Take a step back in time to the west coast of Barbados at Cobbler’s Cove. This thriving boutique hotel was originally built in the 1940s as a private house in Speightstown. With a variety of suites and lush gardens, Cobbler’s Cove will provide a charming getaway for your one of a kind Barbados vacation!
This is not the place to see and be seen as some of the more highly-populated resorts on the island—it’s more the place to fabulously get away from it all. It feels like you have a personal invitation to stay from some James Bond-esque estate owner who beckons you to enjoy an after-dinner drink and peruse an atlas while smoking their pipe. You get the sense that you might spot Marilyn Monroe curled up with a book far away from the paparazzi.
The Rooms at Cobbler’s Cove
The 40 luxury suites sit in 10 two-story cottages on three acres. Visitors can choose from garden or ocean views—all close to the beach—and each room is luxuriously appointed in a Caribbean-chic style with Bajan-made furniture—adding a breezy air to the verdant surroundings.
In addition to these suites, there are two signature suites. The Camelot and the Colleton suites are located in the two turrets of the Great House with their own private terraces and plunge pools.
Because the hotel was renovated so recently, you may read reviews that state there is only air conditioning in the rooms, but there now is actually a/c throughout.
The History of Cobbler’s Cove
Built in 1944 by English sugar farmer and politician Joss Haynes, it was bought in 1968 by Alan Godsall and his wife Lady Elizabeth, who transformed the structure into a hotel. They passed it down to their son Hugh who still owns and helps run the getaway to this day, adding to the intimate feel.
This quaint hotel is far from cookie cutter. English elegance with a Caribbean touch is at every turn. Cobbler’s Cove is one of only four properties in the Caribbean to be invited to join Relais & Châteaux group, an association of individually owned luxury hotels with notoriously strict admission standards. While the property brings history to mind, it has been modernized where it matters— they just finished an extensive three-year-long renovation process where updates were made throughout.
Hugh Godsall is proud of the history as well as the future of the hotel:
“We have done an enormous amount of work to Cobblers over the last few years, retaining the heritage, charm and character of this wonderful hotel that has hosted generations of happy guests.”
The Bajan influence is all around, from hand-painted touches by local artist Hilary Armstrong, to the island-made caned furniture.
Romance at Cobbler’s Cove
This getaway makes the perfect honeymoon spot for a couple looking for romance. While there are plenty of activities to enjoy, there’s a lot of emphasis put on comfort, relaxation and privacy. At some hotels, it’s a shame to waste your vacation in the room while the tropical surroundings are outside. These rooms, however, are not only open and relaxing, but the lush surroundings and large windows bring the effect of the garden inside.
Romantic dinners for two with special touches for your honeymoon can be enjoyed nearby at the Camelot restaurant, but you can also have delicacies from Camelot’s culinary team delivered right to your room. Or, have a private dinner for two on the beach, watching the sunset with your beloved while enjoying some of the freshest, most amazing food the island has to offer.
Spa treatments can be taken in-room, so you can also have a romantic couples massage without leaving your sanctuary.
Dining at Camelot Restaurant
You may think that meals would be subdued because the hotel is on the smaller side, but guests of Cobbler’s Cove are in for a culinary treat. Camelot Restaurant is renowned for serving some of the finest food in Barbados, if not the whole Caribbean.
Bajan chef Jason Joseph and his team are at the helm of the restaurant, which is named in honor of the house’s original title. Most of the food served is grown organically on the island to keep with the ethos of the business to enhance the local community.
A fisherman named Barker brings freshly-caught fish daily for the chef to prepare and he’s been working with the hotel for so long, that “Barker’s Catch of the Day” is a staple menu item.
Cobbler’s Cove also offers a unique service: they serve afternoon tea. This British staple has been a signature service of the house for over 25 years, served complimentary from 4-5 pm in the Great House. If you have the opportunity to check this out, we highly recommend it as few locations in the Caribbean still offer the service.
Activities at Cobbler’s Cove
While Cobbler’s is the perfect spot for lazing by the pool, you won’t be bored if you want more activity. The restaurant has Calypso music every Friday and special events like barbeques, guest musicians and chefs keep things fresh. After experiencing the Camelot restaurant, why not take your next meal al fresco? Chef Jason can help prepare a picnic for you to bring on a private beach excursion.
While children must be 12 and over to visit, teens can enjoy an array of activities to help give adults much needed alone time. The intimacy of the estate makes parents rest easy knowing their kids are safe venturing around the grounds on their own. Adults and teens alike can enjoy yoga, sailing, tennis, snorkeling (snorkel and flippers provided, so you can save room in your suitcase), scuba diving, Sea Moon Spa or an excursion! Swimming with curious Hawksbill turtles is a favorite of many visitors. For shoppers, stores are just a 15-minute drive away.
The gardens themselves are lovely, perfect for strolling after dinner or sitting with a book. while spotting various colorful indigenous birds living there.
Weddings & Events at Cobbler’s Cove
Cobbler’s Cove privacy is ideal for weddings and other events. Wedding ceremonies can take place at a couple of locations around the Great House or closer to the beach. Large groups can even take over the entire hotel, using all 40 suites for guests.
Or, for those looking to escape the usual Christmas rush and chilly weather, they do special Christmas events so you can relax with your family while hotel staff take care of everything.
Notes for Booking
- The hotel is closed from August 31 to October 14 every year.
- Breakfast is included when you book your room.
- Children 12 and older are welcome and there are suites with two bedrooms that can accommodate families.
- They often run booking deals like “buy eight nights, get two free” and other specials. Make sure you check ahead of time before booking—you may be able to stay for longer than expected!
