Society Central

We are going on a Windstar cruise that starts in Barbados in early January. Have never been there and thought we would go a couple of days ahead. Wondered if anyone has advice as to a nice hotel to stay at with a nice pool and on the beach though it does not have to be something like Sandy Lane. Just want a nice place to hang out for a day or two after flying there and before going to the pier. Also any advice on one or two good things to do there if we feel like it.