We spent 8 nights of our honeymoon at the Coral Reef Club and were absolutely amazed. I'm the type of person who enjoys the finer things in life, but I also have a steak appetite on a hamburger budget. That being said, we wanted to treat ourselves to the best for our honeymoon. We selected the Coral Reef Club based on its ratings on Trip Advisor and we were not disappointed. Excellent value for the price.
Upon arrival at the airport, there was a slight problem when our shuttle didn't show up. There was a shuttle waiting for someone else going to the Coral Reef but not for us. This driver phoned the hotel to ask about the status of our shuttle and they advised us to take a cab for which they would pay.
As we entered the driveway of the resort, my breath was taken away. A long driveway lined with lush tropical gardens and staff in uniforms bustling around. The front entrance of the hotel was majestic. The staff was so helpful and friendly.
We had the honeymoon "Sun, Moon, Stars" package which was great because it included almost everything (except alcohol, lunch and room service). Our bill at check out was surprisingly small. (Mind you, we had spent 8 nights in St. Lucia before this and had pretty much boozed ourselves out! :o) I'll tell a story on our lovely accomodations in St. Lucia called 'Ti Kaye' later.
We were shown to our room via lush pathways. The grounds and buildings reminded me of an old fashioned plantation. Banana trees surrounded our building, the birds sang their hearts out. Our luggage was brought shortly after by a bell boy.
We stayed in a Junior Garden Suite. My goodness! We couldn't believe our eyes as we entered our suite. It was huge. The bathroom had 2 sinks, separate shower, soaker jetted tub. There was a separate sitting area in the living area. Beautiful, tropical furniture and a wall of french windows and doors that opened out to our huge verandah. The verandah also had comfy reclining wicker furniture and a white wrought iron table set where we had breakfast delivered every morning. There was also a small fridge out there to keep our drinks and snacks.
The food was amazing. Every evening you hang a card on your door with your breakfast selections and the time you want it delivered. The waiter will bring it in, ask where you want it set up (in our case we liked the verandah). Then he'll set it up. We're talking silverwear, fancy coffee pot, everything arranged just so. If you aren't fond of this kind of distinguished service, then the Coral Reef Club isn't for you. But my husband and I loved it. Afterall, we work hard and we deserve to be spoiled! You may also dine in the dining room for breakfast but we preferred breakfast in our jammies and dinner in the restaurant.
The coffee was not the best I've ever had, but it did the trick. Also, if you choose to eat outside, know that the birds will try to join you. Keep your food covered if you leave the table.
I recommend you have lots of small bills, either US or Barbadian, for tipping the staff as they help you. (ie. room service, laundry delivery, bell boy, etc. etc.) Tips aren't expected but it sure is a nice courtesy.
Lunch wasn't included in our package but we spent most of our days travelling into town. You can take a complimentary shuttle right from the hotel into Bridgetown or various points in between. I recommend while in town, picking up snacks, drinks etc with which to stock your fridge. You can also pick up alcohol in town to have in your room.
We frequented the hotel's gym. It was a nice size, decent equipment. Only complaint would be a bit of a musty smell (I think from the carpet flooring). Hopefully they'll change that. I'm sure it's difficult when it's so humid there!
Dinner in the dining room was amazing. You need to advise the dining room what time you'll be coming. You give them your room name. Ours was 'Passionfruit.'
The dining room is all open which allows the cool breeze to blow through. There is live music every night. Lit torches line the seawall. As our dinner was included in our package, we could order whatever we wanted off the menu. We often had a 6 course meal including the palate cleansing sorbet. The service is impeccable. (Holding the chair out for the lady and placing the napkin on your lap). Every night the menu changes. Usually there are 4-5 choices of each course. Only on one night I didn't really feel like anything listed for the entrees, so I had two appetizers.
It is dressy and there is a dress code but we did see people dressed more casually.
On one night every week they have the big BBQ. It's so wonderful. Bring your appetite. They have a huge table full of meat and seafood that the chefs will cook any way you like. All the while watching authentic Barbadian entertainment (limbo dancing,fire eaters etc.)
The owners of the hotel, the O'hara family, live on the grounds and are very often present. Mid week, you will receive an invitation underneath your room door for a cocktail party at their home. It is a weekly event. I thought it was wonderful to meet the owners. They are so nice. It was a wonderful addition to our holiday.
The beach directly in front of the hotel has been eroded from the last hurricane. I'm a beach person but I really wasn't bothered by this lack of beach. There are nice beaches on either side of the hotel and not only that, but there is a huge grassy area along the ocean covered in beach loungers and shaded by large trees. A perfect place to relax. There is a watersports shop on the hotel grounds where use of all water activites are free.
The two pools are very refreshing and clean and weren't crowded.
Barbados itself seems like a nice island but if you're into lots of adventure travelling, it doesn't really have that much to do in my opinion. There is a lot of history though. Just down the street from the hotel in Holetown is an old church from the 1600's. Bajans, as they are called, are very friendly. Try taking one of the local transit buses. Just be careful, they go fast and depending which one you get on, they play loud music. It's a HOOT! The town of Bridgetown is quite busy. If you like duty-free shopping, this is the place. If you like rum, there's lots of it in Barbados. We took a tour of the Mount Gay Distillery which was good. There are also lots of little rum shops around the island where you can just sit and enjoy a drink.
So I hope this helps your decision making. I can't wait until we return to the Coral Reef Club again. We're thinking maybe for our 5th anniversary. :o) I will post some pics soon.