Beautiful Hotels in St. Barth's French West Indies

La Banane - Lorient 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.

Hotel Carl Gustaf - Gustavia The glamorous Carl Gustaf in Gustavia was named, with a nod to history, for the current King of Sweden. A bit of the story here is that Swedes took possession of St. Barth from the French back in the 18th century. They renamed the town, Gustavia to honor their then king, Gustav III and interestingly, declared it a free port. The French later reacquired the island but charming touches of Sweden remain, as does the duty-free port. And to think all of this happened long before the birth of Dolce or Gabbana, the invention of Seven Jeans or even Tennis bracelets. The hotel’s name suits it well as it rises regally above the picture-postcard town and its fairytale, Lilliputian harbor; Elegant and boutique-y compact, the lobby, bar, restaurant and pool all blend together. It works beautifully. If the spirit moves you during lunch you can just slip into the pool for a cooling dip. The bar is justly famous as a venue for sunset cocktails, a venerable tradition in St. Barth. They mix a mean Mojito …..and a little tapas to go with? There are 14 individual one-and two-bedroom villa suites, each angled into the hillside for maximum views, and surrounded by lush tropical foliage. We were delighted on our recent inspection to see the renovations and new décor.

Hotel Christopher - Pt. Milou It has dropped the “Le” and the “The” and is now simply, serenely, and beautifully Christopher. It really is one of St. Barth’s grande dames and it begins this decade refurbished to its past 4 star glory days – and then some. Poised out on a promontory in chi-chi Pointe Milou, the sound of the surf provides the perfect score to breathtaking panoramic views. Guests settled in poolside on the comfy lounges, gaze out at the neighboring islands and look as pleased as well, Ti Punch. Oh, that pool – lusciously large and infinity-edged it meanders along the waterfront and seems to merge with the sea. It is banked with plush lounging beds, and a little "pool island" – complete with palm trees – is a primo spot to see and be seen while sunbathing.

Emeraude Plage - St. Jean The decidedly and intentionally low-key Emeraude Plage is a delightful spot and a favorite of savvy St. Barth travelers. Many return again and again and relish its ocean front setting on St. Jean Beach, its casual ambiance, and we’d guess its proximity to the St. Jean Village. Staying at Emeraude Plage means never having to hunt for a parking spot in the so chic and so popular little town, with its wealth of bistros and trendy boutiques. Accommodations here consist of 24 bungalows, 2 cottages and a villa charmingly laid out, together with the reception area and a library. They form two semi-circles amidst a lovely tropical garden – oleander and bougainvillea galore. You will find everything well appointed; the bedrooms and baths are spacious and they offer all the standard amenities for your convenience. Each unit includes a full-equipped kitchenette to provide you that nice option of quietly dining in – or alfresco on your private terrace. .

Hotel Guanahani & Spa - Grand Cul de Sac Nestled in a very private peninsula, the Hotel Guanahani & Spa is St. Barth’s largest hotel and the island’s only full service resort. It’s a gorgeous (think hibiscus, bougainvillea and a coconut grove) 16 acre retreat. But lest you think it is too big – au contraire – there are just 70 rooms and suites housed in charming, brightly colored cottages that trail down to the two beaches. Yes, two – the ocean side Marigot and the reef-protected Grand Cul de Sac. And two pools and a Jacuzzi big enough for the whole family. The Guanahani with its resort’s-worth of water sports and activities, its Kindergarten and Juniors’ Club, makes for the perfect family vacation spot. But then the Hotel Guanahani would be perfect for just about anyone, elegant, intimate and languorous; it’s an ideal romantic getaway. Spa aficionados should note the addition of full-service Spa by Clarins; barefoot-chic like the hotel… 8 treatment rooms… thatched roof bungalows and a beautiful, quiet pool.

Hotel Manapany & Spa - Anse des Cayes The Hotel Le Manapany is a 4-star property situated prettily on the north shore’s secluded Anse des Cayes. The property is an expansive complex offering a variety of accommodations; there are a total of 41 rooms and suites, many housed in charming gingerbread cottages nestled into the hillside and configured into double rooms and junior suites. Each has its own private patio and an ocean or garden view. All are decorated beautifully and include lovely four-poster canopied king-beds. The rooms and suites are air-conditioned and offer all the necessary amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. The Junior Suites are more spacious and luxurious (guests love the upgrade to plasma TVs); they have balconies, sitting areas, baths that include both tub and shower and double sinks. The suites can connect with the double (superior category) rooms to make a cottage and a nice option for families and friends traveling together. Beach front and just steps from the water are Junior Suites and 2-bedrooms apartments in individual bungalows with open-sided living and dining areas. Sleeping options include king beds and twins, suitable for children. The baths include both tub and shower.

