“The 1940s mansion has drawn guests through its powder-pink walls for decades, thanks to the impeccable service and a restaurant often hailed as the best on the island. ”
We enjoy an enviable reputation as one of the finest hotels in the Caribbean for the most discerning holiday makers. We have been a much-loved family-owned hotel for over fifty years, our popularity owing much to our two beaches, spectacular gardens and to the charm of our long serving staff.
Built in the 1940’s using the steel of the old island railway for its structure and the solid coral stone rock of the island for cladding, the original house was a retreat for Joss Haynes and his family from the rugged east coast. [Insert image of house smaller and into the text] It stands on the site of a Quaker Battery Station and was known by the Haynes family as Camelot. In 1968, it was sold to Alan and Lady Elizabeth Godsal who converted it into a hotel and renamed it Cobblers Cove after the Frigate birds which can still be seen fishing above the bay. By the 1980s, Cobblers was well established as a luxury boutique hotel with a reputation for fine food and wines, and by 1990 it was and a member of the Relais & Châteaux collection of hotels. Hugh Godsal and his wife, Sam, now oversee Cobblers and are very closely involved in the ethos and running of the place.
A Garden Paradise
Cobblers Cove has been a much-loved family-owned Caribbean hideaway since the 1960s. It's charm and popularity owe much to its coastal position and spectacular gardens that are renowned for vibrant colour and the exotic luxuriance of its palms, torch lilies, hibiscus, bougainvillea and orchids.The gardens are tended for by our own staff under the direction of the talented Niki Farmer.
OUR ENVIRONMENT
We are keen to preserve the beautiful environment we are so lucky to inhabit.
We have taken steps to remove as much plastic as possible from our food and laundry service, to reduce the amount of food stuffs that we import from abroad in favour of local produce and to employ local furniture makers, basket makers and artists wherever possible. We are proud to support a local school, the Roland Edwards Primary School.
The Weather
We have year-round sunshine, warm temperatures (28-29 degrees centigrade / 82-84 degrees fahrenheit is typical) and minimal variety in the seasons, so there is never a bad time to visit. Days are sunny and fair with light breezes, the evenings are always balmy. Highest rainfall is between July and October, but showers are brief and quickly followed by sunshine and blue sky. Tropical rainstorms sometimes occur over the summer, but hurricanes usually avoid Barbados. The last occasion the island suffered a direct hit from a major hurricane was in 1955.
Will Oakley – General Manager
Will joined as General Manager in April 2014. A graduate of the Savoy Group Hotel Management Programme, with a well-established career in the luxury hotel industry, he brings a wealth of experience to the role. He has worked with the Firmdale Group, The Halcyon Hotel and Bespoke Hotels and was, most recently, the General Manager at the five-star Cadogan Hotel in London.
The Team
The Cobblers Cove team gives the hotel its unique personality. Many members of staff have worked for the hotel for many years and have built up close relationships with our guests, knowing them by name and remembering their preferred restaurant table, favourite cocktail and chosen suite. It is this insight that ensures our guests receive the warmest of Caribbean welcomes.
