Our History

1769, The "Horse"

In the 18th century it was considered improper for ladies to be seen bathing in public. Sea bathing, however, had become so popular that by 1769 at least one discreet bathing place had been constructed near The Crane in Barbados, West Indies. It was referred to as the "Horse" and was approached by steps cut into the sea cliff. The stairs to the "horse" can still be seen descending from the far side of the south of The Crane, much as they were in 1769.

1790, Marine Villa

From the mid-18th century, the island’s plantation owners and prosperous merchants frequented Southeastern Barbados.  These elite guests were attracted by the cool breezes, stimulating climate and beneficial sea bathing, recognized for its recuperative qualities.

Two centuries ago, the formation of Crane Beach's protective coral reef permitted small trading ships to sail in and out of the natural harbor safely, and a small commercial port was developed. On the cliff where Crane House stands, adjacent to the resort, was a crane used for raising and lowering cargo.  This crane provided the district's name.

The area's main building was a mansion known as Marine Villa, which exists almost in its original state and forms the east section of the Crane Hotel. The style of its windows and casements suggests it was built about 1790. 

1887, Barbados' First Resort

In 1886, civil engineer Donald Simpson bought Marine Villa and conceived of enlarging the house and opening it as a hotel.  Simpson's hotel venture was encouraged by development of the railway in 1881 to Sunbury, St. Philip from Bridgetown.  Simpson completed the first addition to Marine Villa with the addition of four coral stone apartments that comprise the south wing of the hotel (Rooms 1, 2, 8 and 9).  Evidence suggests that The Crane is the oldest operating hotel in the Caribbean region.

The Crane has always been a favorite hideaway for some of the world's "rich and famous."  One of the first celebrities to stay at The Crane was the famous American cowboy, "Wild Bill" Hickock who after staying at The Crane in the 1890's left his gold chain as payment for his room charges.  Hickock's gold chain is still in the possession of the Simpson family in Barbados.

1922, "Red Book of the West Indies"

Among The Crane's early twentieth century innovations was replacing its oil lamps with electrical lamps powered from The Crane's own dynamo. In the 1922 "Red Book of the West Indies," The Crane was described in a writing style then in vogue:

"The Hotel occupies about nine acres on top of a high cliff on the Southeast of the Island and is swept by fresh, invigorating breezes from the Atlantic. From its windows is displayed the beautiful sea, fringing with exquisite colors the white soft sandy beach of the hotel's superb bathing place, that has no superior anywhere in the world.

There are 18 bedrooms in The Crane including several which, because of their magnificent view, are in special demand by honeymoon couples who are best calculated to appreciate the ocean's chromatic grandeur and silver glory when transfigured by moonlight such as never seen in the cold gray North.

The bedrooms are fitted with English horsehair beds and spring mattresses and are very comfortable and tastefully decorated. The interest which the worthy proprietor takes for those who visit the hotel simply for the pleasure is indicated by the new ballroom which he has added to its new attractions, and in that hall of gaiety is joyously ended many a perfect day."

In this era, The Crane’s ballroom was known as a popular dance spot, with many an “Old Year’s Night” celebration held in the room then known as “The Casino.

1971, “Fielding’s Guide to the Caribbean”

In the 1971 Fielding’s Guide, the editors wrote:

“Two-hundred-year-old Crane should be preserved in amber and treasured just as it is: a nostalgic monument to gracious old days.  Barbados’ oldest hostelry has welcomed generations of Bajan honeymooners and for a century was THE resort on the island…This rough diamond overlooks one of the world’s most glorious beaches; this is now the place for those who are satisfied with simple pleasures and can do without chrome, and plate glass.”

Present Day, “The Crane Residential Resort”

Today, the historic Crane Beach Resort has been completely restored by its current owner, Paul Doyle, who has, at the same time, transformed the property into a premier luxury resort.  Taking advantage of the natural landscape, new suites at The Crane feature sweeping views of the ocean and capture the Easterly trade winds that constantly cool the area.  

In recent years, Crane Beach has also received numerous accolades, including being named “one of the top ten beaches of the world” by Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous and one of the top 50 must-see places in the world” by BBC-TV’s Holiday programme. Zen Restaurant was also rated “#1 for Food” by Zagat.

The Future

Additional plans for the resort include the completion of 2 new Residences in the Park, the expansion of the spa, a new Caribbean-themed restaurant in The Village (increasing the number of restaurants to five), an ice cream shoppe and a movie theatre.

For more information, contact marketing@thecrane.com.