Note: I stayed before the big storms. Last I checked, the resort was still closed. Industry outlet Caribbean Journal reported on the resort’s sale in May 2023 (PDF). I wanted to share what it was like when I went, since folks still ask.
If you're tracking its status, the latest official notices are posted on the resort’s website.
I wrote an even more detailed travel log—complete with extra photos and packing regrets—which you can check out in my Sugar Bay Resort, St. Thomas: Real Stay, Sun and Snags post.
The first look — wow, that view
The taxi ride from the airport felt long, but I was glued to the window the whole time. Hills, blue water, goats by the road. Then we pulled up the steep drive. The lobby opened to the sea like a postcard. I could see St. John in the distance. I just stood there and took a breath. Another traveler captured that exact first-look mix of good, grit and unbeatable panoramas in her Wyndham Sugar Bay recap if you want a second opinion. If you’d like a professional photo tour and unbiased breakdown, check out Oyster’s in-depth review. Salt air. Warm breeze. My shoulders dropped.
Check-in took a while. The line moved slow. Island time, you know? But the welcome drink was cold, and the front desk kept smiling. I can’t stay mad when someone hands me a sweet cup and says, “You’re here now.”
My room — simple, clean, and loud A/C
My room had tile floors and a small balcony. The bed felt firm, not hard. The A/C worked, but it hummed like a box fan. I didn’t mind at night. It covered hallway noise.
The view made me grin every morning. Blue on blue. Boats sliding by. I drank coffee on the balcony and watched pelicans skim the water. One morning, a fast rain swept across the bay, then the sun popped back out. It felt like the island blinked.
The bathroom was fine. Hot water took a minute. Water pressure went soft a few mornings. Also, tiny sugar ants showed up near the balcony door when I left a cookie out. My fault, but still, heads-up: food draws company.
Food and drinks — hits, misses, and a Bushwacker that got me
It was all-inclusive when I stayed. The main buffet felt busy, but the spread changed each night. My favorite was the “local” night. Stewed chicken, plantains, rice and peas. Comfort food that tasted like a hug. Breakfast was the best meal. Omelets, fresh fruit, and johnnycakes that were still warm. The omelet line took patience. I brought a book and stood, happy.
At the pool grill, I grabbed jerk chicken, fries, and a fish sandwich that was flaky and hot. The pasta station at dinner? Meh. Overcooked a few times. But the salad bar saved me.
Drinks were strong. I had a Bushwacker that made me very chatty. The Painkiller tasted like sunshine with a nutmeg hat. Bartenders were kind, even when the crowd pressed in. One taught me to ask for “light ice” so my drink didn’t get watered down.
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The beach and the pool — small cove, big smiles
The beach is a small cove. Pretty, calm, and safe for kids. The sand felt soft near the chairs but turned pebbly by the water. Sea grass brushed my ankles when I waded out. Not bad, but bring water shoes if that bugs you. Near the rocks, I saw bright parrotfish and one shy turtle. I snorkeled along the edge and felt like I found a quiet movie scene.
The pool sat a few steps up and had a little waterfall. It felt lively by noon. Music, laughs, sunscreen clouds. Iguanas sunbathed near the bushes and stared like tiny, grumpy kings. Chairs went fast, so I learned to claim one early, then wander back for a dip. Not proud. Just honest.
Getting around — hills, carts, and calves
This place sits on a hill. A real one. My calves felt it by day two. If you’re curious about how those never-ending stairs shape the overall vibe, my friend’s review on sun, stairs, and sweet views nails it.
There were shuttle carts that took folks from the lobby to the beach and back, and they helped a lot. Elevators worked, but they were slow and a bit moody.
We took a quick taxi to Coki Beach for bright fish and easy snorkeling. It was worth it. Another day, we grabbed the ferry from Red Hook to St. John. Ten minutes across, and the water looked like glass. We had lunch there, watched the boats, and came back happy and sun-sleepy.
The spa and the small gym
I tried a 50-minute massage with coconut oil. The room was cool and smelled like lime. The therapist had strong hands and soft feet. I left floaty and quiet. The gym was small but had what I needed: treadmills, a bike, a bench, and a rack of dumbbells. I did a quick set, then went for a long swim. Vacation math.
Staff and service — warm hearts, slow steps
Overall, the team felt kind. The pool bar staff joked with my husband like they’d known him for years. Housekeeping brought extra towels with a wave and a nod. One day, our room didn’t get cleaned till 4 p.m., and we were trying to shower for dinner. We waited and laughed. Then we ordered fries. Problem solved.
The front desk lost my late checkout note. They fixed it in five minutes, but I had to explain twice. Deep breath. Smile. It worked out.
Little things that bugged me
- Wi-Fi in the room was spotty. Strong in the lobby. Not so much in bed.
- The room key stopped working after I kept it next to my phone at the pool. Back to the desk I went.
- Hallway noise at night. A wedding group cheered outside our door once. I cheered back. Then I put in earplugs.
Moments I still think about
Sunrise coffee on the balcony in soft pink light. The chorus of tree frogs after dark. A rum punch on the beach while a cloud moved like a slow ship. It’s the simple parts that stick.
Is it perfect beach heaven?
No. The beach is small. The hills are real. Service can be slow, and some bits felt worn when I stayed. But the views? The easy water? The laughs by the pool? Those won me over.
Would I stay again if it reopens? Yep, for the view and the laid-back vibe. I’d bring better water shoes and lower my Wi-Fi hopes. If you want a bigger beach or a flatter walk, look near Red Hook or check places like Margaritaville or Point Pleasant. Same side of the island, different flavor.
Quick tips I wish I knew
- Bring water shoes and bug spray for dusk.
- Ask for a higher-floor room for the view and breeze.
- Save a chair early if the pool is your home base.
- Carry small cash for taxis and beach vendors.
- Keep your room key away from your phone.
- Try a Bushwacker, then drink water. Trust me.
If you’re planning a future trip, check the current status first. Things change fast on the islands. But my time at Sugar Bay felt real and bright and a little messy. Like a summer song you hum long after it ends.
— Kayla Sox