Gustavia’s glamorous Hotel Carl Gustaf was named, with a nod to history, for the current King of Sweden. A bit of the story is that Swedes took possession of St. Barth from the French back in the 18th century and renamed the town Gustavia to honor their then king, Gustav II. The Swedes are now long gone but the hotel? Better than ever. It now has 5 stars in its crown and a brand new look.

The hotel’s name suits it well as it rises regally above the red-roofed town and its Lilliputian harbor. Its lounge, justly famous as a venue for sunset cocktails, features a menu of small plates, the Iberian pata negra and the latest libations. The bartender muddles up a mean Mojito as well as a parfait Planteurs Punch.  Champagne, cognac, calvados, exotic cigars. It’s all here. Its elegant restaurant – Victoria’s – named for the current Swedish princess, serves fine French cuisine.

A boutique hotel as fabulous as the Carl Gustaf deserves an equally fabulous boutique spa and it has just that. Sophisticated and sublime, the Carita-branded oasis designed by Paris’ legendary Carita sisters.

Both one and two bedroom suites are offered in Superior (partial ocean view) and Deluxe (full ocean view) The living rooms and bedrooms have been refurbished for the 2013 season in a rich palette of colors with plush comfy couches and contemporary styled high-top tables. The en suite marble baths are sumptuous and  the dressing rooms and closets are big enough to hold oh, say 1000 bikinis and matching flip-flops. Each suite opens to a private terrace with its own plunge pool – and the view? You look over the iconic red-tile roofs to the boats gently bobbing in the harbor. Enchanting. Should you be inclined to cook-in there are sleek kitchenettes with granite countertops, glass cooktops and microwaves.

Note to Spa aficionados; a luxuriously delicious junior suite with a private plunge pool and a gorgeous view is situated just above the sanctuary. Guests can just slip down for a massage or any one of the pampering treatments. Ahhhh.

There is a very private four bedroom villa perched on top of the property to leverage the panoramic vistas.  Beautifully decorated and boasting every amenity, it is aptly named the Royal Suite. A private entrance opens to 2,600 sq. ft. that encompasses an oversized living room, a fully–equipped kitchen and an office. There are four en suite bedrooms; the baths have both tubs and showers. (Note: one of the en suite bedrooms is designed to welcome disabled guests and is accessible via it own entrance as well as the main entrance. A walled garden contains an infinity plunge pool.

Being in the heart of Gustavia puts guests in walking distance of oodles of chic restaurants, bistros and all those trendy boutiques for shopping. And it is just a short walk to the famous Shell Beach. The hotel offers a shuttle service to St. Barth’s many gorgeous beaches.

* Book a stay of 7 nights or longer through St. Barth Properties and receive a complimentary dinner for two at Victoria’s.

A Few of Our Favorite Things:

• Sunset cocktails – the dramatic sunset and then watching the harbor come alive with twinkling lights
• The Boutique Spa by Carita...ahhhh

Who Would Just Love it Here

Honeymooners – it’s romantic as all get-out; families – the suites provide a villa life style with all the services of a hotel, and all those who love the buzz of being in the center of things.