TRAVEL

WINTER SUMMERLAND

THE BEST OF ST. BARTH — A GUIDE TO ONE OF THE CHICEST DESTINATIONS IN THE CARIBBEAN.

BY LAURA SCHREFFLER

Saint Barthélemy — a French-speaking Caribbean island known as St. Barth, St. Barths or St. Barts — is the go-to wintertime destination for the world’s wealthiest, thanks to its white sand beaches, sparkling blue sea and luxury hotels. Its capital, Gustavia, encircles a yacht-filled harbor chock-full of Michelin-starred restaurants and designer shops. Although its borders had been closed to international travelers for some time, fully vaccinated Americans won’t have any problems entering this Caribbean playground any longer. Here, take a look at what jet-setters can look forward to now that this idyllic island locale has reopened.

HauteTRAVEL

HOTEL LE TOINY

The only hotel on St Barth’s wild, uninhabited Caribbean coast, Le Toiny’s location atop the hillside above Anse de Toiny offers unobstructed panoramic views of the sea. New for the coming season, its Villa Nureyev — the former vacation hideaway of legendary Russian ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev — is now available for rental. The elegant fourbedroom’s signature feature remains an expansive “floating” deck, and it’s just one of the spots in the 3,000-square-foot space where guests can enjoy unobstructed 180° views of the Caribbean Sea. Other offerings include a piano, a steam bath, Jacuzzi, hammam cabana and massage area. The glamorous 22-room property also features reimagined interiors by Lady Bee Osborn and a brand-new Surf Shack experience led by professional surfer David Blanchard. letoiny.com

EDEN ROCK ST. BARTHS

Perched on a rocky promontory on St. Jean Bay, Eden Rock St. Barths is undoubtedly one of the most iconic hotels in the Caribbean. At the epicenter of the island, the resort is still fresh from an extensive two-year renovation, as well as the addition of three new suites in 2020. During their stay, foodies can enjoy the outstanding culinary delights of Jean-Georges Vongerichten at the Sand Bar or delight in fabulous frosés at the Eden Rock Beach Bar. Elsewhere on the property, a partnership with acclaimed local brand Ligne St Barth, a “yachton-land” themed lounge and three discreet wellness cabins offer guests an unforgettable Caribbean spa experience that includes beachside spa treatments and access to a new nature lagoon. oetkercollection.com/hotels/eden-rock-st-barths

CHEVAL BLANC ST-BARTH ISLE DE FRANCE

The LVMH-owned Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France is a study in seaside glamour, and the only property in the Caribbean with a Palace distinction. Indulge at La Case, a Caribbean-inspired eatery by Jean Imbert, and White Bar, a fabulous seaside haunt with sensational craft cocktails where one can always wear the color of the season, Labor Day be damned. This is barefoot luxury at its best, in an entirely new way.

chevalblanc.com/en/maison/st-barth-isle-de-france

This intimate and thoughtfully designed hotel — the sole property on the island boasting panoramic views of the port of Gustavia — made its highly anticipated debut last fall. Featuring an array of suite, loft and villa-style accommodations, each equipped with its own terrace and private plunge pool, this property offers an unparalleled lavish island experience. Within the century-old walls and terraces of Le Carl Gustaf, designers Gilles & Boissier have created a charming ambience, where filtered sunlight creates ever-changing reflections of light and shade. Spend the day at Spa Diane Barrière, which offers multi-sensory stimulation, bespoke holistic treatments and tailored massages in a luxurious, zen-inspired setting;take a yoga class to the rhythm of the West Indies, or enjoy the hotel’s aquabikes. Visitors can also partake of a Catamaran Day, where they will head to the island of their choice for the day with a picnic prepared by chef Gil Dumoulin, or spend the day at the hotel’s private beach club, Shellona Restaurant, located on the idyllic Shell Beach.

hotelsbarriere.com/en/saint-barth/le-carl-gustaf.html

ROSEWOOD LE GUANAHANI ST. BARTH

Le Guanahani, the island’s newest luxury hotel, ideally situated on a private 18-acre peninsula overlooking Marigot Bay and Grand Cul-de-Sac, officially opened this spring under the Rosewood umbrella. It features 66 suites and villas featuring vibrant design elements that embrace the property’s unique Caribbean allure. And because it’s a Rosewood hotel, guests should expect more than the standard stay. This property, as the island’s only full-service resort, offers two private beaches, a floodlit tennis court with pros available for lessons and Clefs d’Or concierges — the gold standard. rosewoodhotels.com/en/le-guanahani

LE BARTHÉLEMY HOTEL & SPA

Located on a perfect crescent-shaped white sand beach along St. Barths’ famed Grand Cul de Sac, Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa envelops guests in its philosophy of human-centered couture hospitality. A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this small but mighty property has just 44 rooms and suites. There is also a glorious seaside infinity pool and Le Spa at Le Barthélemy, a peaceful haven aimed at holistic well-being, with skincare by La Mer. In addition to having a cool name, its rooftop bar, Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot, is a total hot spot that serves up inventive, inspired cocktails. lebarthelemyhotel.com