Unique Homes is visiting Barbados to tour new luxury real estate opportunities. This is the second blog from our press trip:

Gullies—formed when large water deposits rush through soil creating divots and waterways that lead into a larger body of water, or after a cave collapses and leaves a sizable sink hole—serve as conservation areas and eco-friendly environs for Barbados. Unique Homes toured two gullies today and got a taste of the adventurous and historic side of the island.

The first gully we toured was located in St. Thomas, Barbados and is known as Jack In The Box Gully. A series of seven ziplines carries a rider across tree tops high above the eco-system of the gully. At each of the eight platforms reached, two tour guides provide background on the island, its eco-system and the natural habitat of the gully. Our guides, Richard and Lucas, ensured that the entire experience was exhilarating and educational.

A lesson learned in the Jack In The Box Gully:  Don’t brake too quickly; speed is key on the zipline. Barbados’ name originates from the Portuguese. When the Portuguese came to the island they found Bearded Fig Trees, which are still in existence inside the gully. The tree grows vines from its trunk that hang down as if the tree is sporting a long beard. Because of this, the Portuguese decided that Los Barbad—meaning bearded man—was an appropriate name. When the English gained control of the island, the name changed to Barbados.

Later in the day, Unique Homes took a tour of Hunte’s Gardens, a gully created by horticulturalist Anthony Hunte. Mr. Hunte said that the gardens contain more plant specimens than he can even imagine. In fact, he could not even give a ballpark number.

We lost ourselves along stone pathways and found a hidden retreat. Benches and resting areas were positioned within the garden to sit, relax and take in all the different serene feelings of the environment. While taking in the sites, calming classical music pipes from Mr. Hunte’s home, located at the top of the gully.

With true Bajan hospitality, Mr. Hunte invited us into his home, where we tried his exceptional punch and some coconut water, a local’s beverage of choice.

Tomorrow, Unique Homes will report on the process of rum making after a visit to Mount Gay Visitor Center.

—Lauren Varga