Les Ondines sur la Plage - Grand Cul de Sac Barefoot elegance – literally. The intimate, charming and yes, elegant Les Ondines sits right on the beautiful beach at Grand Cul de Sac. You can have your toes in that gorgeous white sand within minutes of arrival and then just pad along to your suite. At Les Ondines barefoot elegance means never having to wear your flip-flops. The suites here – and it is an all-suite property, just 7 in all – are beautifully decorated but yet comfy-cozy and offer all the mod cons for independent living. Accommodations include 2 two-bedroom and 5-one bedroom suites with airy living/dining areas and kitchens. The bedrooms have king beds. The bathrooms are very spacious; all have showers and most also have tubs. Les Ondines might best be described as villa living in a hotel. We love the spacious covered terraces; you can enjoy your complimentary continental breakfast served there, or poolside. And here’s something really fun – they have a resident chef who will prepare a gourmet meal of your choosing. Dine in or al fresco on your terrace.

Le Sereno - Grand Cul de Sac Old St. Barth hands will remember the Sereno Beach hotel but they wouldn’t recognize its reincarnation as the ultra-hip Le Sereno. This amazing renaissance beautifully shows off the handiwork of an A-Team headed by hot-hot-hot Parisian designer Christian Liaigre; and it evokes that same urban chic for which he is justly famous. Sleek, with white walls and gleaming dark wood floors, it’s as stylishly cosmopolitan as the best city boutique. And here it is in St. Barth’s picture-postcard Grand Cul de Sac, an intimate beachfront hotel. Accommodations include the charming and airy Suite Terrasse rooms, each with its own terrace and nestled into a private garden, the spacious ocean front Grand Suite Plage rooms, and two delicious one-bedroom villas. Upping the wow factor are the latest additions: three stunning – and sprawling - four bedroom villas* with spectacular views, amenities galore, and 24- hour butler service.

Hotel St. Barth Isle de France - Flamands Beach The Isle de France is in every sense a world class hotel that more than meets all the international standards for luxury and comfort. Suffice to say it is one of St. Barth’s best addresses – if not in all of the Caribbean. Anchored on pristine Flamands Beach, it is beautiful in design – and even sexier after its makeover in 2002 – all gorgeous shades of blue. Elegant? Absolutely. But in an understated way. The Isle de France is the grand master of casual sophistication. And you will find the service friendly and attentive. The brilliantly whitewashed main building, set just above the beach, houses 9 rooms and 3 suites. It is here we see that iconic and frequently photographed breezeway framing an amazing snapshot of the azure sea. It’s breathtaking. We recommend the 2nd floor accommodations for those who would rather see than be seen but if you prefer the latter, the ground level will put you and your chaise lounge in the midst of all the action: the pool, a little bar and the beachside restaurant, La Case de l'Isle – and all those beautiful people clinking glasses under beach umbrellas. It’s all so St. Barth

Tom Beach - St. Jean The chic and fun ambiance of Le Tom Beach Hotel is no surprise to St. Barth regulars, considering it is owned and managed by Thierry de Badereau of Ti St-Barth fame – or notoriety, depending on your point of view. If you have ever danced on the tables there you know what we are talking about and if not, put it on your to-do list. If you love it, consider Le Tom Beach for your next St. Barth vacation. This boutique hotel is a kissing cousin of Ti St. Barth. Its location is superb, just steps from the famous and scene-eist St. Jean Beach where in addition to see and being seen you can indulge in all the water sports and generally do some serious hangin’ out. And being so close to chi-chi St. Jean Village for dining and shopping is an added plus.

Tropical Hotel - St. Jean This is a lovely property – cozy and nice. Over the years Le Tropical has garnered a legion of fans that came first for the more modest rates but return again and again for the hospitality and the charming ambiance of what is one of St. Barth’s best values. The location in St. Jean is, of course, superb and just a short stroll from all the boutiques and shops. Le Tropical is not right on the beach but just about 40 yards up an incline which in turn makes for a wonderful view of those turquoise waters. There are 20 rooms in total; 9 boasting ocean views and private terraces. The others are set in a lush tropical garden and have delightful covered verandas. All are prettily decorated in Creole style and have king beds. The swimming pool, with its comfortable sitting area, is a central feature of the complex. Perched as it is on that hill above the beach, lounging and sunning at Le Tropical comes with fabulous views. There’s a nice, little bar here that guests frequent at cocktail time before heading out to one of the island’s myriad restaurants.

Village St. Jean - St. Jean “Le Village” is somewhat of a venerable institution here in St. Barth; opened in 1969 by the Charneau family, it’s managed today by the 2nd generation. It has legions of loyal fans who love the ambiance here, warm and family-friendly. Essentially Le Village is a collection of charming stone and wooden cottages scattered prettily through tropical gardens. Central to the compound is a reception area and beautiful infinity pool with a companion Jacuzzi. New this season is a fitness center and private room for massages and other spa treatments. 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. There are lots of choices for guests, who include families with children, and there is a real sense of community, which is appealing.