Sugar Ridge

 Just a short stroll from the turquoise waters of Jolly Beach and the bustling marina of Jolly Harbour, Sugar Ridge is a luxurious, boutique-style hotel set on the verdant hillside overlooking the Caribbean ocean. This honeymoon haven offers tropical charm and spectacular views across the bay.

Named after the sugar cane crops, with which it shares its border, Sugar Ridge features 60 charming guest suites, built into the hillside, with panoramic views of the coastline from their generous balconies.

Sugar Ridge is a haven of relaxation, and is perfect for couples looking for a chic honeymoon retreat rather than the usual family beachside resort. However, a choice of some of the best beaches in Antigua are within easy walking distance, including Jolly Beach, Darkwood Beach, Jackie O’s, Turners Beach, Fryers Beach and the Nest Beach – the hotel provides a shuttle service to these stunning beaches and has concessions for sun-loungers and dining at several of them, where all-inclusive guests can eat free.

The resort is designed in tropical Caribbean style with a contemporary twist. It boasts two swimming pools where you can take a quiet dip and enjoy poolside refreshments, including freshly prepared Sushi, afternoon tea and cocktails. The main pool is a split-level work of art, with a wall of water cascading into the lower pool, whilst in a hilltop position at the highest point of the resort, an infinity pool stretches out from Carmichaels bar and restaurant, providing breathtaking views across to Jolly Harbour Marina and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

The hotel’s luxurious guest rooms are located in several low-rise accommodation blocks, which nestle throughout the natural hillside of Sugar Ridge and are tastefully furnished in chic colonial style. Their large verandahs have a dining area and splendid views due to their elevated positions. Ground floor rooms also feature private plunge pools.

For a magical dining experience, Carmichaels restaurant and bar boasts a wonderful location at the top of the hill on which the hotel is situated, and blends fine dining with awesome views. Fresh fish is a specialty, however there are many other delicious choices, and service is always charming and attentive. Many guests come up to Carmichaels at dusk to watch the sun set over the Caribbean Sea and combine a dip in the bar’s infinity pool with a delicious cocktail.

 Sugar Club is the hotel’s primary restaurant at ground level in the main building, where you can dine indoors or outside on the verandah. The décor has a distinctive ambience of the Far East, with its dark woods and airy open-plan. Food is served here throughout the day, from breakfast and lunch to formal evening dining. A comfortable bar area is the perfect place to enjoy the nightly cabaret with a relaxing drink. Guests can choose to stay at the hotel on a B&B, Half-Board or All-Inclusive basis.

Fitness and relaxation are top priorities at Sugar Ridge, in fact the whole ground floor of the main building is taken up by the Aveda Spa, with a couples therapy room and area for Pilates and yoga and a Fitness Centre with state-of-the-art gymnasium.

Unsurpassed in service and luxury, Sugar Ridge’s world-class amenities include the Aveda Concept Spa, the only one of its kind in the Caribbean. Aveda Spas and Salons are founded in the healing tradition of Ayurveda from ancient India. With an approach that has soothed mind, body, and spirit for years, Aveda continues the tradition of holistic health and balance.

Sugar Ridge’s chic design defines the spa’s space, creating a cool and calming atmosphere as you walk through its doors. Four treatment rooms, shower facilities, and a manicure and pedicure room await your treatment. Or, receive your massage in a private garden setting. The Elemental Nature Massage is its signature treatment and combines multiple massage techniques custom to your needs. With an extensive menu boasting a range of aesthetic services to hair and massage, there is something for everyone.

A full product boutique and relaxation area decorates the entrance to the spa, designed so you can take your favourite products home with you in travel-friendly sizes.

Across from the spa is the new, professionally designed fitness centre, which is complimentary to all Sugar Ridge guests and features the best of contemporary exercise equipment, yoga classes, and personal training if desired.

Sugar Ridge is a beautiful place to say, “I do” – and you can have both your ceremony and reception at Carmichaels Restaurant at the top of the resort for a spectacular setting. Couples can hire the entire restaurant and bar for large wedding parties and dance into the night with their guests. Smaller parties are also catered for or bride and grooms can enjoy an intimate romantic wedding meal together. However, should you choose to marry further afield, weddings can be arranged at a number of locations in the area, including religious services at the picture-perfect Valley Church, 5 minutes from the hotel, or on one of the nearby sandy beaches. The dedicated wedding advisor at Sugar Ridge can make the arrangements for you and ensure that you have the wedding of your dreams. A range of packages are which can be customized to meet the couple’s individual requirements – from large gatherings, to just the two of you.