When we mentioned to our airport attendant where we were staying, her eyes lit up, and she looked elated.
"Enjoy it, and come back anytime,” she said, smiling.
Like our airport attendant, many Bajans are equally pleased and proud that the sprawling site of legendary pirate Sam Lord’s 1820s mansion has been given new life. While well-known spots such as Saint Lawrence Gap, Carlisle Bay or Saint James may first come to mind when planning travel to Barbados, the all-inclusive Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle Resort offers clients the choice to stay on the island's quieter southeast coast.
In pricey Barbados, all-inclusives remain the most accessible choice for most travelers, and this beachfront property — a breezy 15-minute ground transfer from Grantley Adams International Airport — is one of the Caribbean's newest.
A dramatic, design-forward lobby entrance accentuates sunny blue skies and the Caribbean Sea.
Credit: 2024 Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle ResortNewly Built
Grand is Wyndham’s premium category, and large-scale luxury was evident to us from the moment we arrived. Situated on a bluff, the 29-acre property is composed of multiple newly built towers adjacent to the castle ruins. An expansive rectangular courtyard leads to the massive main building, Lantern, named for the deceitful way Sam Lord lured ships for plunder.
Inside, reception sits right beside a hallway of cream-colored marble pillars, punctuated by a picture-frame view of the ocean. It’s more of a stunning gateway than a lobby. Lantern, like much of the resort, puts the ocean front and center while subtly weaving sophistication with local history.
The wet bar and sitting area in a luxurious Terra Suite offers lots of space to relax, including a balcony overlooking the ocean.
Credit: 2024 Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle ResortSimilarly, many of the 422 rooms and suites feature an ocean view. At 635 square feet, our well-appointed oceanview queen Deluxe Room was sizable, with an airy, contemporary vibe. The spacious balcony was a real treat — it's where we relaxed in the mornings with a cup of coffee and juice from the restocked minibar. Families may want to book one of the suites, the largest of which features an outdoor tub, two balconies, a king bed and a sofa bed.
Outdoor Activities
The beach — accessible via stairs, with a lifeguard on duty during daylight hours — was, for us, best for strolling, sunbathing and beachcombing. The hotel had everything we needed in one place, so we didn’t feel like we were missing out, making it easy to relax on the premises. If clients do want to venture to the iconic Oistins Fish Fry or swim at a nearby beach, they can request a complimentary hotel shuttle, available three days per week.
Another popular focal point of the hotel is the main pool area, which includes a swim-up bar overlooking the ocean that hosts a variety of activities, from aerobics to dance parties. On our way to lounge in a cabana, we picked up snacks of plantain chips, cookies, turnovers and chilled water from Lucy’s Lounge in the lobby. It’s a great grab-and-go option for visitors with an early tee time or those heading to the property’s tennis and pickleball courts.
The pool has a delightful, upbeat feel — couples splash in the water, visitors read in beach chairs, and attendants deliver drinks. Best of all, we didn’t have to look far for lunch; nearby Sam Lord's Grill serves delicious fish, tacos and burgers.
Amenities and Favorite Experiences
Among the features that make the resort ideal for destination weddings are the state-of-the-art projection screen and the largest ballroom in Barbados (at 10,000 square feet). The spa and fitness center, which were not open when we visited, have since begun welcoming guests.
Families will be pleased to find plenty of child-friendly activities, including a kids club, babysitting and children’s pool. Young ones will love the breakfast pizzas at Mediterranean Market restaurant; cut into manageable slices by the chef, they’re perfect for littler guests.
Emerald and gold accents add subtle art deco touches to the dining room at Castle View restaurant.
Credit: 2024 Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle ResortCatering to savvy travelers, the hotel has a few surprises, too. Neatly tucked away behind reception, rum tasting room Burnt Cask Rum Bar serves curated global selections, and select, exclusive brands can be tasted for a fee. The room — elegantly gilded, with a long marble bar and open shelves displaying bottles — is a lovely hideaway that reminded us of a glitzy, Old Hollywood den.
For pre- or post-dinner handcrafted cocktails and mocktails, Lantern Bar was our favorite stop. Many options showcased local specialties, such as the Tamarind Ball, which mirrored the sweet-sour-spicy taste of a childhood confectionary on the island.
Castle View, an eatery facing the remaining facade of Sam Lord’s Castle (much of the original was damaged by fire in 2010), is the jewel of the property, excelling at “reef and beef.” Glamorously decorated in modern art deco style, the restaurant features a seafood and salad buffet bar as well as an a la carte menu with decadent options such as an Angus burger and beef tenderloin. We loved the seared scallop starter, followed by grilled lobster served with compound butter and creamy mashed potatoes.
it was, truly, a meal fit for a lord, with spot-on classics and Caribbean flair.
