48 Hours at Cobbler's Cove, Barbados
Barbados - one of the better known islands if the southern Caribbean thanks to the fact that the two big British airlines offer direct flights to Bridgetown airport. Most people will think about rum when they first hear Barbados but there is so much more to explore on this island. Like on most islands on this corner of the world, Barbados is also divided into the Caribbean and the Atlantic site. Our magnificent hotel, the Cobblers Cove, is situated about 30 minutest to the north western side, directly on the Caribbean Sea. The ride took us through some of the small villages of Barbados. While I expected the island to be rocky and mountainous, this side of the island is flat and more populated with the majority of the well known hotels being situated on the Caribbean. The Atlantic side is actually a bit more rough, untouched and hilly.
After our taxi ride we finally arrived at the hotel's entrance gate where we were warmly welcomed by the lady from the front desk. Our room wasn't ready so we got a welcome drink at the bar where we could enjoy the beautiful sunset over the extremely calm sea. Both of us had a homemade rum punch - as you need to have it on Barbados. The bar area was right in between the pool and the restaurant. After a short while the concierge picked us up and accompanied us to our "Ocean Front Suite" which was on the first floor of one of their best situated villas. The whole resort was lovely designed and it felt like living a fairytale thanks to all the pink houses with small gardens. We were totally in love with the little details all over the hotel. Our suite was separated into two rooms: an open living room with a small kitchen, a dining table for two, a sofa with an armchair along a writing desk as well as a terrace with two lounge chairs facing the sea, while the other one was a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom. The bedroom was equipped with an air conditioning while the living room was more open-air so you could actually enjoy the view and the fresh sea breeze all day long.
At this point I have to mention all the lovely decoration such as the colourful pillows, textiles and shells. Wherever you ended up during the stay, you always knew you are at a luxury hotel in the Caribbean - from the pale walls via the turquoise textiles to the blue tiled floor in the magnificent bathroom. I absolutely loved the bathroom with the double vanities, walk-in shower that had a perfect pressure, full size 100ml toiletries by British skincare brand Ren, spacious wardrobe with make-up chair and two cool bathrobes in pink and blue. Thanks to the bedrooms being oriented towards the courtyard, it was completely calm during the nights and if you aren't filled with rum punch and Pina Coladas to sleep well, the extremely comfortable beds will do their part. Due to the bad weather we had during our entire Barbados stay, our suite was the main objective of the Barbados trip and to be honest we couldn't have chosen a better place. Looking at the rain splashing into the blue of the Caribbean actually didn't seem annoying anymore while sipping a glass of wine watching an episode of Suits.
After we unpacked and settled in the room, we headed towards Camelot Restaurant where we were welcomed by an all-white crew serving finest local and international food. The whole hotel was relatively quiet because they were closing from end of July onwards until the end of September. However the whole restaurant was open and we were exclusively seated right in front of the sea. The dinner was based on an à la cart menu where you could choose between different starters, main courses and desserts. It was our first night and we preferred to have something classy. Therefore we went for the black peppered shrimps with mashed potatoes as well as foie gras with a slice of toasted brioche. For main course we tried the pork fillet - perfectly cooked on par served with roasted potatoes. Our dessert was a fresh tropical fruit plate. In general we can say the food was extraordinary compared to other Caribbean resorts. I am sure that Cobbler's Cove pays extra attention to serving only the finest food since it is part of the renowned French hotel group Relais & Chateaux - a group that is famous for serving excellent food.
After an heavenly night we had breakfast in the main restaurant, just in front of the sea. Could a day start better then with an hot chocolate and the rough sea splashing in front of you? I don't think so. The breakfast was separated in a menu where you could order fresh egg and sweet dishes or a local breakfast and a buffet with fresh pastries, fruits yoghurts, cereals and juices. Unfortunately the choice was not huge but thanks to the extremely good quality of the ordered dishes not a problem at all. Maybe this was also due to the fact that it's been the last day before the seasonal closing and the hotel itself was not 100 per cent occupied. It was not an impact at all since we went for a light lunch option at the restaurant again where we got to try one of the best lobster dishes we have ever had. I can't remember the last time I ate such a tender and soft lobster meat, congratulations to the chef. If you are looking for a luxury hotel in the Caribbean with a gourmet kitchen, Cobbler's Cove is your place to stay.
Before we left the hotel, the weather got excellent and we finally could go into the turquoise sea of Barbados. It was a delight jumping into one of the clearest waters possible directly in front of Cobbler's Cove. Amazingly soft sand beneath your feet, shower facilities, a cool pool directly next to a chic deck with complimentary sun beds for sunbathing. After all, I have to admit that Cobbler's Cove was one of the best surprises we have had during our trip: the amazing food, the chic accommodation that fits to Barbados like the Eiffel Tower to Paris as well as the perfectly clear and clean sea water just opposite the resort. We will be back soon and can't wait to see the entire island of Barbados - this time with a rum tasting for sure!
Thanks to Cobbler's Cove and Golden Goose PR for inviting us to stay at this property. All above written expresses our own opinion and has not been influenced.
