Unveiling the Authentic Heart of Barbados: A Journey Beyond the Tourist Trail
Venturing across a seaweed-strewn beach at dawn, I joined my new friend Sheena Rose, an internationally renowned contemporary artist who grew up playing on these very sands. As the sun broke over the wild Atlantic Ocean, we explored the south-eastern shore of Barbados at Sam Lord beach, adjacent to the Wyndham Grand Barbados, Sam Lord's Castle All-Inclusive Resort. This rugged coastline offers a thrilling contrast to the calm, idyllic Caribbean Sea on the island's western side, where most tourists congregate.
Embracing Local Traditions: The Art of Liming
Despite the red flag warning and absent lifeguards, pockets of older locals had already gathered in calmer spots for their morning sea baths. They chatted and laughed in the sheltered shallows, a practice known locally as liming—simply hanging out and relaxing with friends or family. Watching from our perch on the beach, we filled small buckets with treasures foraged from the sand and engaged in freehand drawing. My amateur efforts paled in comparison to Sheena's skilled artistry, honed during her time as a Fulbright scholar in the USA before she returned home to battle Lupus with warrior-like determination.
A Historic Resort with a Pirate Past
This soul-soothing dawn session was a taster for a regular programme of events at the Wyndham Grand Barbados, named after the now-derelict castle built by the infamous buccaneer Samuel Hall Lord. He amassed wealth by luring ships into jagged reefs with hanging lamps, plundering them to fund his grand mansion. Today, the sprawling hotel property features immaculate whitewashed blocks, numerous pools, bars, and restaurants, all set within exotically planted grounds dotted with rarely full wooden cabanas for luxury lounging.
Luxury Accommodations and Royal Connections
Staying in an ocean-facing room on the third floor of the main block, we enjoyed a generous balcony for sunset watching, a queen-sized bed positioned to maximise the view, and a luxurious bathroom with Molton Brown products. The kitchen area included a regularly stocked fridge and coffee pod machine. Interestingly, the room had recently hosted the King of Jordan's aide-de-camp during Barbados's independence celebrations, highlighting the resort's prestige.
Wellness and Adventure: From Spa to Sea Turtles
The brand-new Island Essence spa, managed by Tracey—formerly of Sandals—boasts world-class facilities and ESPA products, with attention to detail that includes personally planted flowers. Treatments like the 90-minute Vitality Ritual and hot stone massage offer unparalleled relaxation. For adventure, we recommend the zipline at Harrison's Cave Eco-Adventure Park and a catamaran cruise with Silver Moon to swim with remarkably tame sea turtles, described as the dogs of the sea by our snorkel guide.
Cultural Immersion and Culinary Delights
On Friday nights, the hotel's shuttle bus takes guests to Oistins Fish Fry, a vibrant fishing village offering fresh seafood and authentic Caribbean vibes. Back at the resort, dining options abound: the Mediterranean Market restaurant features buffet-style cuisine inspired by various cultures, Sam Lord's Castle Bistro offers glam beach bar style, and Castle View provides a refined a la carte experience. Don't miss the Burnt Cask Rum Bar for a rum flight and expert insights into Barbados's rum history.
Why You Should Experience It Too
Barbados's pride as a republic, celebrating its independence since 1966, is evident everywhere. From liming with locals to indulging in luxury, this journey offers a unique blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation. As I plan my return to lime some more, I encourage travellers to discover this authentic side of Barbados for themselves.
