Vacationers in search of something beyond the usual sun, sand and sea during their tropical getaway need look no further than Bridgetown, Barbados.

Bridgetown, the island's capital, is home of the all-inclusive Island Inn Hotel. Set within the Garrison Historic Area, a world UNESCO Heritage site, the hotel is the ideal place to enjoy a Caribbean holiday filled with both rich history and the island's exciting present.

Established in 1780, the Barbados Garrison is the largest garrison in the British colonies, with its original function being defending the island from invasion. Its architecture was also influential to the area's surrounding buildings, including the Barbados Museum and Historical Society and St. Ann's Fort, where the Barbados Defense Force is based. Originally constructed in 1804 as a rum storage facility, the Island Inn Hotel has since become a part of the historic Garrison district.

The hotel, which offers in-pool scuba lessons in addition to breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea, is located less than a mile from the heart of Bridgeport. If you're going to explore the history of Barbados, you might as well enjoy some fine, present-day accommodations.