Sydney-sider James Wyndham has been in the hospitality business for over 30 years. His impressive background spans luxury hotel operations across Australia, the Middle East, the Caribbean and North America – he joined Sugar Beach close to Soufrière in St Lucia in 2022. The kind of guy who’s blessed with a permanent twinkle in his eye, he now heads up an impressive team which has established the property as one of the most sought-after resorts in the Caribbean.
Best breakfast spots
A great way I like to start my day is at The Terrace Restaurant at Sugar Beach, where breakfast comes with a gentle breeze and stunning views over Sugar Beach. It overlooks the lily pond and the glittering Caribbean beyond; we have a generous breakfast buffet brimming with local and international options, and hot à la carte dishes brought straight to the table. It’s relaxed, scenic, and quietly breathtaking, exactly how mornings should feel in St Lucia.
When I’m not at the hotel, one of my favourite breakfast spots is at home on Sundays with my son, when I make pancakes topped with local mangoes and passionfruit. Nothing beats those mornings together or grabbing a simple breakfast at a local spot like Café Ole, which has a lovely laid-back marina feel.
Best coffee shops
For a midday pick-me-up, I like to stop at Café Ole at Rodney Bay Marina, which serves up a great coffee with a side of people-watching. It’s Alive in Gros Islet is another favourite, thanks to their incredible homemade sourdough that pairs perfectly with a cappuccino.
When I’m back at the office, Boopa’s is my go-to: it’s a grab-and-go café that pays tribute to the island’s most unexpected resident, an elephant named Boopa who once roamed Jalousie Bay with a taste for freshly baked bread. The café channels that same spirit of indulgence, offering house-made pastries, smoothies and cupcakes, plus excellent coffee and tea.
Where to grab lunch
When I’m not working, I like to eat at The Coal Pot in Castries, which sits right on the water and doubles as a gallery for Michelle Elliott’s beautiful art and pottery. It’s a relaxed spot with proper island character. For a quick grab-and-go lunch, roadside stalls across the island are unbeatable – fresh coconut water, grilled corn, honey straight from the farmers, or doubles that taste as good as anything you’d find in Trinidad.
Back at Sugar Beach, I’d usually head down to the beach for a meal at Bonté Restaurant & Bar – this beachfront spot is warm, vibrant and playful, and really embodies the energy of the Caribbean. I love the menu, which is rooted in local flavours and changes frequently, shaped by what’s fresh from the island’s fishermen and farmers. Live musicians add to the ambience, making every evening feel unforgettable.
Best dinner spots
For dinner, Saltwood at Sugar Beach offers an elevated dining experience, with dishes that celebrate the best of the island. Away from the resort, another favourite of mine is the Naked Fisherman, right on the beach, where you can tuck into freshly grilled seafood with your feet in the sand. Both restaurants manage to capture that mix of indulgence and authenticity that makes St Lucian dining so special.
Best place for a sundowner
You can’t beat the views at our South Pier bar at Sugar Beach, it’s the best place to watch the sun set between the two Pitons, while sipping something cold, like a local rum punch or a fresh coconut cocktail, and sink into the moment – it’s one of those pockets of peace you’ll keep thinking about long after your return flight. Another spot on the island is as simple as finding a beach anywhere along the west coast. The sunsets are extraordinary, and if you’re lucky you might even catch the famous “green flash”.
Cultural spots?
Castries Market is one of the oldest markets in St Lucia, offering tropical fruits, fragrant spices, fresh fish and handmade crafts. It has a lively atmosphere and is definitely a must-visit for those wanting to explore and purchase some of the local produce. The markets in Soufrière are also worth visiting for a truly local experience.
Pigeon Island is another highlight – a superb walk with sweeping views north to Martinique and steeped in the island’s history. And if you’re heading to St Lucia in May, we have the St Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival – it’s a cultural immersion blending local and international talent.
Retail therapy
I always make time for the Cocoa Mill – it’s a charming little spot that showcases Sugar Beach’s own homemade chocolates, all crafted on-site using local cocoa. The selection is seriously impressive, with beautifully packaged boxes that make great gifts or the perfect late-night snack back in the room.
Further afield, I’d recommend making impromptu stops at the roadside stalls dotted across the island. You’ll find everything from fresh coconut water and grilled corn to jars of honey and seasonal fruit straight from the farmers. These little stalls capture the everyday flavour of St Lucia and are as much about the experience as the produce.
Best viewpoints?
For panoramic views of the Pitons and the lush jungle canopy, a guided hike up to Gros Piton is hard to beat – it’s a beautiful Unesco World Heritage Site, and the climb is as rewarding as the scenery. A slightly easier hike I’d recommend is the Tet Paul Nature Trail, it has the most incredible views of the Pitons and is great for families and beginners.
Alternatively, an island buggy ride is a brilliant option – offering exciting access to hidden viewpoints that most visitors miss, all while keeping you immersed in the vibrant energy of the rainforest.
James Wyndham was in conversation with Lee Osborne, co-founder of Secret Trips
