Heading up north in Barbados is a great way to get away from the bustle of Bridgetown and the hustle of the west coast. And if you’re going north, why not go all the way to North Point?

First off, Mondays are the best day for this excursion as many cruise ships dock on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Next, set out early. If you’re on the west coast, 8:30am would be a good start. Even if you get lost, you’ll still be there before anyone else. And speaking of getting lost, it’s a good chance you won’t. The Barbados road system is very well maintained and there are lots of signs at most junctions.

Archer Bay is just a little ways west of North Point.

When you’re close, you’ll see a barely standing sign announcing you've arrived.

From here, take a right off the paved road and proceed along a dirt path through a gorgeous grove of trees.

Park by the cliff, then head down the footpath to the right. It’s a bit steep, but if you carefully navigate the carved stone stairs, it should be no problem.

And you're reward will be an undercover private beach (befitting its super spy namesake) that you can call your own, if but for a few hours.

Archer Bay is truly a spectacular find; beautiful, serene, and on most days, blissfully deserted.