Essentially Le Village is a collection of charming stone and wooden cottages scattered prettily through tropical gardens. And it’s one of St. Barth’s best kept secrets. Central to the compound is a reception area and beautiful infinity pool with a companion Jacuzzi. A two-storied Zen-like spa and fitness facility aptly named The Cottage Well Being is just adjacent to the pool deck. Guests can steal away for a massage, facial, or other treatment by appointment. The upper level contains a fully outfitted gym – with a view!

The hotel facilitates a sense of community, which is appealing. Guests greet one another at breakfast and gather around the bar with its plasma TV. A charming communal room offers a cozy spot for board games and card parties. Accommodations include a handful of hotel rooms, twenty cottages and three villas. All are individually designed and decorated in a nice blend of modern and traditional Caribbean motif. The cottages and villas have fully equipped kitchenettes and shaded dining terraces or patios. There are lots of choices for guests, who include families with children. The spacious Jacuzzi Suite is perfect for two adults and two kids. It has a fully appointed kitchen and all the mod cons and then some, including surround sound, iPod station and plasma TV.   In addition to the Jacuzzi it boasts a rain head outdoor-sy garden shower

The central and prime location in the hillside above St. Jean Village is also of great appeal. You are situated just high enough to enjoy the cool breezes and spectacular views of the sea and the happenin’ St. Jean Beach scene – at a bit of a distance. But close enough to walk there and to the chichi village with its boutiques, bistros and charming sidewalk cafes. You can retreat to your cozy enclave whenever you feel the need.

We can’t say enough about the service here – it’s impeccable. The Charneaus, Catherine and Bertrand, are the most congenial hosts and will see that all your needs are attended to down to providing umbrellas and coolers for beach picnics. We enjoyed Fodor’s review of Le Village and the account of a guest confiding that he has been coming for 23 years. “Is there any other place to stay,” he asked. Many agree: the Charneaus and Le Village inspire that kind of loyalty.

A Few of Our Favorite Things

• Lazy afternoons spent reading in the hammock and enjoying the delightful breezes
• The infinity pool – and a soak in the Jacuzzi, complete with those panoramic views

Who Would Just Love it Here

Couples looking for the just right combination of quiet relaxation and socializing and families.