Famous for its turquoise waters, Bajan cuisine, and sugar cane driven rum production, Barbados is the perfect balance between a cultural excursion and island getaway. The central and east coast remain predominately native-occupied while the platinum west coast is lined with some of the Caribbean’s most famous hotels, among them, Cobblers Cove.
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‘English Elegance meets Caribbean Character’ at the tranquil & tropical Cobblers Cove. The most luscious greens line soft pink buildings that lead directly to the crystal clear Caribbean Sea. Somehow, Cobblers Cove recreates a private rainforest vibe without the mosquitoes or humidity. Palms, banana plants, and rows of flowers line every inch of the property – the sight of the gardens alone is worth the trip.
Prior to our arrival at Cobblers, our flight was delayed, our drone taken by customs, and our rental car company stood us up. We coughed up an additional $50 to taxi the 45-minute drive from Bridgetown to Cobblers, located on the outskirts of Speightstown. To put it kindly, we were cranky – our first night wasn’t off to the best start. Despite our 1 AM arrival time, Cobblers went above and beyond to transform our moods. Friendly and accommodating staff filled our breathtaking suite with smoked salmon and tuna sandwiches, the local Banks Beer, ice-cold water, and a multitude of midnight snacks. Needless to say, Cobblers Cove transformed our cranky butts into grateful and appreciative travelers within an hour of being on the property.
The rest of the week at Cobblers was nothing short of our first night. Let’s start with the food….because DAMN. If you decide to visit (which, obviously, you should) be sure you add on the breakfast option. Every morning a delicious spread of fruit, parfaits, and fresh pastries are sprawled in a buffet style fashion. Friendly staff, including visits from the kitchen manager, serves tea and coffee (DELICIOUS COFFEE) with a side of warm toast and fresh jam. As you enjoy the buffet, place an order for a Full English Breakfast or create your own crêpe – I highly recommend the caramelized banana and dark chocolate. I’m drooling just thinking about it. And don’t forget the mixed fruit (typically made with fresh mango) smoothie!
The award-winning Camelot Restaurant is a focal point in itself, with visits from travelers staying on the opposite side of the island. The dinner menu consists of decedent creations by Bajan-born, Head Chef Jason Joseph, such as Red Pepper & Green Pea Risotto, Shrimp & Roasted Red Pepper Penne Pasta, and Confit Leg of Duck. The equally impressive bar, located alongside the pool, features Barbadian aged rums and the freshest tropical fruits. Their Piña Colada is TO DIE FOR. Ladies - I swear there is nothing better than relaxing by the pool while bright-eyed and smiling Bajan-boys shower you with drinks.
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​Cobblers Cove also offers a range of complimentary activities with your stay. I’m happy to say I had my first waterskiing experience without breaking anything! They have a “sign out” system for paddleboards and snorkeling gear, with plenty of snorkeling sites steps from their beach. Within fifteen minutes in the water we saw a squid making his way along the coral, and our neighbors spotted three turtles. You can also utilize their private tennis court and 24/7 gym.
As far as day excursions go, Barbados is filled with options. Once we finally sorted out our rental car (with the help of the Cobblers staff) we were able to drive off on our own and explore the East, South, and Central areas of the island. For U.S. visitors – don’t forget to drive on the LEFT! The roads, especially those in less populated areas, are extremely narrow and filled with potholes, so drive with caution. The natural vegetation is absolutely breathtaking. On either side of your drive you’ll come across dozens of palm trees with fresh coconuts, almond trees, mango trees, and more. If you aren’t able to pick a coconut for yourself, be sure to stop at one of the vendors that are dispersed on the side of the roads. There are dozens of them and they all offer fresh fruit and veggies at extremely reasonable rates.
2 coconuts, broken by hand, for $3 (usd)
You’re also bound to notice how friendly the Bajan’s are. As long as you’re polite and respectful, they treat tourists as if they are family. On one of the weeknights, when the local bars were closed down, we somehow ended up spending a few hours in a makeshift bar behind a locals’ house. He and his friends welcomed us to their outdoor movie and drinks, and he introduced us to his cats.
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Speaking of bars, Speightstown, and Barbados overall, closes pretty early on weeknights. It’s unlikely you’ll find much nightlife past eight PM Monday-Thursday, however, Cobblers does a great job of offering late hour bar and food services. They also host a Managers Cocktail Party on Tuesday nights, where guests and staff mingle while sipping complementary drinks. You can also travel about half an hour to what the locals refer to as ‘The Gap’. The Saint Lawrence Gap is a 1.3 km stretch of restaurants and bars that cater more to the Westerner than to the locals. These spots are open late on all days of the week and offer great food and drinks, however, after visiting The Gap we agreed that we preferred to stay close to Cobblers and enjoy the local way of life.
No more than fifteen minutes from Cobblers is the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, the go-to spot to see monkeys! It is an easy $15 per person to enter and walk among dozens of tortoise, peacocks, deer, and green monkeys. Neighboring the parking lot of the reserve is Grenade Forest (access is included in your $15 reserve fee). Rather than actually walk into the entrance of the forest, we found much more luck walking along the outskirts to the right – walk along the few buildings and a small dirt road. You’re likely to see families of green monkeys playing on the roofs of the buildings and in the trees – keep in mind the monkeys leave the reserve and Grenade Forest as they please so it is hit or miss, however, they always return for food. There is also naturally growing passion fruit along the left side of the dirt road. Open one of these babies up and the monkeys will STALK you for the fruit! Remember – these are wild animals and are not contained in a zoo. They may be adorable, but they can bite!
Needless to say, our short time in Barbados left us full of memories. From the beauty inside Cobblers Cove to the nature surrounding it, there is a perfect balance between relaxation and adventure. The unique, boutique vibe of Cobblers turns the typical hotel-stay into a destination in itself. You’ll find it difficult to leave the luscious gardens and turquoise waters outside your doorstop, but be sure to visit some local restaurants and get a taste for the true Bajan culture.
