Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort Hotel Review

Awesome is a word that’s nowadays used far too much, an Americanism that’s managed to penetrate the English psyche and left a hollow shell. However, stepping out onto the brilliant white sand of St Lucia’s Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort is something that invokes a sense of awe, sending tingles down my jaded spine. The towering pitons flank the flawless bay and stand sentinel over the old sugar cane plantation. It’s a vision of utter paradise.

Location

If you’re not up to scratch on your geography, St Lucia is in the middle of the Lesser Antilles, a chain of islands nestled north of Venezuela and separating the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Located in the tropics, St Lucia is a sure-fire destination for winter sun, with the dry season running from December to May, though the wet season is also a great time to visit, with the tropical rains adding some extra drama to the humid days. Sugar Beach itself is located on the south west of the island, just south of the old capital Soufrière. The former sugar plantation is nestled between the two iconic pitons and overlooks the tepid, calm Caribbean Sea. You’d struggle to find a more perfect spot on Earth.

Opulence

Opulence comes as standard at Sugar Beach, from the personal butler service to the stunning setting of the sprawling colonial sugar plantation. All the luxury villas and bungalows are exceptionally finished, with private plunge pools, walk-in showers and four claw baths, and it’s this stunning interior that will make you feel like an A-lister. Whether you’re located in the rainforest-strewn hills, or on the glorious beachfront, you get to enjoy uninterrupted views thanks to clever layouts. Just imagine a morning swim in your own private pool, or an outdoor shower while hummingbirds flitter back and forth, all to the backdrop of a landscape that’s straight out of Jurassic Park.

Pursuits

If relaxing in pure unadulterated bliss isn’t really your bag, there’s a host of complimentary activities you’re able to take part in, both on land and sea. Watersports are a given, so if you fancy a SUP board in the calm waters, snorkelling over the richly biodiverse reefs or trying your hand at sailing, you can do so at your pleasure. Back on dry land you can play tennis, boules, football, volleyball and the rest. If you fancy something more akin to island life I would recommend a great mini game which can only be described as “swing the rope on the hook”, which you can play with one hand, freeing up the other for a cocktail. If you’re after something a little more adrenaline-fuelled, climb the 771m high Gros Piton, which will give you unparalleled views of the bay, or try your hand at jungle zip lining, putting you in the canopy of the rainforest with views of the island’s tallest mountain, Mount Jimmy.

Indulgence

Indulgence should be top of your list at Sugar Beach with a total of 8 restaurants and bars, including in-room dining. You can even dine in your own nook of the estate, provided you give 24 hours’ notice. The grandest experience is the Great Room restaurant which offers Caribbean-inspired haute cuisine in a candlelit colonial surrounding which, after a few glasses of wine, is sure to transport you to the past. Follow with a late night drink in the Cane Bar, taking tips from the ‘Rummillier’ as to which of the many rums to try. If you indulge too much there, revitalise yourself at the state-of-the-art Rainforest Spa, which offers a plethora of treatments amongst the flora and fauna.

Culture

In its colonial past, the island changed hands between the French and British a total of 14 times. This heritage, mixed with the influence of East Indian and African cultures, has left a unique imprint. The cuisine combines these cultures to create something totally unique. Expect to eat lots of fish broths, unique curries, mangos and, of course, saltfish. There is a rich music scene, with the internationally-renowned Jazz Festival taking place between the 6th-13th May and the vibrant Carnival taking place in mid-July. Sugar Beach’s location to Soufrière gives you a chance to taste this colourful yet chilled lifestyle at a local’s pace.

Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort Factbox

• • • • The Val des Pitons has UNESCO world heritage site status
        St Lucia is the only country in the world named after a woman
      • Sugar Beach is owned by Roger Myers, former accountant to The Rolling Stones
      • St Lucia is now independent but has changed hands between the English and French a total of 14 times
      • Beach in St Lucia will have you feeling like an A-lister in no time

  Luxury Sugar Mill Rooms from $455, make your reservation at www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com