Relax. Unwind. Whilst you reconnect with nature and simply lose yourself for a few hours; detaching from social media and other daily distractions in a self guided tour at this captivating, unspoilt tropical forest.

We were greeted by a friendly employee on arrival who provided us with a map to navigate the fifty three acres of forest of which there was 3.5km of hiking trail. She handed Arlo a long sturdy stick which I can only assume was to fight off any belligerent wild beasts in our path – we’d soon find out! We temporarily ditched the map and decided to meander aimlessly beneath the colossal royal palms, contemplating how microscopic and insignificant we actually were when compared to the vastness of nature. It relaxed our minds listening to the quiet crackling sound of the bamboo groves as the east coast wind whistled through them. All our senses were stimulated whilst attempting to decipher the indigenous tree plants that were in our path.

Arlo encountered some other children on route and we watched as they enthusiastically struck the foliage with their wooden sticks to clear the walkway, as some of the off-beat tracks were overgrown with branches obstructing the path. So the stick became a very useful tool and provided the children with such a simple pleasure.

The forest is 1,085 feet above sea level at its most highest elevation and 680 feet at the lowest point. So there is some tricky terrain for parts of the trek and it can become tiring traversing the varying ascents and descents should you let the young ones lead and become lost deep in the forest as we were. That said, it was the most enjoyable workout being in nature!

You can, however, choose a short nature walk or a longer hike – both of which have been defined on the map, alongside all the various lookout points. Staff will advise you of the time required to complete your chosen trek. We wouldn’t recommend venturing there without adequate hiking footwear if it has been raining as I imagine some of the routes would be fairly treacherous. But when dry it is easy enough to navigate in well-gripped flip flops as I proved. The map will show you easy, intermediate and the more challenging routes for the more adventurous.

You will find over 1,400 plant trees at Coco Forest with 80 various species – from Jamaican ackee to mahogany, cocoa and coffee; and fruits such as pineapple and bananas; with a huge variety of root crops: herbs, spices and medicinals – all of which have been labelled. This was an impressive agricultural regeneration project proposing to reintroduce some of the crops and vegetation that was once an integral part of Barbados’ rich landscape.

“Our mission is to help create food security and build back and protect the biodiversity that was lost to sugar cane monoculture”. Owner Mahmood Patel, Coco Hill Forest.

We brought a packed lunch with us and ventured on a trek to the left of the entry point – following the trail to a wooden gazebo lookout point. It was equipped with tables and seating which made the most idyllic picnic spot; gazing at the Atlantic Ocean in the distant horizon from a point of seclusion, safely surrounded by the dense green forest.

Its high elevation also meant you benefitted from the east coast breeze. It was an ideal quiet, peaceful place for relaxation, meditation, contemplation or introspection. We watched families of green monkeys swinging past us from branch to branch.

Coco Hill Forest provides the serenity and tranquillity we all need to get away from the strains of modern life; allowing you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a complete and holistic natural experience also known as ‘forest bathing’. Or take yourself on a hike to get fit and learn about Barbados’ biodiversity via the tree-lined trails. This eco-wellness attraction is close to the Flower Forest, so why not visit both attractions whilst you’re there.

THE SPECIFICS

Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm, Saturday/Sunday 9am to 5pm.

Entrance Fee: $20bds adult. Children under 12: $10bds. Only cash payments in BDS and USD are accepted here. No cards accepted.

Sustenance: Please bring your own food and drink. Large glass bottles of water are available to purchase at the ticket office.

Toilets: There are some clean washroom facilities near to the ticket office.

Parking: Ample free parking in the designated carpark area.

Location: Coco Hill Forest, Richmond Road, Mt. Wilton, Barbados.