Venturing across a seaweed-strewn beach at dawn with new friend Sheena Rose, who played on these very sands as an adventurous child, reveals the other side of Barbados that every traveller should experience. The wild Atlantic waves crash onto the south-eastern shore at Sam Lord beach, adjacent to the Wyndham Grand Barbados, Sam Lord's Castle All-Inclusive Resort, creating a chaotic and exhilarating contrast to the flat, idyllic Caribbean Sea on the island's western tourist hubs.
Dawn Foraging and Artistic Expression
As dawn breaks over the Atlantic, pockets of older locals venture to calmer spots for sea bathing, chatting, or 'liming' as one friendly local explains. They place clothes across sculptural palm branches and gather in sheltered shallows, laughing and teasing each other. From a beach perch, small buckets fill with foraged treasures from the sand, leading to freehand drawing sessions. Sheena Rose, a contemporary artist of international repute from Barbados, showcases her talent while sharing childhood memories of this beach before her Fulbright scholarship took her to the USA. She later returned home to challenge her Lupus diagnosis, embodying resilience.
Historic Grounds and Luxurious Accommodation
This soul-soothing dawn forage and art session serves as a taster for regular events at Wyndham Grand Barbados, named after the derelict castle built by Barbadian buccaneer Samuel Hall Lord. He amassed wealth by luring ships with hanging lamps into jagged reefs for plunder. The modern hotel sprawls along stunning coastline with exotically planted grounds, immaculate whitewashed blocks, pools, bars, restaurants, and wooden cabanas for luxury lounging. As an all-inclusive idyll that never feels busy, staff remain attentive when needed.
Room Features and Royal Connections
Staying on the third floor of the main block, rooms offer ocean views and generous balconies for sunset watching. A queen-sized bed maximizes the vista, while a luxurious bathroom features a free-standing bath, separate shower, and marble-topped sink with Molton Brown products. A kitchen area includes a regularly stocked fridge, coffee pod machine, and tea options. Notably, the week prior hosted the King of Jordan's aide-de-camp, with the King himself in the adjacent suite, celebrating Barbados' independence. Barbados became independent from the British West Indies federation in 1966, marking 59 years and its fourth year as a republic in 2025 with President Jeffrey Bostick's installation.
Wellness and Culinary Delights
The brand-new Island of Essence spa, managed by Tracey from Sandals, offers world-class facilities with ESPA products. Attention to detail shines, from personally planted yellow-flowered bushes to plans for outdoor treatment pods by a private pool. The signature 90-minute Vitality Ritual followed by a couple's lunch in dressing gowns provides surreal luxury. Dining options abound, including the Mediterranean Market restaurant with buffet-style food inspired by Portuguese, Spanish, Greek, North African, and Barbadian cuisine. Sam Lord's Castle Bistro offers glam beach bar style, while Castle View provides a refined à la carte experience with steak, seafood, and delectable puddings.
Local Experiences and Adventures
Friday nights lead to Oistins Fish Fry via complimentary shuttle, offering fresh seafood and Caribbean vibes in a fishing village. Another adventure involves boarding a Silver Moon luxury catamaran to swim with tame sea turtles, described as 'the dogs of the sea' by snorkel guides. Back on board, drinks and lunch are served as blonde sand beaches glide by, possibly including Rihanna's property. A Monkey Zip Line adventure at Harrison's Cave Eco-Adventure Park involves swooping through rainforest before exploring eerie caves with stalactites and stalagmites.
Rum Culture and Hidden Gems
The Burnt Cask Rum Bar remains a well-kept secret, offering rum flights and education on Barbados rum history from expert bar managers. With a large selection of rum and cocktails from the Caribbean and worldwide, visitors learn proper rum tasting techniques. This experience, combined with local liming, showcases Barbados' pride and authenticity beyond typical tourist paths.
