Villa Marie Saint-Barth
Perfectly channelling tropical chic and with eye popping views to boot, the new Villa Mare Saint-Barth is fast becoming one of St Barths best boutique hotel options.
Housing just nineteen bungalows and two villas, complete with private pools within its vast tropical gardens, Villa Marie ensures the focus is on creating beautiful rooms with plenty of space and stunning views. Each of the bungalows and villas is decorated in its own unique and inherently bohemian style, however all feature natural materials, light and airy colour schemes and splashes of the vibrant colours which the Caribbean is so famous for. The Master Villas are particularly special thanks to their prime location at the height of the property, overlooking the ocean and with a large private swimming pool to enjoy the views from.
Francois Plantation, the restaurant at Villa Marie, oozes colonial charm and provides fantastic views over Flamands Bay. More importantly, the food is excellent. Fusing the traditional French cuisine of the chef and owners with the traditional Caribbean cuisine of the island, the menu at Francois Plantation is eclectic, elegant and full of flavour. Styled in the same bohemian décor as the rooms the restaurant is a lovely spot, but lunch can also be taken in the palm shaded gardens or by the pool. For drinks, head to Rums & Cigars, the well-stocked hotel bar and a cosy evening hang out.
With the truly stunning views of Flamands Beach below, there is really little need to do anything other than relax by Villa Marie's pool and enjoy the tranquillity of the unspoilt natural surroundings. However, for those wanting to get out and explore, the hotel can organise a picnic for you to take down to the beach itself, or advise you on all the best sots to explore around St Barths. For a day of indulgence, the Pure Altitude Spa also offers packages and a range of treatments which can be enjoyed amongst the palms and with the soothing sound of the ocean in the distance.
Why We Love It
The combination of French style and Caribbean culture is always a winner in our eyes, and with views like these you really can't go wrong.
Eden Rock
Once Greta Garbo's Caribbean hideaway, today Eden Rock is one of the finest boutique hotels in the Caribbean. Located within walking distance of the superb shops and restaurants of St Jean, the hotel is perched on top of a rocky promontory, with panoramic views of two beautiful beaches, the sea and a world beyond.
The accommodation on 'the rock' itself is unparalleled - opt for a loft suite and enjoy 360' panoramic ocean views, or stay at the front of the rock and see baby turtles emerging silently out of the water. The accommodation is comprised of 18 rooms, 10 suites, 4 Beach Houses and 2 Ultraluxe Villas, including the Rockstar villa, which has its own recording studio, and Nina, which has an art gallery.
Browse the boutique, hire a jeep and explore St Barths, or enjoy a spot of scuba diving (there are some 17 established dive sites). Or even indulge in some al-fresco beauty treatments.
The locals regularly dine out at Eden Rock's restaurants. For lunch try the relaxed 'toes-in-the-sand' Sand Bar (which, according to the Observer newspaper, serves some of the best seafood on St Barths). At night, head for the On-The-Rocks restaurant and tapas bar for Jean-George's fusion cuisine, followed by cocktails high over the reef.
Why We Love It
If a recording studio isn't on the 'must include list', there are other suites and villas at Eden Rock that are just as all singing and all dancing, almost.
Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France
Situated on one of the island's most breathtaking beaches is this luxurious intimate property, which combines tropical beachfront luxury with French sophistication.
The bedrooms and suites are situated in the main beachfront building, or in garden bungalows dotted around the grounds. The restaurant serves traditional French cuisine, which can be enjoyed on the beach at lunchtime, or overlooking the floodlit bay in the evenings.
For those with an urge for something more active, the hotel has a fully equipped gym and fitness centre, as well as a wide variety of activities on offer, ranging from horse-riding in the green hills to diving and snorkelling on the nearby reefs. There are also tennis courts and a spa, and St Barths has some great sailing, which is a great way to explore the island and its beaches.
Why We Love It
Relaxation is the prime pursuit here, whether it be on the white sands of Anse des Flamands - St Barth's finest beach - or by the freshwater swimming pool.