Fodor's Expert Review Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort

Located in Val des Pitons, the steep valley between the Pitons and the most dramatic 100 acres in Saint Lucia, magnificent private villas are tucked into the dense tropical foliage that covers the hillside and reaches down to the sea. Villas are enormous, with beautifully furnished bedrooms, walk-in closets, sitting rooms with custom-made furnishings upholstered in white fabrics, amazing bathrooms with soaking tubs, showers big enough for a crowd, and Pitons-view decks with oversize plunge pools. Fourteen similarly appointed beachfront bungalows are steps from the sand, while stylish Sugar Mill rooms have private walled gardens. Personal butlers tend to any request, including unpacking (if you wish), making dinner reservations, and calling the shuttle to take you around the property. The Cane Bar specializes in Southeast Asian small plates, and heftier meals range from breakfast at The Terrace Restaurant and barbecues at Jalousie Grill to candlelit fine dining (think Kobe beef and seared scallops) at Saltwood. Dive or sail; play tennis, beach volleyball, or pool; take a nature walk, climb Gros Piton (with a guide), or chill by the pool. Swimming and snorkeling at the beach are particularly special because of the Pitons views and abundant sea life underwater. The Rainforest Spa—with eight tree house–style gazebos in a rainforest setting—offers body and beauty treatments; there are also fitness classes, a state-of-the-art gym, a yoga studio, and an earthen temazcal (steam dome).