Barbados offers more than just bustling west coast resorts. The eastern side of the island, with its dramatic cliffs and powerful Atlantic waves, provides a serene escape. Here, I found a community of villas designed for quiet relaxation.
Eastern Coast Villas
The EAST Barbados development features 10 cliff-top villas, each designed to feel like a private retreat. The focus here is on tranquility, set apart from the more active areas of the island. I noticed that the architecture is minimalist, allowing the stunning natural surroundings to take center stage. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect.
The villas range from one to three bedrooms, so there’s an option for different group sizes. Each one comes with its own infinity pool, positioned to overlook the ocean. I also appreciated the attention to detail in the villa design, from the fully equipped kitchens to the luxurious bathrooms. The master bathrooms, in particular, often feature natural stone and offer a spa-like experience, sometimes even with an almost outdoor shower area.
The interiors are designed for comfort and practicality. You’ll find spacious living areas with ample seating, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring or simply enjoying the view. The master bedrooms are designed for deep rest, often featuring large beds and dedicated workspaces. Floor-to-ceiling windows are a common feature, ensuring you can enjoy the ocean vistas from almost anywhere in the villa.
I found that even with the self-catering setup, there are options for dining. You can arrange grocery delivery or pre-stock your kitchen. For those who prefer not to cook, breakfast can be delivered directly to your villa. I found the breakfast options to be quite varied, with choices catering to different dietary needs, including vegan and vegetarian. The locally sourced fruit plates were a nice touch.
The development is planned to expand, with new hillside villas and opportunities for bespoke builds, suggesting a future growth in this quiet corner of Barbados. Even in its current state, the connection to The Crane Resort offers access to additional amenities via a complimentary shuttle service.
Villa Amenities
Each villa is equipped with a private infinity pool and a barbecue area. Inside, you’ll find a hairdryer, Wi-Fi, and Smart TVs. The kitchens are fully equipped with everything you might need, including a double fridge freezer and filtered water. For added convenience, there are options for grocery delivery and pre-stocking, along with villa dining and private chef services.
I found the private concierge service to be very helpful in arranging anything needed during my stay. The complimentary transfer service to The Crane Resort is a significant benefit, allowing easy access to their facilities without needing to arrange separate transportation. Parking is also available for those who choose to rent a car.
The attention to luxury is evident in the details. Complimentary toiletries are provided, adding to the feeling of a pampered retreat. The bathrooms often feature standalone tubs, perfect for a relaxing soak after a day spent soaking up the sun or exploring the island. Plenty of towels and soft robes are also supplied, enhancing the comfort.
Exploring the Surroundings
The location emphasizes peace and seclusion. While there aren’t extensive tourist attractions immediately around the villas, the rugged coastline offers beautiful views and quiet walking paths along the clifftops. I saw these walks as an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Barbados away from the crowds, often rewarded with breathtaking ocean panoramas and the chance to see a rainbow after a brief shower.
For those seeking more activity, the complimentary shuttle to The Crane Resort provides access to their beach, restaurants, and pools. This arrangement offers a good balance between the quiet solitude of EAST and the amenities of a larger resort. It means you can enjoy a different atmosphere whenever you choose.
Getting around the eastern coast generally requires transportation. While I appreciated the quiet, if you plan to explore further afield, renting a car or utilizing driver services is recommended. The nearest large supermarket is about a 15-minute drive away. The concierge can assist with arranging these services, even waiting while you shop.
What’s the best way to experience EAST Barbados?
The villas themselves offer a complete resort experience. With private pools, ocean views, and well-equipped kitchens, it’s easy to spend your entire stay within the villa grounds. I found that dedicating time to simply relax by the pool, enjoying the sea breeze and the sound of the waves, was incredibly rejuvenating. The patios are furnished with comfortable seating and dining areas, perfect for enjoying meals outdoors with a stunning backdrop.
The self-catered nature of the villas allows for a flexible schedule. You can wake up early to catch the sunrise from your bedroom or patio, enjoy a leisurely breakfast delivered to your door, and spend the day reading by the pool or taking short strolls along the cliff paths. The privacy of the villa ensures that this relaxation is uninterrupted.
I also discovered that taking advantage of the shuttle to The Crane Resort adds another dimension to the experience. You can enjoy a meal at one of their restaurants, spend time on their popular beach, or simply explore the historic resort. Then, you can return to the quiet sanctuary of your villa, enjoying the best of both worlds.
How far are amenities from the villas?
The villas are situated in a secluded area, prioritizing peace. Major amenities like large supermarkets are about a 15-minute drive away. The Crane Resort, offering multiple restaurants and a beach, is also a short drive, with the complimentary shuttle making it easily accessible. This means while you are away from immediate crowds, you are not cut off from services.
For dining in your villa, you have several options. You can prepare your own meals using the fully equipped kitchen, or you can order food delivery from The Crane’s restaurants, which include Asian-fusion, Caribbean, and Italian cuisine. The breakfast delivery service is particularly convenient for starting your day without any hassle.
If you enjoy exploring local life, the drive to nearby towns or villages can offer a glimpse into Barbadian culture beyond the tourist hubs. However, the immediate surroundings of the villas are primarily residential and natural landscapes, emphasizing the tranquil atmosphere. It is advisable to have a car if you plan on frequent excursions away from the resort community.
Is there much to do directly around EAST Barbados?
The primary draw of the area immediately surrounding EAST Barbados is its natural beauty and tranquility. Visitors seeking a vibrant nightlife or a high concentration of attractions will find the west coast to be a different experience. Here, the focus is on quiet contemplation and enjoying the raw, unspoiled landscape. Short strolls along the cliff tops offer scenic views and a connection with nature.
The lack of immediate tourist development in the immediate vicinity is by design, aiming to provide an authentic, serene escape. This means that most activities will involve either enjoying the private amenities of the villa, such as the pool and barbecue, or utilizing the shuttle service to reach other areas like The Crane Resort. It’s an environment suited for relaxation and unwinding.
For those who appreciate nature, the rugged coastline and the sounds of the Atlantic are the main attractions. The area offers a chance to experience a quieter side of Barbados, where the focus is on peace and the environment rather than commercial entertainment. This makes it an ideal destination for couples or individuals looking for a serene getaway.
The eastern coast of Barbados offers a distinct experience from its more developed counterparts. EAST Barbados provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in this quieter, more natural setting. The luxurious villas and the emphasis on privacy create a perfect environment for a peaceful retreat, with the option to easily access more amenities when desired.