ENVIOUSLY PERCHED ATOP gnarly coral limestone cliffs, the recently renovated Crane overlooks swaying 20-foot palm trees and a pink-tinted, icing-sugar sand beach—one of the top ten beaches in the world according to Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.

But when you’re not lounging in the sun and sipping from coconuts, impeccable service and sprawling coral stone suites will keep you within the resort’s luxurious grasp. Complete with private kitchens, 12-foot ceilings, French doors, oriental carpets, intricately carved mahogany four poster beds and marble bathrooms with five strategically placed shower heads, you’ll never want to leave your room.

But you will, lured by soothing Eastern Trade Winds, the constant nocturnal coaxing of whistling frogs and the opportunity to dine at Zen—the country’s number one rated dining establishment according to the 2009 Zagat Guide. But if getting served Japanese and Thai food by kimono-donning Barbadians seems out of place, the award-winning Azure restaurant serves fine local fare with an astonishing view of the wild, eastern Caribbean coast.

With its ongoing upgrades and new onsite Village, whose duty-free shops, cafés and a fitness centre opened in February, it’s hard to believe the Crane, open since 1887, is the longest continually operating resort in the Caribbean.

Junior garden view suites start at US$340.

thecrane.com