Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, St. Lucia

The only resort between the Pitons, Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort has the postcard views of Eden Bay guests expect when they choose St. Lucia.

The Sugar Beach Resort (formerly Jalousie Plantation; now part of the Viceroy Hotels chain) is set into the hillside in the Valley of the Pitons: the twin volcanic peaks rise sharply out of the sea and bookend views of the Caribbean Sea. Guests are assured privacy in their own separate spacious villas, each with a patio and its own plunge pool about the size of a Jacuzzi without all the bubbling – perfect for an early morning or evening cool-down. The Sugar Mill Suites are closest to the main buildings and beach.

Honeymoons are big business here, and pint-sized guests are few. The property, originally an 18th century sugar mill, is lush with fruit trees and flowering shrubs. Native plants hang heavy with mango, banana, papaya, coconut, avocado, star fruit and sour sop, while colorful hibiscus, jasmine, bougainvillea and oleander scent the air.

Because of the size and hilly nature of the property, small shuttle buses continually circulate, ferrying guests to the four dining areas, spa, pool and beach. Moving around the resort on foot is more like hiking than walking, and uphill treks can be tough in flip-flops and sandals.

Buffet breakfast on the verandah consists of a feast of breads, meats, egg dishes and local fruits. Bayside, down by the beach, provides a serviceable if rather uninspired lunch menu of hamburgers, salads and sandwiches. Dinner at the resort is a fine-dining experience requiring formal attire. Caribbean accents dot the menu, although the room gives little nod to island life and could be in any city anywhere.

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