Fodor's Expert Review Sugar Bay Barbados

Tropical gardens and a dramatic water feature mask the proximity of the main road to this large, all-inclusive beachfront resort near the Garrison Historic Area. The resort opened in 2017 and, like Bougainvillea Beach Resort—its sister resort—appeals to couples, groups of friends, and families alike.

A crèche for the tiniest guests (from four-months) and a supervised club for kids up to age 12 are both open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. For teenagers, there's a "Teen Hut" with electronic games and other activities.

room

Rooms range from fairly small but cozy "Signature" rooms with a pool view, oceanfront rooms and suites with spectacular views of the beach, or one- or two-bedroom family suites that sleep four or five people. All rooms have a small fridge and coffeemaker, as well as a balcony or terrace. Family suites have a king-size bed in the private bedroom(s) and a separate living room with a sofa bed and enough room to add a crib or rollaway, if needed.

Opt for an oceanfront room if you can.

Photo: Signature Room

Photo: Deluxe Oceanfront Room

Photo: Family Suite

bathroom

Bathrooms here are fairly small; but because this hotel opened in 2017, the facilities are up-to-date: large, glass-enclosed rain showers (no tubs) and large basin sinks (some have double sinks). British travelers consider The White Company toiletries furnished in these bathrooms to be quite luxurious, which they are, but the brand is not so well known in the United States.

Photo: Beach

lobby

The lobby here is quite large, with ample seating for guests checking in/out or waiting for friends. A hallway past the reception desk and concierge opens to a view of the pool and beach. A shop sells beachwear, gifts, and sundries.

Photo: Beach

pool

The hotel has two pools and a Jacuzzi. One pool is small and tucked away at the north end of the property. The larger pool, near the Reef Restaurant, has a swim-up bar but, oddly enough, is often full of kids. Both pools are fairly shallow.

Photo: Beach

spa

Karma Spa, in a secluded space on this busy resort, offers massages, body treatment, facials, and other therapies—ranging from a dry sauna to an ice bath—to help guests (individuals or couples) refresh and rejuvenate. The spa features ELEMIS products.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Spa treatments are not included in the all-inclusive rates.

gym

The onsite fitness center, equipped with cardio equipment and weights, is open 24 hours a day.

dining

Scattered around the property are four restaurants: Reef serves buffet-style international and local cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; UMI (adults only) features Asian fusion cuisine, including sushi and sashimi; Sizzle Steakhouse features, you guessed it, steak; and Colin’s Beach Bar & Grill serves casual meals and snacks for lunch and dinner. Vegetarian options are available at any of the restaurants.

YOU SHOULD KNOW All meals at Reef and Colin’s Beach Bar are included in the all-inclusive rates, but dining at either of the specialty restaurants (UMI or Sizzle Steakhouse) is limited to a total of two times per week—and some menu items carry a surcharge.

Photo: Sizzle Steakhouse

Photo: UMI

Photo: UMI

drinking

The hotel has five bars: Reef Bar is adjacent to the restaurant and busy all day until 11 p.m. The Swim-up Pool Bar in the larger pool closes at sundown. At Colin’s Beach Bar, fashioned after a local “rum shop,” enjoy a rum punch or other frosty drink anytime after 12 noon—with or without a snack. Sizzle Bar is in the Sizzle Steakhouse, and the Lazy Mongoose Pub is an English-style sports bar open from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m.

Photo: Colin's Bar

Photo: Lazy Mongoose Pub

Photo: Pub

beach

The hotel faces a dreamy beach, with pure white sand and a protected swimming lagoon. You can take long walks along the beachfront in either direction: Needham’s Point to the west and the South Coast Boardwalk to the east. Beach chairs and umbrellas are always available, and nonmotorized water sports (kayaking, boogie boarding, and snorkeling) are included in the rates.