Sugar Reef is a stunning eco-luxury hotel on the island of Bequia in St. Vincent and The Grenadines. Famous for being the best restaurant and one of the top hotels on the island, it’s praised for its friendly staff, beautiful setting, and Chef John’s delicious meals. As soon as you enter, the natural charm of the hotel grabs you, with driftwood furniture and local art decorating the main lobby and dining area. It’s one of the most unique boutique hotels we’ve ever visited.
When we arrived at Sugar Reef, we were warmly welcomed. Even though we checked in four hours early, the staff kept us company while our room was being readied and even offered a free breakfast, which is uncommon on check-in day. Each staff member greeted us that day and was exceptionally friendly throughout our stay.
The manager, Judit, spent a considerable amount of time chatting with us during check-in. She was genuinely interested in us and shared numerous activities available around the hotel. Check-in was pleasantly informal, complete with a welcome rum punch and a delicious breakfast.
We stayed in the beachfront villa, which was absolutely stunning. The stone walls paired well with the driftwood furniture, art, and décor found throughout the hotel. Our massive four-poster bed was extremely comfortable, and we slept perfectly each night, lulled by the sound of the ocean right at our doorstep.
The room was entirely screened and bug-free, so we didn’t need to use the mosquito net provided. We had a charming patio area that faced the water, and just steps from the sand, there was a funky hammock hanging between two palms right in front of our patio.
The three beachfront rooms are in a single building facing the ocean. Each room is the same, and their front patios are separated by a small brick barrier. A higher barrier for added privacy would be an improvement, but with the beach right ahead, there’s little need to look elsewhere.
Sugar Reef Estate is divided into two main areas. There’s the restaurant and the beachfront rooms, right by the water. Further up the hill, through a lush coconut plantation, is the grand French House, housing another five unique rooms. The French House has a charming plantation vibe with tasteful local dark wood furniture and décor. The views from the French House are spectacular, and if you stay here, we highly recommend the Master Suite, which we believe is the most beautiful room at the hotel and possibly on the entire island!
Chef John’s fantastic cuisine makes dining at Sugar Reef a treat. Meals are served in a dining room overlooking the dazzling beach. Guests enjoy a complimentary breakfast with a refreshing morning breeze, lunch at any time, and a perfectly set dinner service with candlelight and soft dinner music. Despite the formal dinner service, the relaxed and casual atmosphere that makes Sugar Reef special remains.
We tried almost everything on the menu and were never disappointed. My favorite was the tuna tartar appetizer, which I had daily, and Dariece loved Chef John’s mahi mahi. Many people claim that Sugar Reef has the best restaurant on Bequia Island, and after three meals a day for three days, we wholeheartedly agree.
Unlike the impersonal, sprawling luxury hotels found all over the Caribbean, Sugar Reef is delightfully cozy and intimate, with just 12 staff members who are genuinely interested in their guests. The hotel prides itself on its family feel, offering a warm welcome and a comfortable stay.
While Sugar Reef doesn’t have a pool, air conditioning, or a spa, these modern amenities wouldn’t fit with the hotel’s eco-friendly, natural vibe. Instead, you enjoy stunning rooms set close to the sea on a beautiful plantation estate. There are plenty of walking trails through the hotel grounds and up into the surrounding hillsides, offering beautiful views of the Grenadines chain.
Rooms are cleaned daily, turn-down service is provided, and there’s always fresh water and complimentary breakfast. The beach in front of the hotel is stunning, though it did have some moss during our visit, which we were told clears up after a few weeks. The hotel also provides board games and an espresso machine, perfect for rainy days.
Guests can enjoy kayaks, snorkel gear, and bicycles at no extra charge, exploring the expansive and picturesque property. The estate is breathtaking, and the path from the beachfront rooms up to the French House is great exercise, with hundreds of palm trees and blooming flowers all around, making it look like a springtime postcard. Sugar Reef probably occupies the most picturesque spot on Bequia Island.
For Dariece’s 30th birthday, we couldn’t have chosen a better place. The staff was attentive, planning a special birthday cocktail and dessert for her, and the waitstaff even sang a Caribbean version of happy birthday. Every room in the hotel has its own unique character and charm. The rooms in the French House vary in size and appeal but are all clean, comfortable, and well-furnished, with the Master Suite standing out as the most beautiful room.
The staff made Sugar Reef truly exceptional. Their kindness and dedication are rare in this part of the world, and they delivered top-notch service from check-in to check-out. We felt like friends and family throughout our stay, forming a genuine bond with the manager, Judit. We hope to return one day for another amazing stay and highly recommend Sugar Reef to anyone seeking a one-of-a-kind eco-luxury hotel in the Caribbean.