Sugar Beach has been a near-mystical place for decades now. Just by the name, it already sounds promising. But what is it that has cultivated this allure? Site of an 18th-century sugar plantation, the palm-dotted 100-acre property became a resort in the late 1990s and, in 2021, has undergone a complete transformation, relaunching as Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort.
Nestled between the two Pitons — the twin mountains of St. Lucia that were recently designated UNESCO World Heritage sites — the property resides in a place where the waters are blue and clear, the snorkeling is among the best in the world, and the sand is like sugar powder.
On a volcanic island like St. Lucia, most beaches are rocky, offering black sand or dramatic landscapes. Arriving at Sugar Beach via boat is akin to landing on another planet and evocative of the Leonardo DiCaprio film The Beach. You feel as though you are entering a secluded paradise, preserved in time and bursting with serene beauty and natural wonder.
Amenities
Of course, there’s the beach, but then there’s the resort that stands on it. The expectations are high in a place of this kind — Viceroy has a stellar portfolio of luxury properties — and Sugar Beach brings with it an abundance of charm and, for many different reasons, lives up to the expectations of honoring such a unique location.
As mentioned, the hotel underwent a major renovation in 2021 and has a boutique vibe that feels very intimate. The property is made in perfect harmony with the beach, and all water activities are complimentary, with many, like the renowned snorkeling experience, that can be done right on-site. The beach club features shops, Bali beds, cabanas, a full bar and food service, and colorful floaters to lounge and play on the water.
Accommodations
There’s no main building at Viceroy Sugar Beach and all 130 rooms are sprawled out and built like small villas perched in the St-Lucian mountains, elegantly designed in Plantation style. They also each have an outdoor space with a private plunge and great views of the Pitons. All of them are fully private to ensure intimacy, and most of all, a peaceful stay. The interiors are all-white, a signature feature for Viceroy Hotels & Resorts, that makes it even more soothing, and the “residential feel” is quite successful.
Viceroy Sugar Beach offers mountain rooms and beach rooms, one to four-bedroom residences, and a massive nine-bedroom beach house that will be ready to welcome guests at the end of 2024. Each guestroom has a designated butler that guests can always reach to help them with their every need. Considering most rooms are spread out in the St-Lucian mountains, the main transportation to get around is a pink-branded minivan that guests can call for pick up. It runs 24/7 and guests mostly end up walking or hopping on it while they see it drive around, which is all the time.
Wellness
A great resort has to have a great spa and the Viceroy Sugar Beach one, called Rainforest Spa, doesn’t disappoint. The spa entrance — a wide tunnel made of bamboo and twinkling lights — sets the tone for what is going to be an immersive journey into relaxation in a one-of-a-kind setting. The spa offers a range of signature treatments in rooms like the couple’s treehouse treatment room, built on stilts, and perched high above the ground with a balcony overlooking the mountains. The treatment room also features a hot plunge to decompress after the treatment.
Filled with natural light and design focus, the gym provides views of the water as it faces the beach. We should note that the fitness classes are an extra charge, but the schedule is flexible, and the teachers are real pros. The gym also features a cardio room, a yoga room, a stretch room, and Peloton bikes and is located near the smoothie bar. Clever.
Dining
The Sugar Beach resort offers four on-site restaurants that are all facing the water. Breakfast is served on The Terrace and guests can choose between the buffet or À la Carte menu featuring healthy and hearty options. There’s also the very convenient coffee/smoothie shop for breakfast and snacks on the go, Boopa’s. Bonté is the beachfront restaurant that is open all day with live music at night, and Jalousie Grill is the casual joint that serves burgers and grills. Saltwood is a high-end dining experience, serving local specialties in an elegant setting. There are also two full-service bars. Other than that, there are, of course, room service and private beach dinners that can be organized at your convenience.
Almost every oceanside resort now does private beachside dinners, but seldom do they impress like the experience at Sugar Beach, offering a picturesque setup with suspended lights, white tablecloths, and a private gazebo overlooking the ocean. The best part of that dinner is that dessert is served in front of your very own bonfire and you can enjoy sitting on beach pillows while gazing at the stars.
Conclusion
With a host of unique amenities and activities, (like the pool that features underwater music and an impressive collection of art spread throughout the resort grounds) exceptional cuisine, an attentive staff, and breathtaking views, Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort is a luxurious secluded option in the paradise in St. Lucia.
For more information about Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, visit viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/sugar-beach.