Stay: Sugar Beach - A Viceroy Resort

St. Lucia

130 rooms, from 969 usd including meals

St. Lucia looks like paradise, namely for the iconic Pitons: the distinct, pyramidal-shaped mountains on the western side of the island that is even celebrated on the nation's flag. There are other popular hotels, but none are as lovely has the often less-advertised Sugar Beach Viceroy, which sits at the base of the Pitons. It's a large property with individual cottages fronting the lovely namesake beach. Although the beach is publicly-accessible, it has a beach restaurant and good snorkeling. Most rooms sit as individual villas, and have their own private plunge pools. Dining on property is elegant with a touch of the traditional Caribbean. And other hotel restaurants nearby are worth a try too: for example, head up the mountain to Ladera for a spectacular view above and almost over the Pitons. You can also explore the local chocolate plantations, or for extra rigor, climb one of the Piton mountains at sunrise.

Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort - Forbidden Beach, Val des Pitons, St. Lucia

www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/sugar-beach

Photo source: Hotel Website

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