Barbados continues to raise its profile as a world-class Caribbean destination — this time by elevating its culinary scene. In 2026, Wyndham Grand Barbados, Sam Lord’s Castle Resort on the island’s southeast coast is launching an innovative chef residency program called The Navigator’s Table, designed to turn an all-inclusive resort experience into a destination for immersive gastronomy.
A New Chapter in Caribbean Culinary Tourism
The Navigator’s Table is a quarterly chef residency created in partnership with Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. and culinary agency Best Dressed Plate. The program brings acclaimed Caribbean diaspora chefs back to the region for five-night residencies that combine collaborative cooking, tasting menus, market visits, and interactive shared kitchen experiences.
Rather than guest appearances, each residency invites international chefs to work side by side with the resort’s culinary team, engaging deeply with local ingredients and traditions. Visiting chefs also spend time at fish markets and island farms, drawing fresh inspiration from Barbados’ abundant agricultural and maritime resources.
Local chef Rashid Wickham, known for his creative emphasis on island ingredients, represents the Barbadian culinary team in the program, working collaboratively with visiting talent who have built careers in cities such as New York, London, Miami, and Toronto.
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Tracing Caribbean Routes Through Cuisine
The program’s name — The Navigator’s Table — reflects its maritime inspiration. Each residency series explores culinary heritage across regions from the Greater and Lesser Antilles to the Lucayan Archipelago, using multi-course tasting menus, chef’s table dinners, demonstrations, and culinary storytelling to connect guests with the broader Caribbean diaspora.
Select editions also include guided excursions to local fish markets and farms, providing guests with an immersive look into how ingredients are sourced and prepared — deepening understanding of the island’s food culture and farming traditions.
The 2026 Residency Calendar
The inaugural year features five themed culinary residencies, each with a distinct focus and roster of celebrated chefs:
- April 16–20 | Caribbean Innovation: Exploring regional techniques with chefs such as Brian Lumley (Jamaica), Garette Bowe (The Bahamas), and Darien Bryan.
- July 16–20 | Plant-Based: Earth, Roots & Terroir: Focusing on local produce, hyper-local foraging, and agrarian cooking with chefs Nic and Mike Nichols (U.S.), Joachim Joseph (Grenada), and Nathan Collymore (London).
- October 8–12 | Luxury Private Dining & Haute Couture: Featuring chef Nick Sayles (Miami), Renee Blackman (U.S. television personality), and Max Guillaume (New York).
- November 5–9 | Food & Rum Edition: Celebrating Barbados’ rum heritage with chefs Nathaniel Mortley, Lonie Murdock, and Omar Walters.
- December 3–7 | Holiday & Tradition: The Legacy Series: Bringing together Raul Correa (Puerto Rico), Brigitte Joseph (Trinidad), and Alain LeMaire (U.S.) to celebrate festive culinary traditions.
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Culinary Experiences for Guests
Guests can book The Navigator’s Table as part of exclusive five-night packages starting at US$2,000 per person (based on double occupancy). These curated stays include luxury accommodations at Wyndham Grand Barbados, Sam Lord’s Castle Resort, access to all residency programming, signature chef events, and unique learning opportunities.
The format places guests at the heart of the action — from tasting counters and chef’s tables to market visits and live discussions about technique and ingredient heritage, empowering visitors to connect with food in a deeper, more narrative-driven way.
Reimagining Vacation Luxury Through Culinary Authorship
The Navigator’s Table reflects a shift in luxury hospitality where experience and cultural immersion are as important as premium amenities. Organizers emphasize that the residency is both a tourism draw and a platform for professional exchange — elevating Caribbean culinary techniques by blending global expertise with rich local traditions.
Culinary tourism continues to be a strong motivator for visitors, particularly from the United States and Europe, where food experiences increasingly influence destination choice. Programs like The Navigator’s Table highlight Barbados’ growing reputation as a culinary destination within the Caribbean — appealing to travelers who seek authenticity, storytelling, and meaningful engagement with local culture.
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