The Crane, Barbados
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The Crane is a place in Saint Philip Parish in Barbados.
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[edit] The crane beach and resort
The Crane is a resort hotel on the Caribbean island of Barbados. It is located approximately six minutes east (by car) of the Grantley Adams International Airport, on the South Eastern coast of Barbados. This historic resort was first opened in 1898, making it the first resort hotel in Barbados.
[edit] History
Two centuries ago, the formation of the Crane Beach’s protective coral reef permitted small trading ships to sail in and out and a small commercial port to develop. On the cliff where the Crane presently stands, was a crane used for raising and lowering cargo. The district is named after this crane.
The original Crane Hotel building was initially the Marine Villa Mansion. The style of this building’s windows and casements suggests that it was constructed in 1790. The well preserved building remains relatively untouched by modern alterations.
In 1886, the Marine Villa was enlarged by a civil engineer by the name of Donald Simpson. He initiated the construction of the south wing and the Marine Villa became a functioning hotel.
The Crane has always been a hideaway for some of the world’s “rich and famous.” In 1890 the famous American cowboy “Wild Bill” Hickock vacationed at The Crane and left his gold chain as payment for his room.
[edit] The "Horse"
On the far south side of The Crane, there lies a hidden entrance to a series of descending stone steps cut into the curving cliff. First constructed in the 18th century, as a discreet bathing place, this stairway allowed ladies to experience the pleasures of sea-bathing without being improperly exposed.
[edit] The hotel today
Today, in addition to the original hotel, the property includes a series of new buildings and a 1.5 acre pool complex. Though recently constructed, the classic architecture of the modern buildings is not incongruous with the architectural style of the original building. The pool complex, designed by Venezuelan architect John Stoddart, comprises three free-form lagoon pools that are set into the cliff side and are connected by three waterfalls. A fourth infinity edge pool lies between two restored ruins at the top of the complex.
[edit] Restaurants
The Crane currently operates two restaurants, L’Azure and Zen. L’Azure, serves European and Caribbean dishes while Zen, newly opened in 2005, is a Thai and Japanese restaurant. Both restaurants are located at the top of The Crane cliff overlooking the ocean and beach.
[edit] The beach
The crane beach was named “one of the Ten Best Beaches in the world” by Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. It is situated between protective rock outcroppings, making it a very secluded spot. The waters of the south eastern coast of Barbados provide opportunities to body surf and boogey board.
[edit] Interval ownership
The self-contained units in the new buildings and the original units in the old building can be rented, purchased outright, or bought on an interval ownership basis.
