In the heart of the island we discovered a truly enchanting garden. Beautifully designed with an abundance of plants and towering palms rising out from what was once a gully. We followed a winding pathway, so picturesque with its exotic flowers in bloom: such as lobster clawed Heliconias, vivid red Anthurium, canary yellow and cerise pink Ginger Flowers, powder pink Orchids, contrasting blush pink and white Hibiscus, coral Begonias, lemon Bromeliad and an array of bronze and green ferns. Such an explosion of vibrant colour that inspires even the novice artist (such as myself) to capture this scene on canvas.

We brought a picnic and sat at one of the many nooks offering a spectacular view and observed the array of wildlife such as monkeys, geckos and rock doves roaming their natural habitat. We were transfixed watching the hummingbirds levitate, moving from flower to flower. With the sound of the wind whistling through the palms, the bees buzzing around the nectar and the serenity of the cultivated music playing gently in the background.

As we strolled around the ten acres of striking gardens my son delighted in a game of hide and seek, and attempted to identify all the plants and wildlife listed on the handout – of which there were 84 items listed which kept him busy!

There is also a charming Garden Room, a dilapidated building with a antique banqueting table which is reminiscent of a scene from the Dickens novel Great Expectations – when we see Miss Havisham’s drawing room elegantly prepared for her wedding feast that was never to take place. The room with all its faded grandeur and eccentricity is available to hire for personal celebrations and would give any event a unique twist.

We finally concluded our visit at the Cafe and Gift Shop and sat on the veranda alongside Horacio the cat basking in the sunshine. It too was filled with quirky antiques and a piano that my son was encouraged to play. We browsed the gorgeous artwork produced by owner Anthony Hunte himself, alongside souvenirs from local artisans. Imran was on hand to provide us with the most delicious rum punch, by far the best on the island complemented by the mouthwatering homemade carrot cake, just like your Gran used to make, served on fine china – a very quintessentially British experience! You can purchase bottles of Huntes’ very own beautifully branded rum to recreate this magic at home.

It was a privilege and real pleasure to meet the master gardener Hunte and share in his life’s work. He was a true raconteur with many anecdotes about what can only be described as a true labour of love. For me, he enriched the experience of this incredible place. Hunte is such an old fashioned gent that he presented the ladies with a hibiscus flower to wear in their hair as they departed. A totally meditative and mesmerising space to be at one with nature. My most favourite place on earth…

THE SPECIFICS

Opening Times: 10am – 4pm everyday to include weekends and bank holidays. Please ring the bell if you cannot see any staff members, as Imran also provides the waiting service in the cafe, so is usually seen running back and forth.

Entrance Fee: Adults $20USD / $40BDS. Children under 12 years $10USD / £20BDS. Please note that it is cash only, both BDS and USD are accepted here. A $5 gift voucher is provided per ticket to either treat yourself in the gift shop or towards your re-entry to the gardens.

Cafe & Gift Shop: There is a charming cafe on the verandah in the main building where you can purchase the most gorgeous rum punch (brewed on site) and an array of hot drinks and delicious cake. You can also bring your own picnic to the gardens as there are many benches provided within the grounds.

Toilets: There are some clean washroom facilities as you enter the gardens.

Parking: Ample free parking in the designated carpark area.

Location: Huntes Gardens, Hwy 3A, Castle Grant, Coffee Gully, St Joseph, Barbados.