Sam Lord´s Castle (Barbados) > Reviews (3)

Having recently travelled to barbados, I would like to share my now fond memories of a really beautiful place, Sam Lords Castle.

Get your timbers nicely shivered, because Sam Lord was a pirate, and a very bad man. Legend has it he lured ships this way with torches, so that they would get shipwrecked on the rocks. He would then loot the ship, the naughty man. You can read about him and his mistresses in the hall of the historic casle that forms the centrepiece of the resort. Below it is a mile long beach of pale vanilla sand, scene of the weekly beach party - dancing on the sand is safe if you happen to fall over (the rum is strong). They also have their own version of the Oistins Fish Fry here, and there's a Bajan night, but let's face it, every night is Bajan night on this fun-loving isle.

As we travelled with virgin, the transfer from airpot to hotel was free (not sure if this goes for all bookings).

Arrived for the start of what was to be a wonderful week of pure heaven, a bottle of champane and a hugh bowl of fruit waiting in our room. The rooms I found, very nice. Large beds, good storage space and very comfortable chairs, both inside and out (not that we spent much time in our rooms).

Spent 7 lazy days around one of 3 pools (one was adults only for those of you who would rather be without the screeming kids), drinking rum (lots of it). The staff at the hotel were very friendly and could't do enough to make sure our stay was a dream (even the maids given enough free rum when they cleaned our room meant exellent service). As we were all enclusive (which the maids knew), we didn't mind but I did wonder just how many rums they managed to sneak a day.

Lots of history about the place too talk of hidden treasures (which I must admit had a little look on the beach), but the locals seem to think its under the castle itself never to be found.

There are no shops around the complex but shopping is meant to be good in bridetown (lots of local taxi's around). The taxi's wait in the hotel all day and will take you anywhere on the island. You can get a price then suggest a price, they dont mind.

Food at the hotel was great too lots of choice (only just managed to get the stone off I put on). There are 3 main restaurants, The Wanderer, where you can enjoy vast buffets, the Seagrill for fine dining and Emma's Italian. Dress code: Seagrill and Emma's, long trousers and a collared shirt. Wanderer, smart casual and no swimwear. You can also enjoy light meals at Oceanus Cafe (by Oceanus pool), open 11am - 8pm.

Met some really nice Americans too, said they came to barbados every year just wish England was as near.

Only downside I would say, there is not much for the children to do and no activities during the day around the hotel but the evening entertainment was good.

The hotel has 248 rooms on 4 floors and is all inclusive. Rooms have air conditioning, tv, safety deposit box, bath, shower and balcony or terrace. Set in 72 acres of grounds and built around the 17th century home.

Adjacent to the beach (for strong swimmers only), and 23km from bridgetown (shuttle 3 days a week from hotel).

On site there are 6 floodlit tenniscourts and a croquet lawn. The hotel also has a fitness room, massage and a couple of little shops. Coin operated laundry and barber shop.

Transfer time 15mins from airport.

Prices vary but we found virgin to be the cheapest at the time.

At the time we went prices were: £989pp for 7 nights, £1479pp for 14 nights £299 1st child, £73 extra night and £43 single supp.

A real must if you want that lazy put on a few pounds sort of holiday.