A Viceroy State of Mind | Viceroy Snowmass & Viceroy Sugar Beach
Robert Purdy — General Manager of Viceroy Snowmass
Which is calling? Ski or Beach? Viceroy has it both ways.
Robert Purdy, General Manager of Viceroy Snowmass brings 30+ years of hospitality experience and a hands-on-approach to day-to-day operations of the hotel. An avid skier, snowmobiler, golfer and cyclist, Purdy is in the perfect setting at Viceroy Snowmass.
James Wyndham — Managing Director of Viceroy Sugar Beach
Australian-born, James Wyndham, Managing Director of Viceroy Sugar Beach. has an impressive global background that spans over 30 years in the luxury hospitality space. An avid outdoor adventurer, Wyndham has a passion for authentic and cultural experiences that he enjoys bringing into the guest experiences.
What makes your resort so different from others?
Purdy: We’re a luxury condo resort with all rooms having individual kitchens and our bathrooms are the most relaxing with soaking tubs and five fixtures. The ski experience couldn’t be better as our guests certainly don’t ever have to buckle their own ski boots with the help of our ski valet.
Wyndham: We really have something special at Sugar Beach, outside of the atmosphere and unobtrusive views of the pitons which lends to a truly unique experience, we’re spread across more than one hundred acres of true tropical forest and with the only white sand beaches in the area. We also offer such a variety of villas, bungalows and residences so guests can have a completely different experience each time they visit Sugar Beach. You can stay on the beach so you can walk out directly into the sand, above the ocean, or with unobstructed views of the pitons - love that we offer such unique and different accommodation options that fit so many traveler's needs.
What is your favorite place to have coffee in the morning on property?
Purdy: In Toro Kitchen and Lounge overlooking the beautiful scenery and mountains.
Wyndham: Being Australian, means I love coffee! – a French Press served at the Terrace Restaurant for Breakfast is a pretty good start. Otherwise, a coffee on the terrace of your room whilst viewing the Pitons is equally enjoyable. My last tip would be grab a takeout coffee from Boopas and head to the South Pier where you will be the only one. You’ll be able to take in the enormity of the Gros and Piton Pitons whilst getting a glimpse in the daily routine of the local fisherman.
How would you describe the resort in just a few sentences?
Purdy: A truly luxurious property at the base of Snowmass. Walking distance to the newly developed Snowmass Base Village with shops, restaurants, and ice-skating rinks.
Wyndham: It really is such a special place - you’re immersed in such history, culture, and the natural beauty around every corner. While you can not only immerse yourself through food and experiences, you can also easily lose yourself relaxing at the spa or unwinding with a nightcap under the stars. The resort has something for everyone, which makes it the ultimate vacation for all travelers, year-round.
Do you have any secret spots around the hotel?
Purdy: My secret spot in the hotel would be not in my office. You can typically find me in the hotel lobby, the restaurant or speaking with guest or colleagues throughout the property.
Wyndham: I wouldn’t say secret spots, but for me some of the best experiences are as follows – The main beach 30 minutes before sunset. I’m often surprised how quiet it is and the sunset is spectacular. Many guests have left the beach for the day and are changing for dinner – as a result the beach is normally empty. It's great to see some of our guests taking it in whilst enjoying a sunset swim too.
What are some of the must-do upcoming exhibitions and events in the area this winter?
Purdy: I personally enjoy the weekly Snowmass Live Comedy shows on Wednesdays at 7:30pm in Snowmass Village. Curling on our ice-skating rink on Thursdays from 3-5pm and I enjoy watching the kids play in the Collective.
Wyndham: Winter is a great time to visit given our year long warm weather - and we offer weekly events that guests can take part of either solo or with the whole family. From Creole night at Bonte restaurant, rum and chocolate tasting, beach BBQ’s and our managers social hour, there are plenty of events and activities you can take part of while on property and they showcase the spirit of Sugar Beach.
What are your culinary concepts and what’s your favorite dish?
Purdy: Toro Kitchen and Lounge is a Richard Sandoval Pan Latin inspired restaurant known for its steak and fresh fish. My favorite dish is the bone-in Ribeye with a side of brussels sprouts.
Wyndham: We just unveiled a complete rebrand and new menu concepts this past fall - ‘Bonté’ (meaning ‘good times’ in Creole) takes inspiration from the local culture and Caribbean-influenced flavors where you’ll find delicious dishes like Shrimp Tacos and Jerk Spiced Chicken Wings. It’s great for those who just want to indulge in the local cuisine and culture and a must try is the weekly Creole night. My favorite though is Saltwood, our fine-dining restaurant which brings a warm, inviting feel with natural light and views that open up to the outdoors. Some of my favorite dishes are oysters, Tomahawk steak, Sea Bass Tartare and of course I can’t forget the Mango Tart and Baked Alaska.
