Why We Recommend It:
On Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Sugar Mill is an upscale boutique hotel surrounded by tropical gardens on the site of a 17th-century-era sugar plantation.
With just 24 rooms and more than a whiff of old-school opulence it feels exclusive, but it’s also decidedly personable and friendly.
Sugar Mill is family-friendly too but would be more suited to couples on romantic getaways. The main bar can get lively in the evenings but the night-time scene is generally low-key.
With a resort this size you can’t expect a wide range of facilities – it’s a place to relax and enjoy a different pace of life in beautifully exotic surroundings.
And the food here is exceptional. Sugar Mill is in fact known for having some of the best food in British Virgin Islands.
Rooms & Suites:
The rooms are housed in an old colonial building that is charming and romantic. The rooms are certainly nicely decorated and furnished but somewhat unremarkable it can be said.
There is little in the way of wall art for example, or decorative features. They have a distinct elegance though and are bright, clean, and airy. All rooms have balconies too with quite lovely views.
Take a look at your room options now – with prices, reviews, and photos – at Booking.com here.
Note: The prices displayed on their booking site will be the standard price for B&B. The all-inclusive package can be bought (if you choose to go all-inclusive) at check-in or during your stay for an extra 350 USD extra per day, or 300 USD per day if staying for a week or more.
Food, Facilities & Things to Do:
Sugar Mill has made quite a reputation for itself when it comes to food, being home to the restaurant of the same name which is seen as one of the British Virgin Islands’ finest.
It is set in the original 17th-century mill building which has many of its original features intact and is a terrifically atmospheric, romantic place to spend an evening.
There is an adjacent al fresco, terrace section too, which has nice views looking over the coast.
It is a fine dining venue featuring – to give you examples – fresh lobster, steak, tournedos Rossini, scallops in champagne sauce, escargots, duck, chicken curry and roulade, various fish dishes, gourmet risottos and more including vegetarian and Caribbean specialties.
Their other restaurant is Tramonti, an Italian-themed restaurant right by the shore, which has a more casual atmosphere and does a range of classic Italian and international comfort food including great hamburgers.
There are three bars on the property: the Tramonti Restaurant’s bar, Irma, down by the water, the Pavilions Bar beside Sugar Mill Restaurant, and finally the outdoor pool bar.
The latter is the most informal and fun and hosts regular ‘Manager’s Parties’, a great way to get to know your fellow guests.
All food and drink (including all wines and house champagne), in any of the above venues, is included in the all-inclusive package. This is a special enough offer made all the more so by the fact that there are no buffet meals here–all food is made fresh to order.
All included as well are luxury tours of Tortola Island, in open-back safari jeeps or luxury SUVs, along with gourmet champagne picnics on hidden beaches.
So too are luxury boat tours of the outer islands, great for swimming, eating, drinking, and some of the Virgin Islands’ best snorkeling.
They have some cozy spa facilities near the pool area but no gym. The hotel has its own stretch of private beach with guests choosing to relax around there or alternatively around the hotel gardens and pool area.
Location:
Sugar Mill Hotel is on the Route 1 ring road that runs roughly parallel to Tortola’s northwest coast.
It’s a peaceful stretch of coast about thirty minutes from the nearest major town, Road Town, though there are also a few restaurants and shops nearby.
It is also near the wonderful Sage Mountain National Park where you can explore the vibrant rainforest on hikes and canopy tours.
Tortola’s International Airport, the Terrance B. Lettsome, is just under an hour away on the other side of the island. Taxis, shuttle services, car hire, etc. are readily available.
Some Guest Reviews:
“The hotel is in such a lovely location with beautifully stunning grounds, lovely rooms, the most accommodating and friendly owners/staff and VIEWS that truly can not be beat. Words can’t describe them, truly. The pool, the beach, the dining experience were all exceptional as well. We can not wait to return to one of our favorite spots in the world! Can’t recommend more highly…..”
“Andrea and husband who manage the property are extremely warm and welcoming. They checked in with us both at meals or as we walked through property. They are willing and able to help with activities or recommendations of where to see or go. Grounds are very well kept and manicured. There are two restaurants on site. A beachside causal breakfast, lunch and dinner operation. Wait staff is a little inexperienced but very friendly and we were always well taken care of. The main restaurant is absolutely breathtaking. would stay again!….”
Note: The prices displayed on their booking page will be the standard price for B&B. The all-inclusive package can be bought (if you choose to go all-inclusive) at check-in or during your stay for an extra 350 USD extra per day, or 300 USD per day if staying for a week or more.
