Paradise Found in St. Lucia: Sugar Beach, A Viceory Resort

Service

Arriving at the Sugar Beach Viceroy, I immediately felt a sense of calm. The welcoming staff kindly took our bags and replaced them with a welcome drink, which was very quickly enjoyed while we surveyed the property. Check in is done in a beautiful indoor/outdoor lobby which connects to an art gallery and The Terrace Restaurant where breakfast is served each morning.

One thing to know about the Viceroy (and many of the resorts in St. Lucia), is the island is very hilly, so the hotels are often built into / up the hill. Upon check in, you'll be given a cell phone that connects to your butler(s) who will not only escort you to your room but help with anything you need during your stay, including getting around. The hotel staff use golf carts to take you to and from your room and wherever you'd like to go - whether that be the beach, the pool, or the lobby for an excursion pick up.

Location and Facilities

The Viceroy has the most stunning views of Gros and Petit Piton, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it's situated right between them. In fact, Sugar Beach is one of the most sought-after beaches on the island for this reason.

I spent my first day bouncing between various areas of the resort to lounge on the beach and take in these views, each more gorgeous than the one before. The sand loungers are shaded by beautiful straw huts that sprinkle the coastline and look out over the water. This is a great home base to drop your things while you dive into the Caribbean Sea. Once you're ready to cool off, swim out to one of the resort's floating lily pad nets, anchored just offshore, to sunbathe and relax while partially submerged in the water - the floats even have cup holders for the delicious drinks you'll keep ordering!

One of my other favorite areas to relax on property was the mesh hammock at the end of the dock. Set five to 10 feet above the water, the hammocks overlook both Pitons and the create the perfect breeze while you doze off to the sound of the ocean. Just be careful not to drop any important belongings as the only thing under these hammocks is the ocean.

The on-site Rainforest Spa is unlike any other resort spa I've personally encountered. You walk through the jungle on elevated wood paths to treatments rooms set in tree houses surrounded by the sounds of nature. To call this place a tranquil oasis is an understatement - don't miss out on the opportunity to get a treatment while you're visiting.

The property is also home to quite a few notable art installations. When I visited in 2022, some of my favorites were the near life size KAWS sculpture as well as the reflective spheres down by the water's edge.

Rooms

When I arrived at our room, I immediately knew I'd be coming back again. We stayed in a standalone villa with its own plunge pool, complete with shaded loungers for enjoying the surroundings in complete privacy. We had a partial view of petit piton and felt completely isolated with lush greenery enclosing our pool so never felt seen by other guests.

Friends of ours stayed in the larger two-bedroom villa set atop the hill with its own full-size kitchen, dining room, and full-size pool. For larger families looking to visit, this is a great option!

Dining

Meals at Sugar Beach were great - the breakfast is delicious and you'll enjoy it from the Terrace Restaurant which overlooks the property. The smoothies are phenomenal, and I highly recommend them as much of the fruit is grown locally in St Lucia. For lunch, grab bites at Bonté by the pool where the menu features a mix of salads, tacos, pizzas and sandwiches. The food here didn't blow me away, but it gets the job done when you want an easy meal right near your pool chair. For dinner, I recommend Saltwood for an upscale dinner (great for couples visiting) or Jalousie grill for something more casual. The ambiance at Jalousie is lovely at night with tiki torches lit among the sand to create the ultimate beach vacation vibes.

Activities

The resort has so much to offer you'll be tempted to never leave, but I'd be remiss not to share the other wonders that can be found nearby. The Tet Paul Nature Trail is a quick and easy way to see some of the islands most beautiful sites. It's a beginner level hike through dirt paths and stairs, so know it is not accessibility friendly. After a 20-minute walk up, I could see everything for miles - the views of the Pitons was absolutely breathtaking and I recommend everyone do this easy excursion. If you crave a bit more intensity, you can also summit each of the Pitons in a challenging multi-hour hike.

For those with a taste for adventure, an ATV ride through the jungle is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. The hotel concierge helped set this up, and it made the whole day so convenient. On the tour, I visited black sand beaches, rode through shallow rivers, and drove up hills that had my adrenaline pumping all the way through. If you like to complement relaxing beach days with a bit of excitement, this was such a memorable experience that I highly recommend!

For my foodies, I highly recommend a chocolate making class while in St. Lucia. The island nation's volcanic soil and tropical climate create the perfect conditions for growing cacao, and St. Lucian chocolate is celebrated for its unique flavor profiles. While I didn't get to take a class on my visit, I'm already considering when I can go back to do one. Project Chocolat is one operator that offer hands-on experiences touring the cacao plantation and making your own chocolate treats.

Whether your looking for ultimate relaxation or a solid dose of adventure, the Sugar Beach Viceroy has it all.

I recommend Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort for couples, wellness seekers, or families looking for a luxurious getaway. The property offers complete privacy and world class amenities in one of the most beautiful settings in the Caribbean.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Saint Lucia. In need of further inspiration? Check out Laura Vaughn’s guide, Saint Lucia: A Fusion of Beauty, Flavor and Tradition.