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 When Parisian entrepreneur Jean-Marc Israel first
discovered this petite hotel he was enamored of its
sexy sophisticated style and its secluded location.
He is now the new owner. The equally sophisticated Monsignor Israel
and his partner La Banane’s director, Benjamin
Fabbri collaborated to gild the bougainvillea. The
result? Parfait!
The décor of the poolside lobby-cum bar and
library is mid-century modern and the chic 50s’ design
gives a nod to the heyday of Rémy de Haenen,
the father of St. Barth's tourism. One can easily
imagine the glitterati of the era lounging about
here; and Hollywood starlets of yore posing in those
beautiful chairs sipping Dom Perignon, or splashing
in the one of the two, lovely, lovely, palm-shaded
pools.
The nine very private one-bedroom bungalows are
tucked into lush tropical gardens which of course
include banana trees. Fully restored, preserving
the architecture, they are named in homage to icons
of modern design. There are two bungalow categories,
Banane Extra and the larger Banane Deluxe. They feature
a striking white-on-white palette with bright pops
of colors – like the elegant orange and yellow
porcelain lamps – and are furnished with artfully
refurbished antiques and unique pieces. Each
has a private terrace with a table for deux. The
open-air bathrooms are delicious with rainhead showers
and upmarket amenities by Acqua Di Parma. The attention
to detail is amazing and of course includes the 21st
century must-haves – flat screen TVs , iPod
docking stations and such.
The service level is superb and although La Banane
does not have its own restaurant, it meets the needs
of the guests nicely. Breakfast is served poolside
or on the bungalows’ private terraces, as are
light lunches. The bar offers gorgeous cocktails
and is well-stocked with bubbly. The
staff will also order-in dinner from the nearby and
uber popular K’fe Massai.
A St. Barth vacation is all about the beaches
and the quiet and pretty Lorient beach with its protected
reef, perfect for swimming, is just a short walk
away.
A Few of Our Favorite Things
- Those bathrooms!
- The open air bar and library cum reading room
Who Would Just Love it Here
Hip honeymooners and the rest of us who are looking for unique and more private accommodations – with a flash of glamour.
Children under 13 not permitted.
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