Crane Beach

A little slice of heaven on earth, Crane Beach is considered to be one of Barbados’ most outstanding beaches, and indeed one of the top ten beaches in the world. It’s no wonder then that this romantic haven on the island’s south-east coast is a popular choice for honeymooners.As you tread gently along the 400 metres of soft, coral-pink sand, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into another world. With a stunning backdrop of jagged cliffs, palm-fringed stretches and rolling dunes, this is the ideal location to relax and unwind as you’re caressed by the Caribbean sun rays and cooled down by the gentle sea breeze.Although the east coast of the island is known for its strong, powerful waves, Crane Beach’s imposing cliffs and coral reef create a natural harbour, providing a safe swimming area. If you venture a little further out, these less erratic waves provide the perfect choppy and challenging conditions for some boogie boarding. Rest assured, there is always a lifeguard on duty to raise the red flag should conditions become dangerous.Perched on top of the striking cliff that towers over this pristine beach is one of the island’s most luxurious and oldest hotels, The Crane Resort, offering a blissful and romantic setting with staggering views of the pink-tinged sands and foamy surf of the beach below. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, you can pay a small fee to ride the glass-fronted elevator to the cliff-top vantage point and take in the spectacular panoramas that lie in front of you.Wander through the hotel’s perfectly manicured garden and admire the intricately carved Grand Jeté statue, a life-size bronze of British ballet dancer, David Wall, created by Enzo Plazotta. There are benches strategically placed around the garden, making it the best spot to sit back and watch as the sun rises over Barbados.Crane Beach is located just 30 minutes from Bridgetown and is only a 15-minute drive from the airport. There is limited parking available nearby so be sure to get there early. The beach is accessible to be public by climbing down a series of steps carved into a cliff. With its powder-soft sand and shimmering, azure waters, this palm-fringed strand is everything a Barbadian beach should be.