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CORAL REEF CLUB on Paynes Bay (about 5 minutes walk into Holetown) In October 2009, we stayed in a luxury junior called “Pentas” - it was 810 sq. ft. and fantastic. It was fully air-conditioned and consisted of a large king size (twin bedded rooms also available) with sitting area within bedroom, luxurious bathroom and large patio (balconies if you are upstairs).  These Suites can accommodate two adults. We were situated at the edge of the Caribbean and watched some gorgeous sunsets from our patio. We were only a few steps from the wonderful restaurant. It was truly perfect. Some pictures follow.  There was a gorgeous pool just steps away for us to enjoy.    One of the sunsets viewed from our patio. CORAL REEF CLUB - is a fantastic property - Previously we toured the entire property as well as stayed there and were very impressed! From here you are just a few minutes walk into Holetown for restaurants. Our Luxury Cottage Suite in a previous year was also gorgeous and of all of the fantastic accommodations in Barbados, we can definitely recommend it as the ultimate. Great grounds and pool area (2 large pools) and nice beach. Typically they close for about 6 weeks during the summer to update the property. The beach at Coral Reef is wonderful. As it’s next door to Folkestone Marine Park, where there is some great snorkeling just off shore. Also, the hotel offers complimentary windsurfing, snorkeling, kayaking and Hobiecat and Sunfish sailing. Guests can play golf at the Tom Fazzio designed Sandy Lane and also have access to the exclusive Robert Trent Jones designed golf course - the Royal Westmoreland. FYI – There is drink service available at the pools and on the beach. THE SPA AT CORAL REEF - opened December 2008. I The 5,000 sq. ft. spa is housed within a beautiful colonial inspired building with clean, modern lines, set within a tropical garden paradise. Exotic vegetation and waterfalls weave throughout the spa, from the four multipurpose treatment rooms, each with its own private foot ritual patio and garden, to the Outdoor Pavilion for couples. The spa also has a steam room and "experience" shower.   The scene is set for unparalleled natural beauty and tranquility. Classic charm has been combined with a modern aesthetic, the interior design and layout winning The Spa widespread acclaim. A wide variety of spa services are available. I was limited on time this visit, but I enjoyed a wonderful manicure, and cannot wait to go back and indulge in some of the other treatments. If you want the comfort and luxury that comes with a villa, you can find that at the Coral Reef Club. Along with a fabulous stay in a villa you also get all the sporting facilities, conveniences and entertainment factors within a luxury hotel. There are two fabulous villa from which to choose: Tamarind  (3 doubles and 2 bathrooms)  Situated in the gardens next to a shared swimming pool, this villa has a luxurious master suite with large air conditioned bathroom with separate bath and shower.  There is also a dressing room which could hold a crib, but please note it is a thoroughfare to the bathroom.  Two double bedrooms share a bathroom with separate shower and tub.  The villa also has a kitchen, spacious living room with television, DVD player, CD player and large terrace with chaise lounges and dining area leading to a large private lawn. Ixora   (4 doubles, 3 bathrooms and 1 en suite shower room)   Situated in the gardens next to a shared swimming pool, this villa has a luxurious Master Suite with private patio and large air-conditioned bathroom with separate bath and shower.  It also has three double bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and a further double bedroom with en suite shower room. This villa also has a kitchen, spacious living room with television, DVD player, CD player and a large terrace with chaise lounges and dining area leading to a large private lawn Coral Reef’s Plantation Suites (there are 5 of these) – they are the ultimate in luxury and are absolutely gorgeous. Price off-season for this in 2005 is approximately $1,150/night. They consist of a bedroom with a four poster or canopied bed, very spacious living room, a dressing area and a large bathroom with a big walk-in shower (with seats) and separate tub - all air-conditioned. There is a large covered terrace with large dining table and an open sundeck area with a huge private pool which is 12 feet long and 9 feet wide. Featured in the living room are a fax machine, television, video player, CD player and a selection of CDs and videos. There is also champagne upon arrival and a complimentary starter bar. What a wonderful way to start off your visit to Coral Reef Club. Their Superior/Luxury Jr. Cottage Suites - fabulous also, go for approximately $440 to $665/night off season ($950 to $1,400 winter). We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in one of their luxury cottage suites (there are 13 of these) – we can highly recommend this. We had an upper suite and had the entire upper floor of cottage building which is on the front half of the property near the sea. These suites have a dressing area and en-suite bathroom with marble-topped double sinks, separate walk-in shower and soaking tub with hand-held shower plus a separate, very large air-conditioned living room that is nicely furnished that also has a sofa bed, and —we had 2 balconies – one a “breakfast balcony” where we enjoyed the best breakfast on the island served on a linen table cloth and delicious food. The other larger balcony had lots of seating and -- the best part -- a large private plunge pool! You will want to stay here forever! We also toured some of the other accommodations such as garden rooms, junior suites and villas. Some of their luxury junior suites are on the water and some have ocean views; their superior junior suites are to the back of the property – these have a sitting area within the bedroom. Some of their superior garden rooms can adjoin to a superior junior suite to provide a 2-bedroom accommodation. Their garden cottages consist of 2 separate garden rooms that are contained in a totally separate building for more privacy. All of these accommodations are more affordable than the Plantation Suites and the Luxury Cottage Suites, but are nicely decorated and are well-worth the money. We had the meal plan during our stay, and the restaurant’s food was fantastic – really gourmet, a definite treat! This was our living room Our huge bedroom   Our private pool       RETURN TO TOP PICKSBARBADOS_HOTELS_-_TOP_PICKS.htmlBARBADOS_HOTELS_-_TOP_PICKS.htmlSandpiper.htmlshapeimage_3_link_0shapeimage_3_link_1

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