We hate to state the obvious, but your vacation just isn't the same without you.

So when you have a minute, pack your things and head for The Crane Resort and Residences, accepting reservations now on the southeast coast of Barbados.  A little planning might come in handy – especially if you want to make it in time for Crop Over, and more so if you want to grab one of those private residences.

Built on a seaside bluff, Crane is the island's oldest hotel in operation since 1887.  But don't count on any crumbling walls or cobweb – the original building has been restored and is now the centerpiece of the resort's villa complex.  It's set on 40 acres of natural beauty (hop down a few steps on your on one of the 10 best beaches in the world), and combines a bit of old-world charm and elegance with its coral-stone walls and 'historic' hotel apartments, each decorated with antiques.  Now we're as much of a history buff as the next guy, but we want to turn your attention back to those private residences we mentioned earlier.

Think of the Crane residence as your private, luxurious Lake Como villa away from home – except, it's in Barbados.  Stone-tiled floors, a spa shower and the hand-carved four poster bed fit nicely under the high timber tray ceilings, with the floor-to-ceiling louvered cedar doors opening out onto your balcony and your ocean view (you know, the stuff you're used to by now).  But they throw in the Champagne Air Jacuzzi and, well... we're sure you can figure out what to do with that.

The Crane Resort and Residences | Crane Bay, St. Phillip, Barbados | 246 423 6220 | www.thecrane.com