Sugar Ridge Resort

This upscale boutique-style hotel, built in 2009, feels relaxed but is still very chic and modern from top to bottom. The whole property has a spa-like ambience to it, with clean lines and soft lounge music -- and the spa itself, with Aveda brand products, is an excellent space. The decor is contemporary, featuring light colors mixed with dark woods, and the artwork is inspired by the sugar cane plants for which the resort is named. Though not billed as adults-only, you won’t see many kids around. The guests are mainly couples of all ages, who will mingle with locals in the trendy Sugar Club bar for drinks in the evening.

While the location in the hills sets the property apart from other hotels, it may not be attractive to beach lovers. Those satisfied with relaxing by the pool and enjoying the views from a comfortable room will likely enjoy cool, modern vibe this resort emanates.

Sugar Ridge is located high on a hillside overlooking Jolly Harbour, so the panoramic views from all rooms are incredible -- especially at sunset, as the resort faces west. However, the steep terrain can make it difficult to get around the property -- there are many stairways to climb, or guests will call the front desk to get a golf cart (or a buggy, as they call it) to give them a lift. There is a road below in view of the hotel, so there might be some street noise.

Most importantly, due to this hillside location, the hotel is not walking distance to the beach -- there are several shuttles a day to transport guests back and forth. It’s about a 15-minute ride to St. John’s or 25-minute ride to the airport.

Rooms have modern furnishings, including four-poster beds with muslin canopies that feel very romantic. They have sophisticated island style -- marble tiles, dark woods, white walls, and pops of color coming from the large foliage photographs above the beds. All have private decks that take advantage of the resort's location by offering great views out over the valley. Some also have a cool extra feature: a private infinity plunge pool with unobstructed views of the coastline. The sleek, modern marble bathrooms have large, walk-in showers, but no bathtubs. Amenities include iPod docks, flat-screen TVs, drip coffeemakers, and mini-fridges.

At the crown of Sugar Ridge is Carmichael’s, a chic, open-air fine-dining restaurant (dinner only) with some of the best views on the island. There is also a sleek infinity pool at the hilltop, facing out to both the blue Caribbean sea and the island's green forested hills.

The main pool, next to Sugar Club, has a unique tiered set up with waterfalls, many padded lounge chairs, and a bar. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served a la carte at Sugar Club. (Guests can choose either an all-inclusive package or room-only.) The bar at the Sugar Club has become a nightlife hot spot for locals and expats, with live music three nights a week.

The very large fitness center has a variety of modern Cybex equipment machines. There are yoga and fitness classes available. The resort has some of the fastest Wi-Fi around, free, and offers a good signal in all parts of the property. Finally, the spa and salon feels very sophisticated and many Aveda products and other cosmetics are for sale.

The main drawback of this resort is that it’s not located on the beach. Instead, there is a shuttle that will bring guests back and forth to a selection of very nice white-sand beaches in the area. It's about a five- to 10-minute drive, and the driver aims to bring you to the least busy spot he can find. If your are lucky, you will get Vorn as your driver. Don't be alarmed if he stops on the side of the road on the way -- he’ll climb up a tree in no time to pick you some local fruits. He also leads nature hikes a few mornings each week (for an extra fee).