As soon as I stepped off the plane and into the warm, humid air in Barbados, I was welcomed by a spectacle unlike any other. Dancers in dazzling carnival costumes swayed to the beat of rhythmic drummers at Grantley Adams International Airport, and it hit me—the Crop Over festivities had begun.
Rooted in Barbados' history as a sugarcane powerhouse, Crop Over dates back to the plantation era when the island was the world’s leading sugar producer. Once the harvest season ended, the islanders would celebrate a successful sugar crop — a tradition that has evolved into the Crop Over festival. Now a 300-year-old cultural landmark, it transforms Barbados into an island-wide party with events stretching from coast to coast.
Stay: Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle
I checked into the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle, a lush, all-inclusive resort on the southeastern coast with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. The Wyndham is an expansive resort, boasting 29 acres of tropical paradise. Its 422 oversized guest rooms and suites offer scenic views and spacious balconies that blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living.
Whenever I stay at an all-inclusive resort, the quality of the food is always top of mind—it can make or break my experience. Luckily, the gourmet farm-to-table cuisine and handcrafted cocktails at the resort’s restaurants and bars exceeded my expectations. Whether it was the buffet breakfast at the Mediterranean Market, dining at the Castle View Signature Restaurant or Sam Lord’s Grill, the focus was clearly on quality over quantity. Instead of an overwhelming, wasteful spread that is all too common at resorts, there was a carefully curated selection that was replenished as needed. For lovers of rum, the adults-only Burnt Cask Rum Bar was a real treat, offering over 100 varieties to try.
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What captured my attention were the ruins of the 19th-century castle located on the hotel grounds. Legend has it that Sam Lord was a pirate who lured ships to shore using lanterns hung on coconut trees to resemble a port, before plundering their cargo to fund his opulent lifestyle. Though the original castle was gutted by fire, the ruins still stand as a historic landmark, a captivating part of the resort’s charm, blending history, luxury and adding a touch of intrigue to the resort’s lavish surroundings and a good story for visitors. The hotel pays homage to its history with decorative lights on the hotel walls that mimic Sam Lord lanterns.
The Festivities Begin
I dove headfirst into my first Crop Over event with the Mimosa Breakfast Party —yes, that’s a party that starts at 5 a.m. Despite the early start, the party was brimming with energy. Waking up at 3:30 a.m. might sound daunting, but by the time the DJs and live musicians hit their stride, I found myself dancing under the rising sun with a drink in hand. Endless mimosas, gourmet canapés, and a carefree vibe set the tone for a day of celebration. Even the island's Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, was seen mingling casually with the crowd—proof of the island's laid-back, festive spirit.
Crop Over - The Grand Kadooment
Every year, from late July to early August, Barbados comes alive with the vibrant celebration of Crop Over, a three-month celebration to the island's rich culture, music, art, and culinary heritage. While the festival offers an array of activities throughout its duration, it all culminates in an electrifying week leading up to the ultimate spectacle—the Grand Kadooment, held on the first Monday in August.
The Grand Kadooment, the crowning glory of Crop Over, is more than just a parade—what I experienced was an explosion of colour, sound, and pure, unfiltered joy. Picture the streets transformed into a carnival of kaleidoscopic costumes and pulsating rhythms, where locals and visitors alike come together to revel in this iconic Barbadian tradition. As the parade snakes through the streets, there were costumed revellers—draped in sequins, feathers, and sparkling jewels—dancing behind trucks blaring island rhythms, with mobile bars and food trucks ensuring everyone was well fed and hydrated. Starting at the National Stadium, the route winds its way through historic spots like Hincks Street, Kensington Oval, and Black Rock.
Crop Over perfectly captures the vibrant spirit of Barbados, making it the highlight of the island’s cultural calendar and a can’t-miss experience for anyone visiting during the season. I was even lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Rihanna dancing aboard one of the floats!
Dis Ole House Restaurant: A Taste of Bajan Heritage
For food options outside the resort, is Dis Ole House restaurant offers an authentic taste of Barbados with a modern twist, just a short stroll from the hotel gates. Born from humble beginnings, the owner’s mission is clear: to celebrate the island’s rich culinary heritage while adding a fresh perspective to traditional Bajan dishes.
The restaurant’s setting is as inviting as its menu, with a cosy, intimate outdoor space adorned with flowing white drapes, softly glowing lanterns, and lush greenery. The ambience feels like dining in a private home, offering a tranquil retreat where you can savour local flavours in a relaxed atmosphere. I began my meal with a serving of Bajan fish cakes, crispy on the outside and tender within, before moving on to my main, a delicious plantain-stuffed bowl. By the time dessert arrived, I made sure to leave room for the indulgent choices of cheesecake, rum cakes, and bread pudding, all comfortingly reminiscent of homemade treats prepared with love.
Oistins Fish Fry: A Lively Feast by the Sea
Located in the bustling fishing town of Oistins on the island's south coast, this lively spot is the heart of Bajan seafood culture. The town’s active port attracts both locals and visitors who flock here for the fresh-off-the-grill seafood. Tuna, swordfish, marlin, and lobster sizzle on open grills, as the chefs prepare the catch before your eyes. I visited on a Friday evening which is the busiest time, with live performances—complete with a Michael Jackson impersonator—taking place on the makeshift stage. Stalls selling everything from souvenirs to local crafts lined the streets, adding to the atmosphere.
St Nicholas Abbey
To round out my trip, I visited St. Nicholas Abbey, a historical plantation house, museum, and rum distillery nestled in the lush highlands of St. Peter. As one of only three remaining Jacobean mansions in the Western Hemisphere, this 1658 estate offers a rare glimpse into Barbados' colonial past. Surrounded by 400 acres of sugar cane fields, it stands as a beautifully preserved historical gem lovingly restored to its former grandeur by local architect and current owner, Larry Warren. Its signature un-aged, water-clear rum is the only commercial rum currently distilled on-site.
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One of the highlights of my visit was the opportunity to ride on the heritage railway at St. Nicholas Abbey which offers a scenic journey, winding along a balloon-shaped track from the historic plantation to the lookout at Cherry Tree Hill. The 45-minute train ride takes you into the heart of Barbados’ countryside. Along the way, I was treated to stunning views, with a stop at Cherry Tree Hill to soak in the panoramic vista of the coastline—a perfect blend of history and natural beauty.
Prices start from £1821pp for seven nights at the Wyndham Grand Barbados. This includes flights from London Heathrow with British Airways Holidays and a stay in a Deluxe Resort View Room.
