We enjoyed frolicking on the rather quaint Batts Rock beach on many afternoons; prior to delicious cocktails at one of our favourite beach bar restaurants La Cabane, with its gorgeous setting and chilled vibes. This small beach is always a delight with many families paddling in the sea and surfers catching waves in the distance. But we had been totally oblivious to the fact that the magnificent Paradise beach awaited us just on the other side of La Cabane.

Even accessing Paradise beach was an adventure. We walked through a forested area with local families “liming” (Caribbean slang for hanging together in a public place with friends, enjoying the scene). They were enjoying bottles of Deputy at picnic tables in the shade of the large manchineel trees. As we continued, we approached some beautifully erected coral stone sculptures. Each piece of coral balanced perfectly allowing these structures to stand tall. They were both majestic and striking in their abundance. You may have the opportunity to meet the artist as he scours the beach in search of perfectly shaped coral.

Beyond the sculptures lay the most beautiful stretch of beach – resplendent with its golden sands, which continued as far as the eye could see. Of the many times we have visited this beach, there was scarcely another soul. These were some of the many reasons that Paradise beach lived up to its name.

Behind the beach, green plants mounted the walls of what was once an impressive architectural structure, but is now left incomplete and derelict. We later discovered that this was owned by Four Seasons who had discontinued the build and as a result it had been left unfinished with a lot of the more expensive materials – such as tiles now scavenged. The building was slowly decaying, nature having taken over and assumed control of the abandoned carcass.

It was difficult to understand why Four Seasons would abandon such a prime location. But with all the building work that is currently taking place on the island, assuming every last inch of the beach front, I’m sure it won’t be long before they resume the build. Their loss however, was very much our gain; a tourist-free beach for us to frequent without the multitude of umbrellas and loungers that dominate most beaches on the south and west coast; making this the most serene and tranquil beach on the west.

The sea is mostly calm here. There were a few bits of coral to navigate on the sea bed but it is predominantly sandy with a little step as you walk in. The best spots for snorkelling here are further out in the ocean or beside the rocks in front of the woodland area where you may come face to face with Green or Hawksbill Turtles, Puffer Fish, Porcupine-fish, Urchin, Octopus and some rather spectacular Spotted Eagle Ray, plus many more.

The beauty of this location is that you always encounter distinctive, exotic varieties of marine life casually drifting past you with the flow of the undercurrent.

Other than the woodland area itself, there is limited shade so bring your own umbrella should you need to. It is a wonderful beach for long walks. As you get to the most distant visible point, the bay scoops around a corner and it becomes Brighton beach, bringing you to what the locals call the “hot pot”.

This is essentially a small pool of water that is waist height which connects and flows directly into the ocean – a few degrees warmer than the sea itself.

It is heated by a nearby powerplant, the effluent hot water is released from the cooling tanks via pipes into the pool area thus heating it. Locals have believed for generations that these warm waters have medicinal properties and are therapeutic for conditions such as arthritis. We joined locals to experience this phenomenon – but did so with great caution as there have been a great number of deaths reported here due to the strong undercurrents that have washed people to sea. And the powerful suction of the pipes has been detrimental to young children swimming in too close a proximity.

So if you would like to bathe in these warmer waters, please do so with great care. There is a strong smell of sweetened sulphur in the air; which is in fact the scent of molasses fermenting at the local West Indies Rum Distillery.

You can keep walking around the bay which will take you to Brandons beach (otherwise known as Black Irish Beach), Rascals, the hugely fun inflatable water park is located here. You can purchase food and drinks and guests can use their umbrellas and loungers.

The Reef has interesting spur and groove sections (fingers of coral with sandy channels inbetween) and we have seen plenty of marine life here such as huge two-metre long Tarpon which gave me a fright, Green Moray Eel, Green Turtles, Brown Chromis and Black Margate to name but a few. There are also public facilities available here.

If you enjoy a quiet beach and one that you can take long walks across – Paradise beach is calling you.

THE SPECIFICS

Opening Times: (Relates to toilet facilities).  Monday to Saturday 9am – 11pm. Sunday 10am – 10pm. (N.B. Opening times may vary)

Facilities: There are some good, clean public washrooms with outdoor showers just behind La Cabane. As the restaurant is open until late, these facilities are open into the evening for everyone to use.

Playground: There is a small old public playground at Batts Rock just behind the beach and the entrance to La Cabane – with swings, slides, seesaws and a climbing frame, but it has been neglected and in desperate need of investment, so please ensure children use with care. You may want to choose a cooler part of the day to visit, as it is in the sunshine.

Loungers & Umbrella Hire: We advise that you bring your own beach furniture if required, as they are unavailable to hire at Paradise beach.

Dining: La Cabane is a gorgeous beach bar and restaurant catering for your culinary needs. It is very popular so we would recommend booking ahead here.

Parking: There is free public car park behind La Cabane which is perfect to access Paradise beach. Please note that this can get busy at weekends.

Location: Paradise Beach, Batts Rock, Barbados.