Our arrival
When we first arrived at Sugar Ridge, the reception manager gave us a warm welcome and knowing that we had stayed at several properties before Sugar Ridge, asked how our experience was at the other hotels we’d visited during our trip to Antigua. ‘It has been fabulous’, I replied enthusiastically, to which she responded, ‘Great, because you’re going to like this one even better!’ Now how could I argue with such a big claim and her ridiculously positive attitude?! While we were waiting to check in, the reception staff provided us with a strong glass of rum punch (an island favourite) and we knew that we were on to a winner from the get go.
The grounds at Sugar Ridge
The location
Sugar Ridge is a stylish boutique hotel on the west coast of Antigua, which is nestled into a natural hillside bordered with sugar cane. All 60 rooms are wrapped around the hillside, with a natural landscape providing seclusion and offering spectacular views. While Sugar Ridge isn’t located near a beach, guests have the option of taking a complimentary shuttle to nearby beaches and beach bars including The Nest at Valley Church Beach and Turner’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. Alternatively, guests can pay for a beach picnic, prepared by the hotel, to be delivered to your beach of choice.
Room options at Sugar Ridge
Guests have a variety of room options to choose from including: 4 Premium King Rooms with Plunge Pool, 28 Deluxe King with Plunge Pool, 24 Deluxe King and 4 Deluxe Twin. Upper floor rooms feature a daybed, while ground floor rooms have day beds and plunge pools. Based on guests’ interests, there are four ways for guests to stay including bed and breakfast, all inclusive, body inclusive, and spa. Each option is available to be enjoyed in the room of your choice.
Our room at Sugar Ridge (Room 50), with its stunning views overlooking Jolly Harbour
Our room
During our stay, we were in Room 50. While our room wasn’t very large, it had a lovely 4-poster bed (bedecked with mosquito netting), a plasma screen TV, a closet, a small desk/dressing table and a bathroom with a power shower. The décor was modern and tasteful with a nod to Antigua’s sugar heritage featured in the sugar cane and sugar cube paintings displayed in the room. Our room also had a private deck with a comfortable sun bed and a small (and very cold) plunge pool, that’s great on a hot summer’s day (or for the very brave if it isn’t sweltering outside)! We loved the incredible views from our patio overlooking Jolly Harbour Marina, which were even more spectacular at sunset.
Palm Villa
Villas at Sugar Ridge
For larger groups or those who want to indulge, Palm Villa is the latest addition to the accommodation available at Sugar Ridge. Sleeping up to six people in three King bedroom suites, this chic, contemporary villa boasts huge glass pocket doors and picture windows, which are perfect for framing the stunning Sugar Ridge views. The villa’s covered terrace with a private infinity pool is ideal for alfresco dining or relaxing in style. Sugar Ridge Homes For Antigua lovers who have cash to splash, Sugar Ridge also has a portfolio of luxury homes for sale, which provides the owners with full use of the resort’s facilities.
The pools at Sugar Ridge - perfect for chilled cocktails in the sun...
Overview of the facilities at Sugar Ridge The swimming pools
Sugar Ridge has two beautiful swimming pools including the infinity pool at Carmichael's restaurant and The Sugar Club pool (located near the reception), complete with a poolside bar. Our favourite experience during our stay at Sugar Ridge was gazing out at the verdant green hills from within the infinity pool at Carmichael’s. At sunset, guests gather on the patio around 5:30pm to watch the sun drop below the hills, which was truly breath-taking. 
The AVEDA spa at Sugar Ridge
For guests who like a bit of pampering during their holidays, the on-site AVEDA spa, which boasts a wealth of treatments to please even the most discerning spa goer, can’t be missed. After a treatment, you’ll leave feeling relaxed and revitalised. The Cybex gym at Sugar Ridge The Cybex gym has a wealth of modern equipment to appease guests of all fitness levels – even hard-core fitness fanatics. Personal training sessions are available for those who really want to whip themselves into shape during their stay to ensure they’re looking their best when reclining by the pool. The gift shop at Sugar Ridge There is a small gift shop near the reception for any travel necessities (sunscreen, etc.) or souvenirs.
Sugar Club restaurant and bar at Sugar Ridge
Dining options at Sugar Ridge
Sugar Ridge Hotel has two onsite restaurants - Sugar Club and Carmichael’s, both of which produce exceptional cuisine for Sugar Ridge Hotel’s guests. The Sugar Club restaurant The Sugar Club restaurant overlooks either the chic pool area or the reception area, depending on where you’re seated. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner or tapas, sushi and afternoon cocktails, it is a popular gathering spot for Sugar Ridge Hotel’s guests. Highlights include themed nights with special menus and live entertainment most evenings. Breakfast at Sugar Club restaurant A special shout out is in order for the breakfast buffet at Sugar Club. Guests can indulge in everything from French toast to freshly made omelettes and eggs, cheeses, pastries, fresh fruits, yoghurt, bacon, sausages, grilled vegetables, and salad, among many other options. Each day during our stay, we ensured that we saved room for the sensational breakfast, which was so hearty it left us feeling satiated until dinnertime.
Sugar Club restaurant and bar
The gorgeous Carmichael's restaurant and pool area at Sugar Ridge Hotel
Carmichael’s Restaurant
Carmichael’s is Sugar Ridge’s on-site fine dining restaurant. Given that it is one of the most popular fine dining restaurants on the island, it’s recommended that you book to avoid disappointment. Click here for the full review Activities and excursions - Shirley Heights Lookout During our stay, the helpful staff at Sugar Ridge Hotel organised an excursion to take us to Shirley Heights Lookout, one of the most popular tourist activities on the island, which is home to a BBQ party complete with a live steel drum band and arguably some of the best views on the island. Located only 45 mins away (by taxi) from Sugar Ridge, it’s an easy jaunt and definitely worth seeing.
A summary of our experience at Sugar Ridge Hotel, Antigua
3 Comments
Patrick Earls
26/1/2016 06:24:36 pm
My wife and I had our honeymoon at Sugar Ridge. This resort features some of the most beautiful views I have ever seen. I have recommended Sugar Ridge to everyone of my friends when they got married for their honeymoons.
A.A. Miln
29/1/2016 01:59:53 pm
Hi Patrick Leave a Reply. |
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