A Contemporary Take on Vernacular Architecture
Bermuda-based Botelho Wood Architects has introduced a new oceanside villa and stilted spa structures to the Sugar Beach Viceroy Resort in Saint Lucia. Using locally sourced wood and stone, the studio enhanced the resort’s existing structures while incorporating vernacular architectural influences.
A Historic Setting Reimagined
Originally an 18th-century sugar plantation, Sugar Beach was transformed into a luxury resort in the 1990s. Over the years, the property has undergone multiple renovations, with the latest enhancements overseen by owners Viceroy in collaboration with developers Andrew and Alexander Green.
Spanning 100 acres between Saint Lucia’s towering Pitons, the resort features:
- Mountainside cottages and residences
- Restaurants and fitness centres
- A chocolate-making facility and spa
House at Sugar Beach: A Modern Coastal Retreat
Botelho Wood Architects’ latest villa reflects 18th-century architectural principles, incorporating passive ventilation and lighting while maximizing breathtaking ocean views.
Spatial Organization and Design
The villa accommodates eighteen guests across two wings that meet at a central dining and living space:
- One wing features larger bedrooms.
- The other offers smaller, angular rooms with twin beds.
- Each wing can be closed off depending on occupancy needs.
Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living
Floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors open onto an expansive wooden pool deck, complemented by upper-level terraces. The exterior blends stone and light wood cladding, creating a refined yet natural aesthetic.
Outdoor spaces include:
- Stone-clad spa nooks
- Outdoor showers
- Private terraces
Art and Interiors: A Gallery-Like Ambiance
The villa’s neutral-toned furnishings—including plush armchairs, stools, and wooden seating—are arranged to frame an impressive art collection. Notable pieces include:
- A James Turrell illuminated artwork
- A mirrored disk by Anish Kapoor
- Works by Tom Sachs and MSCHF
“Drawing inspiration from the natural surroundings and the villa’s extensive art collection, the interiors were designed to seamlessly integrate indoor and outdoor spaces,” said the architects.
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Spa at Sugar Beach: Elevated Tranquility in the Rainforest
In addition to the villa, Botelho Wood Architects updated the Rainforest Spa, a series of treehouse-like pavilions originally designed by LPA Architects of Guatemala.
Treehouse Spa Enhancements
- New spa suites were introduced.
- Wood-clad pathways lead to the entrance.
- Structures are built predominantly from locally sourced wood.
Resort-Wide Upgrades
Beyond the new villa and spa, additional renovations include:
- Revamped dining areas and restaurants
- Upgraded public pool decking and cabanas
- Refreshed mountainside cottages with gabled ceilings and bright interiors
A Continuing Legacy of Caribbean Architecture
The Sugar Beach expansion aligns with a growing trend in the Caribbean—blending historical elements with modern luxury. Other notable projects in the region include:
- A Trinidad and Tobago residence by Laura Narayansingh
- The Palm Heights hotel in the Cayman Islands
By embracing vernacular design principles, sustainable materials, and immersive natural experiences, Botelho Wood Architects’ contributions to Sugar Beach ensure that Saint Lucia’s architectural heritage remains at the heart of contemporary luxury.
Photos: Sugar Beach Viceroy
