The Ultimate Barbados Girls Trip: Where to Stay, Swim & Snack

My sister and I stayed at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle, which is located quite near the airport but on the southernmost part of the island. Our suite was well-appointed and modern with stunning ocean views. The resort, an all-inclusive with a very quiet daytime vibe, boasts multiple seaview pools and a stunning cliffside location with direct beach access—though I would be remiss not to mention that the ocean on this part of the island is rougher and swimming is not recommended. (Don’t worry, I have a recommendation for a more swimmable beach below.)

The resort had three major dining spots at the time of our visit—but Castle View, a fine dining (reservation-only) restaurant with an elegant and perfectly executed menu featuring one of the best surf-and-turf plates I have enjoyed in recent memory, as well as gluten-free and vegan options, like a Thai curried tofu dish that’s bursting with flavor—was by far the standout of the on-site dining options. Seriously, if you’re staying there, don’t leave the resort without making a reservation (or several) at Castle View. Also, if you decide to stray from the resort for date night, you are a mere five-minute walk from another incredible dining experience at Dis Ole House, a uniquely themed restaurant that boasts a gorgeous garden, incredible ambiance and excellent food.

Other highlights of the resort include the nighttime entertainment—our favorite was the Oistins night, which brought the delicious Caribbean eats and lively performances of the island’s most famous local joint right to the resort. (The man dancing on stilts between tables definitely had us cracking up and the Oistins buffet offerings, such as blackened mahi mahi and succulent garlic shrimp—both enjoyed with rice and peas, of course—were craveworthy.)

If you’re a New Yorker, like my sister and me, you might be inclined to walk to Bottom Bay from the Wyndham Grand Barbados, since it’s really not that far and a pleasant trek that saves cab fare. Plus, it definitely gets in your daily step count if that’s your thing.

Note: tell any of the resort staff that you walked to Bottom Bay, and they will look at you like you are insane. Even more so, if you return with a fierce sunburn and swollen feet. Although the walk isn’t that long for someone who likes a little adventure and exercise, you probably should learn from my mistake and not do it when the UV index is at its peak.

Still, I have no regrets: The walk was worth it because it afforded us the opportunity to experience the incredible friendliness that Barbadians are famous for. (Yes, we got a little lost en route. And yes, people came off their porches and called from their windows to help direct the two white girls who decided not to take a cab and were wandering around in the sweltering heat.) In other words, we made friends along the way.

Regardless of how you get there, I recommend packing a lunch or eating heartily before you leave the resort, as there aren’t really food vendors here, just a couple of (rather hilariously duelling) cocktail carts that will serve you a delicious drink in a freshly cracked coconut. Chances are that once you descend the stairs (coconut in hand) and walk the 100-foot shaded jungle path to this practically untouched and breathtakingly beautiful swath of beach, you’re going to want to stay ‘til dinner time.

You will definitely need a car to reach this gem on Barbados’ rugged east side. You can’t and shouldn’t swim here, but the stunning Atlantic coastline and the remarkable rock formations make it well worth a visit. Start in Bath Beach with lunch at Dina’s Bar and Cafe—a casual outdoor eatery with excellent and very authentic Bajan food—and then do the Bathsheba Coastal Walk, a moderate hike that weaves through tropical foliage and offers unparalleled views. If you do the whole two-hour hike, be sure to refuel at Zemi East Coast Cafe, a cliffside eatery with excellent seafood and cocktails.

If you’re looking for a swimming beach, I recommend Miami Beach on the southwest side of the Island—a family-friendly beach that features calm, crystal clear Caribbean waters. There are multiple food trucks on the beach and a restaurant, Casper’s Beachside, where you can enjoy good food and drink, plus excellent sunset views. Miami Beach is also within walking distance of Oistins Bay Gardens, which hosts an iconic Friday Night Fish Fry that attracts tourists and locals alike, both for the authentic eats and party vibes.