite WOW! The rooms were large ,spotless and welcoming + we had 2 bathrooms, and 2 balconiesThe staff were friendly and could,t do enough to help. The whole place was kept so clean, it was a real pleasure to stay here. We enjoyed the food at both resturants, excellent variety and very well presented. We hired a moke for the week, so we could get out and about and explore. A must !

This was our second trip to Crystal Cove, our first being the previous year with our 2 teenage children. It was our first trip to the Caribbean and we enjoyed it so much we had to return to spend our 25th wedding anniversary. The staff were friendly the food good and our room had a brilliant view, we were upgraded and as it was our second visit were presented with a present, also provided with a complimentary bottle of champagne and cake to celebrate our anniversary. Also visited The Cliff restaurant on our anniversary evening which was fantastic.
All in all a great holiday and would love to return but so many other places to visit.