WYND OF CHANGE
HOT HOTEL Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle, Long Bay, Barbados
VIBE
Luxury and indulgence are high on the agenda at the new sun-kissed Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle all-inclusive resort, which is currently enjoying a soft opening before a major launch mid-year.
The grounds’ focal point is the aforementioned castle, with a string of myths and legends attached to 19th century buccaneer Sam Lord – trust me, you’ll hear many different versions of the tale.
Sadly, in 2010 the castle was gutted in a fire. After seven years of prep, the new hotel destination has opened, with refurbishing the castle part of the long-term plan.
STYLE
As you would expect, given its infancy, you’ll find a modern sheen throughout the Wyndham Grand Barbados. There are 422 rooms, including 37 suites. Superb views of the Atlantic Ocean can be enjoyed from 75% of the rooms.
There’s a smooth flow to the lodgings, which have a large contemporary bathroom, and a bed well-placed in the centre of the room so you can see the sea when you wake up.
And when you summon the energy to rise from the soft, comfy bed you can wander over to the large balcony.
Each day, your fridge is stocked with soft drinks, water and local Banks beer.
FOOD AND DRINK
The jewel in the all-inclusive resort’s culinary crown is the Castle View Restaurant situated across from the ground’s castle.
On arrival there’s a quaint and stylish self-contained bar ideal for a leisurely pre-dinner (most likely rum-based) cocktail.
There’s an option of outdoor or indoor dining, with a menu aiming to celebrate premium steak and seafood, ensuring a Caribbean feel.
Work is ongoing on the restaurant rooftop, with a view to adding a terrace and events space.
For a more relaxed dining experience, possibly best suited to those staying with families, The Mediterranean Market is a good choice.
Choose from a variety of cuisines with African, Moroccan, Spanish, French and Portuguese flavours all being celebrated during my visit. This is also where guests head for their buffet breakfast.
The outdoor area allows you to take in the sun glistening against the Atlantic. And, if you are that way inclined, you can enjoy it all with a slice of breakfast pizza. Inside the hotel, you’ll find the Burnt Cask, a tranquil stop featuring soft jazz and a fine selection of top-shelf rums for you to savour.
If you are hungry, afterwards call in at the “stop and go” across from reception where you can pick up fruit, plantain crisps and pasties, as well as a selection of drinks.
If you fancy an al fresco cocktail after a dip in one of Sam Lord’s many pools, head over to the Lantern. During my visit there was also a grill set up for burgers, hot dogs and other snacks.
At the entrance to the hotel grounds, the team are working on bringing in a food truck and creating a casual street food village.
‘‘ Snorkel with turtles, see shipwrecks and peek at Rihanna’s home
SPA
This oasis of relaxation in the main entrance courtyard to the hotel will feature seven treatment rooms, a pool and a gym and should be open by the middle of the year.
Guests will also be able to visit a juice bar and a salon, should you be keen to debut a glam new hairstyle during your trip to Barbados.
WHAT TO DO
If you are feeling particularly active, there are tennis courts and areas for playing pickleball, plus all those pools, as well as the beautiful beach in front of the resort.
There are children’s clubs, and the pool areas are split into children’s and adults-only zones.
During the day there is entertainment around some of the pools, and in the evening, the rotating programme includes live music.
A DAY OUT
There is a superb choice, and I would recommend that first-timers check out a Cool Runnings catamaran, setting sail from Bridgetown.
During four hours at sea, you’ll have a chance to snorkel with turtles, see shipwrecks and peek at superstar Rihanna’s Bajan residence. On board, the entertaining and helpful crew will ply you with as much rum as you can possibly stomach.
Back on land, if you want an authentic taste of Barbados, Chicken Rita’s is well worth a visit.
Based in the Silver Sands area, the restaurant which – you guessed it – is famous for its chicken, is a lovely backstreet venue where you can chat and relax with friends.
If you find yourself in Barbados on a Friday night, it’s well worth visiting Oistins Fish Fry for food and music with the locals.
You might even end up on the outdoor stage for a bit of karaoke.
And for an excursion which might just flip your expectations of Barbados, Harrison’s Cave Eco-Adventure Park is highly recommended for its electric tram tour through limestone caverns.