Sneak PEEK
Relaxed elegance is the order of the day at Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa, where a little haven of luxury goes a long way
WHEN pondering paradise, we often conjure up images of dreamy days lounging on the beach, where the only background noise is the sound of turquoise waters gently lapping on to feather-soft sand.
Our daydreams will also more than likely include a chic resort, opulent enough for us to feel spoiled but with an air of comfort to make us feel at home. But, thanks to Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa, our imagination has been brought to life in a perfectly proportioned package.
Set to reopen its doors in October after Hurricane Irma, the resort – a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World – evokes the same simple St Barthes elegance as before, and has lost none of its warm authenticity.
Just moments from St Jean Airport, you’ll feel your batteries begin recharging as soon as you spot the beachfront in Grand Cul de Sac, part of the protected lushness of the Nature Reserve of Saint-Barthélemy.
After taking in the breathtaking vista, walk through the doors of the hotel, where you’ll be welcomed like an old friend and shown to one of the stunningly tranquil 46 rooms.
Each one has been meticulously designed by interiors guru Sybille de Margerie, who has created a haven of understated glamour, the epitome of St Bart’s itself. Take a dip in one of the decadent plunge pools on the balcony of your suite – with complete privacy, courtesy of the invisible drop-down screens.
After a day of snorkelling, windsurfing or simply guilt-free nothingness, you can get ready for dinner at your own pace – while treating yourself to the in-room amenities by Hermès.
When it comes to meal times, Le Barthélemy does not scrimp on indulgence. Michelin-starred French chef Guy Martin has cooked up a delicious dining experience, no matter what you’re in the mood for. Be transported to Italy with heavenly pizzas around the pool at lunch, before watching the sun set at the island-inspired Aux Amis restaurant – after an aperitif, as you look out at the lagoon in Le Bar.
No trip would be complete without several hours in the on-site spa, a holistic hub created to restore the body, awaken the spirit and settle the mind.