One of the more upscale resorts in Barbados, the all-inclusive Crystal Cove by Elegant Hotels caters well to both couples and families. The rooms are slightly disappointing and small considering the price point, the beach isn’t overly spacious, the service gets inconsistent and fairly below average reviews for a hotel of this class, and there’s no on-site spa; but the property offers three swimming pools with rock features and multiple tiers, a unique cave swim-up bar, good restaurants for an all-inclusive including a coffee and wine bar with tapas, a water taxi to sister properties in the area (where guests have access to the restaurants as part of the Dine Around program), a spacious fitness center with a good selection of equipment, two floodlit tennis courts, themed nights weekly, and the Flying Fish Kids Club for ages 3-12. Rooms come with balconies or patios with ocean or garden views, modern touches with bright color, in-room cribs upon request, and sleek bathrooms; suites with separate living rooms and loft suites with upstairs bedrooms are also available. Activities include banana boat rides, sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, tubing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling trips with sea turtles, glass bottom boat rides, and yoga and Pilates classes. Downtown Bridgetown is about a 10-minute taxi ride away. Other nearby attractions include the St. Lawrence Gap (nightlife, bars, and restaurants) and Oistins (famous for its Friday fish fry).
All travelers to Barbados are required to present proof of a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test taken at a an accredited or recognized laboratory within three days prior to arrival. It is also necessary to complete your on-line immigration and customs form by going to www.travelform.gov.bb. The form should be completed 24 hours prior to arrival, and preferably include the upload of your negative COVID-19 PCR test result. Travelers will be required to retest with a COVID-19 PCR test 5 days (120 hours) after their arrival in the country. If the result of that second PCR test is negative, that traveler can now enjoy unrestricted movement to public spaces (including the beach). Guests from High and Medium Category countries (which currently includes the UK, the US and Canada) must quarantine in their rooms until the second test is negative.