What it is

A rainforest-surrounded former plantation in the shadow of the iconic Pitons.

What it isn't

Within walking distance of any towns or villages.

What we think

Sugar Beach, formerly known as Jalousie Plantation, was rebranded as a Viceroy in 2012, after a $100 million renovation. Not that it didn’t already have all of the makings of a superb property: French colonial–style buildings are spread out along St. Lucia’s only white-sand beach, located just south of the town of Soufriere and the Pitons. Still, the resort’s 95 rooms and 17 residences were upgraded to include hardwood floors sourced from Central America, plantation-style furnishings and silky Egyptian cotton sheets. Rooms are assigned butlers that will happily unpack your bags and put together your itinerary. That could include activities like windsurfing and Schiller biking (a cross between a lightweight cycle and a catamaran). Or perhaps a spa treatment like the Sulphur Seduction, in which guests head to the jungle to bathe in volcanic mud and wash off in a waterfall before heading back to a treetop gazebo for a full-body massage.

You're here because

You want to be on the water (many of the resort’s competitors are nestled in the jungle hills) in an upscale yet relaxed French Colonial–style setting.

The Moment

Taking a sunset cruise with freshly made rum punches, loaded with fresh orange and pineapple, on the property’s wooden sailing yacht, the Manatee.

Restaurants & Bars

Great Room – Caribbean-influenced cuisine

Bayside Restaurant & Bar– Local flavor

The Terrace - Breakfast

Cane Bar

The Palm Court Lounge

Location

St. Lucia’s Valley of the Pitons (Val des Pitons), a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the island's west coast. Sugar Beach is three miles outside of the town of Soufrière and 45 minutes from the international airport.