Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa

Grand Cul de Sac, in all its technicolor glory, has always been a special place on tiny St. Barth. Long-time island devotees fondly remember the storied St. Barth Beach Hotel on the edge of that crescent bay. And its restaurant Le Rivage, where they were introduced to the elixir that is vanilla rum.

This gorgeous beachfront setting is now home to the 5 star Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa. Inspired by the ambiance of the “old hotel”, the owners collaborated to capture its legendary joie de vivre. Le Barthélemy is a scrumptious cocktail of Parisian chic and St Barth’s casual sophistication. Stunning from a distance, upon arrival, guests will find it warmly elegant and inviting.

This is a true beach resort. Active couples —and friends— looking for watersports and a cool scene will find it here, yet there is enough romance-in-the air for honeymooners. It’s perfect for families as some of its 44 rooms connect and little ones will love swimming in the warm shallow water. Kids of all ages will love the infinity pool that faces the sea.

Accommodations include a wealth of options with views of the gardens, lake and ocean— some with special features like heated plunge pools. And the pièce de résistance: the split-level beachfront La Plage Suites. The contemporary décor courtesy of celebrated French designer Sybille de Margerie does not sacrifice comfort, and stylish baths with super-sized showers are stocked with Hermes toiletries.

It’s easy-peasy and a delight to wine & dine a whole day away here. After breakfast, pick up a cappuccino at Le Coffee Bar, enjoy light snacks, smoothies, and adult beverages from Le Turquoise pool bar served beachfront or poolside. Aux Amis Plage offers a feet-in-the-sand lunch, with a properly chilled glass of rosé. Come dinner time, Aux Amis offers French fine dining in a casual, island-inspired setting and tapas, or a nightcap, can be had at the très cool rooftop bar WTF (Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot) A DJ takes it up a notch on the weekends. Babysitting available.
This could be the vacation to try kite-surfing and there’s a 24-hour fitness center with a view. Sundown Yoga on the beach? They’ve got that. Its oh-wow spa partners with the world-renowned skincare brand La Mer. A subterranean sitting area is bathed in natural light from a glass sunroof and features a tea station. The dark-as-night ceilings of the treatment rooms have softly twinkling “stars.” And there is a hammam. Ahh…