Fodor's Expert Review Cobblers Cove Hotel

The focal point of this English country-style resort is an island-pink Great House, an imposing structure flanked by tropical gardens on one side and the sea on the other. Socializing occurs in the library, which doubles as a TV lounge, and at the alfresco restaurant, which receives well-deserved raves.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Closed: August–mid-October

room

Each elegant suite in this charming boutique hotel has a comfy bedroom and a separate sitting room with white wicker furniture, a sofa bed, a small library, kitchenette, and a wall of louvered shutters that open wide to a patio. For all-out luxury, the sublime (and enormous) Colleton and Camelot penthouse suites each have a richly decorated sitting room, king-size four-poster bed, dressing room, whirlpool bath, private sundeck, and large plunge pool.

YOU SHOULD KNOW No room TVs; only the bedrooms have air-conditioning.

bathroom

Marble-tiled bathrooms have granite-top vanities with double sinks and spacious glass-framed, walk-in showers. Some rooms have a free-standing soaking tub. Bathrobes and slippers are provided—along with beach bags, sea sponges, and REN toiletries.

lobby

The reception area is in an attractive, low-rise, coral-stone building just off the street. It’s the bright pink Great House, though, that is “hotel central.” And entering the Great House is like, well, entering a great house. Its grand hallway, with an open staircase up to the penthouse suites, leads to the restaurant. Just off the hall, a guest lounge is elegantly furnished with inviting chairs and sofas upholstered in appealing blue prints that mix well with the pure white tables, lamps, and woodwork.

pool

The kidney-shape pool is fairly small, but this is a fairly small hotel. Beautifully situated overlooking the sea—and not far from the bar—the pool has plenty of tables, chairs, loungers, and umbrellas strategically placed around the perimeter.

spa

The onsite Sea Moon Spa offers soothing massages, body scrubs, facials, and mani/pedi services. The spa uses REN and Sothys products.

If the ocean breezes play havoc with your hair, the spa has a separate salon.

gym

A small air-conditioned gym is filled with cardio machines and weight-training equipment and has a surround-sound stereo system “to keep you in the zone.” Yoga, Pilates, stretch, and aerobics classes are available upon request.

dining

The Camelot Restaurant attracts both hotel guests and fine-dining connoisseurs from around the island. Breakfast (included) and lunch overlooking the oceanfront are wonderful, and afternoon tea on the terrace is a ritual; but the innovative, seasonal, island-inspired menu at dinner is the highlight of any day.

On Tuesday evenings, there’s a barbecue buffet—grilled steak, ribs, and local fish; on Fridays, the menu celebrates seafood—with a special menu featuring caviar, oysters, and lobster.

drinking

At Cobblers Cove Bar, in the Great House and adjacent to the pool, guests can enjoy fresh juices, tropical drinks, and evening cocktails.

Try a Cobblers Cooler, the bar’s signature cocktail made with Bajan rum, tropical fruit juices, and a sprinkling of nutmeg.

beach

The beachfront in front of the hotel is very narrow and rocky, with a small, broader beach on the south side of the property. Enjoy complimentary water sports: snorkeling, kayaking, banana boat rides, and tubing, as well as daily waterskiing, sailing, and windsurfing—instruction included. Scuba diving and deep-sea fishing excursions can be arranged.

Mullins Beach is a popular spot just a mile or so south of the hotel. The beach is broad and sandy; the water is safe for swimming and snorkeling. There's easy parking on the main road, and Mullins Restaurant serves snacks, meals, and drinks—and rents chairs and umbrellas.