T+L Hotel Review of Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort in St. Lucia

Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, sprawls across 100 acres of rainforest at the base of Petit Piton, one of St. Lucia’s twin volcanic peaks and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Upon my arrival, I discovered this former 18th-century sugar plantation shrouded in trees, with pops of color from vibrant royal poinciana weaving in and out of the branches, swaying in a delicate sea breeze. In the distance, I could see the beachfront pool, a stretch of white sand beach, and the tide touching the shore.

A $100 million renovation in 2012 transformed the Jalousie Plantation into Sugar Beach, a luxury resort and destination designed for couples and families alike. Last year, the resort also added The Spice of Life Villa, a jaw-dropping 35,000-square-foot nine-bedroom villa with an infinity pool, direct beach access, and a museum-level art collection. Today, the colonial-era architecture and design—high ceilings, exposed wooden beams, wraparound porches, louvered shutters, and a crisp all-white color palette in the guest rooms—serve as a reminder of the resort’s long and complicated heritage.

St. Lucia’s Creole culture blends French, African, British, and East Indian influences, so one afternoon, I took a Creole cooking class. Another culinary highlight during my long weekend stay here was the resort’s Friday night beach barbecue, where I ate my weight in lobster.

As I enjoyed live music at the barbecue, I realized that the true appeal of Sugar Beach is its versatility. As the resort sits on the shores of a pristine white sand beach, water activities are an all-day and night affair (moonlight snorkeling is a thing here). And while St. Lucia may be a honeymooner’s paradise, families will find plenty to keep the fun going, including a kids’ club with a robust daily programming (even I wanted to try coconut bowling).

Here’s what it’s like to stay at Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort.

The Rooms

There are 130 butler-serviced guest rooms at Sugar Beach, including luxury villas, beachfront bungalows, and multi-bedroom residences, all surrounded by lush gardens and palms. Guest rooms are clad in all-white linens and furniture. Some accommodations include four-poster beds, while others have soaking tubs or kitchen areas for more convenience. All guest rooms have outdoor areas and a private plunge pool with either ocean or Pitons views.

The villas are ensconced in hilly areas, with beautiful Caribbean views (shuttles are available to transport guests throughout the resort). For the utmost luxury, opt for the beachfront bungalows steps away from the water or one of the residences, with up to four bedrooms for a group getaway.

Food and Drink

Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort, has seven restaurants: Saltwood, The Terrace, Bonté, Jalousie Grill, The Cane Bar, Jetty’s Burgers, and Boopa’s.

On my first night here, tired from travel, I wanted something low-key. The Cane Bar was an ideal choice, as its menu featured South Asian bites alongside larger entrees and creative cocktails. The restaurant’s oval-shaped dining room is lined with vibrant art, while the dim lighting instantly put me at ease once I was seated.

For those craving a more formal dining experience, head to Saltwood. On my last night at the resort, I feasted on the New York strip steak with decadent mashed potatoes and a silky gravy. While the menu will certainly make any meat-lover rejoice (there is Australian wagyu and a black diamond prime Tomahawk steak), those in the mood for something lighter also have plenty of options, such as a Dover sole in seaweed hollandaise and a whole roasted branzino.

Jetty’s Burgers and the resort’s grab ‘n go café, Boopa’s, are convenient stops for a quick burger, a sweet treat, or a sandwich to take on the beach. If you happen to be lazing by the oceanfront pool, you can also order from an à la carte menu of pizzas, sushi rolls, burgers, and sandwiches.

And for those who love rum and chocolate, Cocoa Mill offers a variety of aged rums paired with stunningly creative, house-made chocolates.

The Spa

Step into the thick of the rainforest’s groves at Sugar Beach’s Rainforest Spa. Located at the foot of Petit Piton, guests are transported to a slice of tranquility, where the sound of a running stream murmurs in the background. The low-lit spa entrance is a maze of wicker, bamboo, and candles, which made me feel like I’d wandered into a secret treehouse.

As a further nod to the rainforest theme and setting, spa treatments are performed in individual thatched-roofed cabins hoisted off the ground, providing nourishing quiet and privacy. Body wraps, scrubs, bamboo massages, and pink salt therapies are available using a range of Tata Harper skincare products.

Accessibility

Due to its hillside layout, Sugar Beach is not fully ADA-compliant and may not be suitable for some guests with significant mobility limitations.

However, the resort offers a number of accessibility features for guests with mild to moderate mobility or sensory needs. These include step-free bathrooms in select beachfront residences, shower seats and portable ramps (available upon request), shuttle service throughout the resort, level entry and accessible seating in its restaurants and bars, and signage and well-lit public areas.

Book Now

Sugar Beach is part of Viceroy Hotels and Resorts’ Discovery Loyalty Program. Members can unlock room upgrades, save 10 percent on nightly rates, and earn Discovery dollars through purchases throughout their stay, which can be redeemed for future visits.

Nightly rates at Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort start at $1,500.

Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.