The Isle de France is in every sense a world class
hotel that meets and exceeds all the international
standards for luxury, comfort and service. It’s
little wonder that it continues to garner awards
and top all the assorted “best” lists.
Suffice to say it is one of St. Barth’s best
addresses – if not in all of the Caribbean.
Anchored on gorgeous Flamands Beach, it is beautifully
situated and oh-so-sexy. Elegant? Absolutely. But
in an understated way. The Isle de France is the
grand master of casual sophistication.
The brilliantly whitewashed main building, set just
above the beach, houses nine rooms and three suites.
It is here we see that iconic and frequently photographed
breezeway framing an amazing snapshot of the azure
sea. It’s breathtaking. We recommend the 2nd
floor accommodations for those who would rather see
than be seen but if you prefer the latter, the ground
level will put you and your chaise lounge in the
midst of all the action: the pool, a little bar and
the beachside restaurant, La Case de l'Isle – and
all those beautiful people clinking glasses under
beach umbrellas. It’s all so St. Barth. A tiny
chic boutique offers teeny-tiny bikinis, pareos,
and movie star worthy cool sunglasses.
As you would expect, the appointments are luxurious
– four-poster beds, lovely linens, French fabrics,
and fine art. The marble baths are sumptuous and
sensuous with the added bonus of Molton Brown amenities.
The sparkling jewels in Isle de France’s tiara
are its four Beach Suites. Decorated by acclaimed
international designer Penny Morrison, they are chic
and comfortable and lavishly large. A total of 1500
square feet includes a spacious living area (with
a 52” plasma TV) a bedroom with a view, and
a full sized kitchen. And all this just steps from
the sea. Each suite is a treasure trove of amenities
and glamorous goodies: oversized baths hold stone
soaking tubs and have adjacent dressing rooms – and
each suite boasts a private infinity edged plunge
pools.
If you are looking for accommodations with more privacy,
consider one of the garden bungalows or little villas “across
the way.” The Isle de France is divided by
a sliver of a road that turns into a cul-de-sac.
There are loads of room and suite options nestled
among the bougainvillea and banana plants, and several
have their own pools. The 2 bedroom Garden and Eden
Villas and have patio kitchens making them ideal
for small families. Here in the garden setting,
you will also find the luxurious Molton Brown branded
spa and the gym.
An interesting factoid is that the hotel enjoys a 72% high-season return rate
and that was before the opened the Beach Suites! They know how to do it right
at the Isle de France.
A Few of Our Favorite Things
- The Molton Brown branded spa – and ALL of the treatments
- Lunching at La Case de l’ Isle – for the scene
Who Would Just Love it Here
Sophisticated travelers – you know who you are – who would love the special ambiance and the service level. |