Where is the postcard shot on property?
Purdy: It’s our winter scene of our beautiful property with the mountain and trees filled with snow.
Wyndham: South Pier with Gros Piton in background.
Viceroy Hotels are known for their eco-friendly initiatives. How is this put into place at your resorts?
Purdy: We are a Leeds Certified hotel. When the hotel was built it had to be 30% more energy efficient than the standard constructed buildings. We’re well insulated with special glass. More efficient heating and cooling systems. We have low flow fixtures that use less water. We have computer system controls for our heating and cooling systems. Recycling program that includes plastic, glass, cardboard, and paper. We give our guests reusable water bottles upon arrival. We provide large bottles of shampoo, conditioners, and body wash rather than small disposable bottles.
Wyndham: We’re certainly committed to taking care of our guests and the earth, we’ve dedicated programs aimed at saving resources and energy. Some of those programs include inverter AC units throughout our guest rooms, LED lighting throughout the property and water conservation through irrigation.
What are some recommended activities for children?
Purdy: Our heated outdoor pool and two infinity spa pools are available all year long. We have an assortment of boardgames, puzzles, and coloring books.
Wyndham: We offer daily kids activities through our immersive kids clubs like treasure hunts, arts and crafts, archery, coconut bowling, fish feeding, sandcastle building at the beach and all sorts of additional activities that are great for children of all ages. Launching in 2023, we'll unveil a fresh look to the kids-club and roll out an elevated schedule of activities. Imagine photography classes, arts & crafts, yoga, music and cooking lessons with the goal of sparking curiosity and fueling immersion for young travelers.
What’s the one treatment not to miss at the spa?
Purdy: My favorite spa treatment is the Earth & Air Hot Stone Ritual.
Wyndham: You really can’t go wrong at the spa, but I’d recommend one of the new Tata Harper treatments - our newest brand spa partner since they offer treatments you can only find at Sugar Beach. The Rainforest Renewal Ritual Treatment is a fun one and we love that it plays off being in a true rainforest setting - you can’t really find that anywhere else either.
What’s off season in Aspen and on St. Lucia?
Purdy: Perfect 70-degree day with cool nights and no bugs. Every outside activity is available from white water rafting, hiking, biking, golf, etc. as well as world renowned art galleries and shopping.
Wyndham: Historically, the off season is in the fall months, but we’re seeing more and more travelers booking and traveling to St Lucia year round, eliminating the usual ‘off-season,’ I think it’s a shift across the entire industry after COVID and the toll travel took. People are looking for that next big trip and are willing to save and spend to go all out.
What are you most proud of at your resorts?
Purdy: The many accolades received in 2022, among them #1 Resort in Colorado by Travel+Leisure World’s Best Awards and we were named in The Best Resorts in the World by Condè Nast 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Wyndham: It’s a cliché, but our Colleagues create the memorable experiences for our guests every day. We take great pride as being one of the leading employers in the region. We value loyalty and love seeing our Colleagues grow within the Organization.
What new things can we expect from the resort in 2023?
Purdy: As of December 2022, our guests will enjoy a newly renovated lobby. In the Summer of 2023, our guests will enjoy a brand new Richard Sandoval restaurant concept to be announced soon.
Wyndham: One exciting news for 2023 is that we’re bringing guides of virtual art tours to formally showcase our extensive art collection. We have some really exciting pieces from talent like Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Banksy, Tom Sachs, KAWS and Jeff Koon so it’s a way guests can further connect and see the art on property. Additionally, any guests coming in January 2023, will be some of the first to experience our newest amenities and offerings including: our new partnership at The Rainforest Spa with Tata Harper, our two newly refreshed restaurant concepts including Bonté and Saltwood, as well as a new look to the kids club, unveiling the V Team Kids Club at the start of the year.
What do you want Four Hundred members to know about your properties?
Purdy: I feel like Viceroy Snowmass is the best luxury hotel in all of Aspen/Snowmass. In addition, we are building a second tower called Cirque by Viceroy which will include 48 two and three-bedroom deeded condo units.
Wyndham: Just book it and you will not regret it. You will fall in love with the nature, the landscape, the Creole food and people. And the air connections are a very good with most flights landing in mid afternoon, meaning you’ll be on the beach having a swim in no time.
Contributor — Four Hundred by Design