The Sugar Bay Resort and Spa, formerly a Wyndham property but now independent, went all inclusive July 1, 2010 -- the only true all-inclusive on St. Thomas, hotel officials say. The location is spectacular, high on a hill with most rooms offering water views. Food is good, staffers are friendly, attentive and helpful. Iguanas roam freely on the property (don’t pet them, they can bite) and so do cats, friendly critters cared for by staffers since they control the rodent population. A couple of curious drawbacks: Lose your all-inclusive bracelet, get whacked $75 to replace it. Ditto for towel cards (which gets you only one flimsy towel), lose yours and it costs $30.
All-Inclusive Sugar Bay Resort and Spa Rooms
There are 294 fairly spacious and nicely appointed guestrooms, including seven one-bedroom units, 26 ClearAir hypoallergenic rooms, and all with air conditioning, private balcony with great views, ceiling fans, satellite TV and other usual amenities such as in-room safe and spacious bathrooms.
All-Inclusive Sugar Bay Resort and Spa Restaurants
The wide open Manor House at Sugar Bay Resort and Spa offers the best dining views at the resort.
© Paul E. KandarianThere are five all-inclusive restaurants at the property, and also a stand-alone sandwich and beverage café within the main building, but they charge for items at the latter.
The Manor House within the main building serves breakfast and Mediterranean-Caribbean fusion cuisine, and has the best dining view at the resort, overlooking a sweeping terrace outside and the water beyond, St. John’s in the near distance.
Ristorante Baci, a renamed Italian eatery (it had been the Tuscany), is lorded over by most affable Italian-born Chef Anthony, aided by a super friendly and helpful waitstaff. Great Italian grub in a small space, dark and moody, and with outside seating, which is the best option.
Mangrove Restaurant by the pool and beach area serves brunch, lunch and themed dinner buffets. It’s the best place to eat lunch while you’re at the pool or beach.
Iguana Grill, also by the pool, serves grilled items for lunch and dinner
Turtle Rock Sports Bar, near Mangrove and Iguana Grill, a neat night hangout for great cocktails and bar food, like giant hotdogs smothered in cheese and sauerkraut.
All-Inclusive Sugar Bay Resort and Spa Activities
The Sugar Bay has its own small, private beach and it’s a beauty, with tons of lounge chairs, a big shady tree to escape the heat, and all manner of water sports. The pool area is immediately adjacent to the beach, and it’s lovely with three interconnected freshwater pools and grotto, and regular daily pool activities like basketball shootouts, coconut bowling and aqua volleyball. At the beach, grab a kayak or snorkeling gear and take to the turquoise water. You can also rent motorized water sports equipment like wave runners and parasailing adventures. There are four lighted tennis courts at the resort as well, and a mini-golf course and a bumper boat pool. There is a free fitness area atop Journey’s Spa, where you can get a variety of treatments at extra cost. In the main building is an amphitheatre showing movies nightly, and there is also a Kids’ Klub program for kids four to 12.
More Information on Sugar Bay ToursAll-Inclusive Wyndham Sugar Bay Information
Sailing at Sugar Bay in St. Thomas is one water sport offered at the resort.
© Paul E. KandarianSugar Bay Resort and Spa
6500 Estate Smith Bay
St. Thomas
U.S.Virgin Islands
Phone: 888-582-9104
Website: http://www.sugarbaywyndham.com/
Rates from $220