Travel Review: Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort, St. Thomas
“Great resort, don’t believe the bad reviews” trumpets a Maryland traveler on Trip Advisor. Nice view, but that’s about all,” mutters another.
Truth is, the Wyndham Sugar Bay in St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands) does have the finest views of the eye-popping Caribbean blue water and sister island, St. John and the Brit Virgins.
But it isn’t for self-absorbed jet-setters or picky travelers who want everything done for them.
It’s a comfortable, dated, all-inclusive resort, built in the mid-90’s as a Holiday Inn. The 290 plantation-style rooms are basic, and all share the spectacular vistas.
Class and panache are not part of the Wyndham experience because it’s primarily a family travel destination where multiple generations mix easily, and the guest languages range from Spanish and Italian to good old New Yorkese.
The small beach abuts a three-tiered pool, and pool-side pub, and if the long stairway from the top to the beach and pool are just too much (and they can be) a regular shuttle carries guests back and forth.
Dinners are modest, and not especially imaginative, but breakfasts are ample and fresh. Design your own omelet and drink in the view .
There’s a lot of ground for the staff to cover from the huge, elegant, lobby to all those rooms on multiple levels, and I think they do a terrific job.
I’ve seen staff pick up random pieces of paper and help an elderly gentleman from the pool without being asked.
The all-inclusive option is probably worth it because the taxi fares are ridiculously high and you can’t get from the Wyndham to anywhere without a taxi.
Why isn’t there a shuttle to the capital, Charlotte Amalie and local restaurants? My guess is that it probably has to do with island politics.
The iguanas are great to watch, and the Wyndham, if it wins an award, will be for its simple, friendly unpretentiousness and the views.
All photos: Wendie Hansen
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