Beautifully designed by Christian Liaigre, whose portfolio includes The Mercer in New York, the white walls and dark wood of Le Sereno are effortlessly stylish. With four-poster beds, large terraces and rainfall showers, the rooms are spacious, modern and sophisticated. Many of the 37 rooms have direct sea views, the larger villas have a private hot tub on the terrace and the Villa du Pêcheur has its own small pool.
The main pool, which seems to extend into the sea, is the focal point of the hotel. With its position next to the restaurant, someone is always on hand to replenish your cocktail. The Restaurant des Pecheurs, which, as the name suggests, specialises in fish, is the very definition of "locally sourced", using fish caught by local fishermen each day.
The hotel sits on the Grand Cul-de-Sac, a short stroll from an abundance of water sports for the active traveller. Guests can also use the hotel's canoe to explore the neighboring coves.
Thoughtful touches include the complimentary white Havaianas sandals with subtle Le Sereno branding, ensuring guests blend in with the sleek, understated minimalism of the design.
Le Sereno Beach Hotel
Grand Cul-de-Sac BP 19
St. Barthelemy 97133
+59.05.90.29.83.00
www.lesereno.com
Hotel Carl Gustaf
The Carl Gustaf, with its prime position in the hills overlooking the marina, is the perfect base from which to explore Gustavia's stylish boutiques and super yachts.
There are only 14 rooms, but each is a one or two bedroom suite with a terrace, private plunge pool, sitting area and kitchenette. The Royal Suite has four separate en-suite bedrooms and several terraces to maximize the beautiful views of the marina and the endless blue sea.
Fresh from a recent renovation, Carl Gustaf retains its old world charm, with attention to detail, impeccable service and French influences. Victoria's Restaurant continues the French theme with its focus on fine dining and the new spa offers a range of treatments by Carita.
Shell Beach is only a few minutes' walk away from the Carl Gustaf and provides an ideal setting to enjoy a sunset cocktail at Do Brazil.
Hotel Carl Gustaf
Rue des Normands BP 700
St. Barthelemy 97099
1.866.297.2153
www.hotelcarlgustaf.com/en
The Hotel Saint Barth Isle De France
The Hotel Saint Barth Isle De France lies on Flamands Beach, one of the best beaches on the island, with picture perfect pristine white sand and turquoise sea. The 12 beachfront rooms are prized possessions, including the new beach suites with private plunge pools. The remaining cottages, located in the garden area at the rear of the hotel, all have large terraces. The décor combines whitewashed walls with splashes of color and vintage French fabrics, with Molton Brown products in the bathrooms and in the spa.
The hotel has a devoted following with guests returning year after year, therefore it's no surprise that the hotel places a focus on providing guests with friendly and welcoming service.
While the pool is perfectly positioned at the heart of the hotel, the beach is the main attraction, including the beach front restaurant, which is one of the island's best lunch spots. The hotel has a more formal restaurant for the evenings, also offering a lunch menu during the day.
The hotel is effortlessly stylish, making great use of its beach location and, with one of the beachfront rooms, you'll struggle to find a more idyllic view anywhere on the island.
The Caribbean on the whole may not be known for its cuisine, but St. Bart's is a welcoming exception. On The Rocks at the Eden Rock hotel. They offer French cuisine with a Caribbean twist and a romantic and serene setting with panoramic sea views and crashing waves all around.
The most formal restaurant on the island, Le Gaiac at Le Toiny, has a distinct focus on haute cuisine and makes its mark as the only property to have the Relais Chateaux affiliation. With its glorious views, faultless service and, most importantly, exceptional French and Creole cuisine, Le Gaiac offers fine dining at its very best.
Isle de France
Baie de Flamands PB 612
St. Barthelemy 97133
+59.05.90.27.61.81
www.isle-de-france.com/us/isle.htm
