St. Barts
Caribbean


The Experience

St. Barts, of course, is celebrity central, but at the Guanahani that fact shouldn’t deter anyone who’s not a star-chaser: In fact, so many big names come here that even when Salma Hayek or Jon Bon Jovi show up, there’s hardly a double-take. That’s only the first upside: The second is the clusters of Creole-styled cottages in M&M colors and gingerbread trim nestled in tropical gardens on a private 16-acre peninsula. It’s truly a place to escape, with two long expanses of beach (one on a lagoon and the other separating a coconut grove from the moody Atlantic) abutting a rocky outcrop where guests climb and join sunning iguanas.

The Rooms

Minimalist chic defines the rooms here, but it’s not just white-on-white; grape- and kiwi-painted walls enliven the rooms and suites, which are calmed with sink-into cream sofas and chairs. They start out at a tight 291 square feet (though all rooms do include a terrace), but who wants a garden view? Instead, upgrade to an ocean bay room, with 430 square feet looking out over Marigot Bay. Suites add on a sitting area, and some include secluded-star touches like private swimming pools.

The Service

All the 150 staff members are graduates of hotel schools in France or Switzerland, and clearly know their craft. The international roster of guests mandates that many staff are totally fluent in French, Italian, English, German, Spanish, Swiss and Russian.

The Highlights

The new Guanahani Spa by Clarins fits into the Caribbean ethos of relaxation, though windsurfing, canoeing, scuba diving and riding Jet Skis are all on the menu here too. Take a break from the activity at Indigo restaurant, overlooking the silky scoop of sand known as Grand Cul de Sac -- they fire up the wok for excellent Asian dishes as well as the expected casual fare. At night, the Nice-born chef turns out ever-changing dishes such as grilled sea bass with tomato pesto and Sepia virgin sauce in the formal Bartoloméo restaurant, with its lime-colored walls, terra-cotta floors and a wooden-rafter ceiling. And while almost everyone rents a Mini Moke or Smart Car, a point-to-point shuttle service was introduced in ’06 for those who don’t want to enter the nightly road rally. Have a glass of wine and sway to the piano music in Bartoloméo’s lounge, then catch a passing shuttle and head over to Eden Rock for more action and more wine. You’ll probably see a star or two along the way.

--Sandra Hart

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