5 Fun Things to Do in Barbados

While much of the Caribbean is still recovering in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, it’s business as usual in Barbados, which was fortunate enough to escape the storm’s wrath.

In fact, there’s plenty to do and see, making it the perfect warm weather destination this fall.

Looking to get away but need a little extra enticement? Sandals Royal Barbados in Saint Lawrence is offering visitors savings of up to 65 percent. Guests of this 222 all-suite resort can receive an additional $1,000 booking bonus on stays of seven nights or longer, and those who book online can realize an additional $65 in savings.

Once there, don’t miss these great attractions:

Hunte’s Gardens

Owned by Bajan horticulturalist Anthony Hunte, this tropical paradise is filled with a wide variety of plants. Just as interesting is the chance to watch the wildlife that calls it home, from hummingbirds to monkeys. (Even the owner’s dog likes to make an appearance!)

Hunte's Gardens is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The $15 cost of admission includes garden access; juices and rum punch are also available for purchase.

St. Nicholas Abbey

Even if you don’t like rum, a visit to this distillery is well worth it. It might not be the biggest or well-known, but what it lacks in name recognition it more than makes up for in historic charm.

The distillery shares space with a 350-year old plantation home filled with antiques, as well as multiple gardens and orchards. The distillery continues to produce small batches and, while it’s open Sunday through Friday, Wednesday and Thursday are the highlights, as those are the days when sugar cane is ground in-house.

READ MORE Top 6 Reasons to Stay at Sandals Regency La Toc  

Bathsheba Beach

Legend has it that this beach on Barbados’ east coast was where Bathsheba, King David’s wife, bathed in milk to keep her skin beautiful. Today, photographers visit this picturesque beach to snap photos of the dramatic rock formations, while surfers come to ride some of the best waves in the Caribbean.

The Soup Bowl, named for its frothy water, is home to numerous surfing competitions, both local and international.

The one thing people don’t do here is swim, thanks to the rough water and rocks that lie just below the surface. Wading in the shallow pools is still an option, however, and it’s a great place to enjoy a picnic.

Harrison’s Cave

This limestone cavern is one of the island’s must-see attractions. With several streams, stalagmites and stalactites and other deposits, it’s an underground wonderland. Children will love the tours that are tailored for them, including one that focuses on bats.

Barbados Boardwalk

Stroll along this mile-long boardwalk that connects Accra and Camelot beaches, and you just might be lucky enough to spy a few turtles and crabs that visit the adjacent waters. Plan your visit around sunset, then grab dinner or drinks at one of the nearby restaurants.