Long lauded as the most luxurious place for relaxation and rejuvenation, St. Barths remains at the top of the list for A-listers and jetsetters to vacation for the New Year. With no shortage of superyachts, glamorous beach clubs, gourmet restaurants and upscale boutiques, St. Barths continues to attract the elite traveler because it stands far apart from your average winter destination. For those seeking sun in an intimate and luxurious environment that offers plenty of luxurious diversions, St. Barths is the place to be. 

Naturally, St. Barths offered the perfect tropical destination for the Barrière Group’s first Caribbean property, Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf. The French company has hotels throughout France and one in Marrakesh. Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf is ideally situated on a hilltop overlooking the crystal-clear waters of Gustavia, the island’s picturesque capital. The focal yet secluded five-star property is surrounded by lush gardens at every turn and it is steps away from Shell Beach, one of the island’s more coveted beaches thanks to the calm waters and shell covered sand. The hustle and bustle of glitzy Gustavia is a few minutes walking distance for those eager to explore the island on foot.

Taking over the prime location from a former hotel that closed in 2013, the luxury property boasts 21 rooms comprised of bungalows, suites and cottages, villas, and a breathtaking private home, all from the renowned French design firm Gilles & Boissier. The architecture and décor of the hotel does not try to compete with the impressive scenery of the island, but rather it blends seamlessly with nature thanks to warm wooden finishes, tropical themed fabrics, elevated rattan-style furniture, and elements of greenery throughout. An expansive veranda encompasses the front of the property, giving one the feeling of peering into the majesty of Gustavia from the bow of a large ship. Le Fouquet’s restaurant, a lounge area and Bar Fouquet’s are on an open and inviting floorplan that is bathed in natural light. 

All of the rooms and bungalows offer terraces from which to take in the grandeur of the island while some have private plunge pools and plenty of places for sunning. Located on the lower garden level of the Villa Diane, the Deluxe Room With Seaview and Terrace has a comforting, Caribbean-style décor with light colors and wood finishes. The spacious room offers a 538 square foot living space with a large bathroom, a walk-in shower and dressing room. The picture-perfect Junior Suite-Carl provides the ultimate haven with its delicate, light-colored furnishings and tropical themed fabrics in pink and green. The 430 square foot junior suite offers an intimate living space with a King-size bed, large dressing room, wine cellar, and bathroom with a marbled bath. Its 161 square foot terrace provides panoramic views of the harbor.

The Prestige Bungalow Suite Terrace Sea View is an ideal oasis for those looking for tranquility. The bungalow is simple yet elegant with Caribbean flourishes throughout. The suite has a separate living area and a 430 square foot terrace. Overlooking the main hotel and Gustavia Bay, Villa Diane features 5 rooms, including 3 suites that can accommodate 6 to 12 guests. The 4,300 square foot villa is the perfect accommodation for larger groups or extended stays and boasts an infinity pool that overlooks St. Barths.

Bath products from Officine Universalle Buly of Paris grace the hotel’s bathrooms as do oversized showers and ultra-luxe Japanese toilets. Guests are welcome to take the exclusive, full-size grooming products home, which are featured in beautifully ornate packaging and consist of a fragrant dry body oil, and a perfumed liquid soap. The luxe factor doesn’t stop there. Spa Diane Barrière works exclusively with Biologique Recherche for its treatments. The French company was founded in the late 1970s by a family of artisanal skincare experts. Biologist and physiotherapist duo Yvan and Josette Allouche devised an exclusive and customized methodology of cosmetic treatments adapted to every Skin Instant™ based on products with a high concentration of active ingredients. Each Biologique Recherche expert is trained to analyze your skin’s specific needs before prepping and treating the epidermis to deliver flawless results. The VIP 02 BOOSTER TREATMENT detoxifies and stimulates the epidermis and reoxygenates the skin tissue, delivering a more radiant complexion. The MC110 TREATMENT smooths out fine lines and wrinkles on your face, neck and décolleté, leaving skin more toned and refined.

If a relaxed beach environment is what you are craving for a lunch venue, look no further than Shellona. The beachside restaurant is located on the white sand of Shell Beach and is walking distance from Le Carl Gustaf. Reserve a couple of beach chairs with the concierge and enjoy a moment in the sun while sipping a refreshing glass of champagne before diving into lunch. The inventive menu created by Executive Chef Yiannis Kioroglou offers upscale Mediterranean cuisine with an emphasis on Greek flavors. Share a Shellona Salad of feta cheese, cucumbers, black olives, tomatoes, green peppers, red onions and oregano or a heartier Niçoise Salad with tuna or prawns, romaine lettuce, anchovy, tomatoes, egg, and olives. Next, the Féta au Filo or feta cheese wrapped in filo pastry and drizzled with honey is a must. If you are in a burger mood, you can’t go wrong with the Burger Boeuf of beef, cheddar cheese, red onion, lettuce, and tomato with a side of fries. If you are feeling super fancy, go for Les Rigatoni À La Truffe Signature De Yiannis for 3 or 4 persons.

If a more refined dining vibe is what you are after, Le Fouquet’s is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Casual elegance at its finest is what’s on the menu in terms of the chic, Caribbean décor with nods to the French Riviera set amidst uninterrupted views of the port of Gustavia. Three Michelin-starred French chef Pierre Gagnaire created a menu in which he reinterprets the great classics of Parisian brasserie cuisine by infusing it with local spices and flavors. Start your meal with a glass of bubbly or Beluga Gold Line vodka and a caviar tasting in varying grams, complete with blinis, quail eggs, double cream, chives, shallots and lemon. Next, try the refreshing Burrata Salad of tomato jam, rocket salad Financier and olive oil ice cream. If something spicier suits you, opt for the Grilled Octopus with sauce Chien, and white beans spiced with turmeric. Main courses included a hearty Carbonara Linguini, Classic Dover Sole, preserved Pork Belly Louis Ospital, and a Surf and Turf with organic chicken breasts and lobster tail.

Before or after dinner, a memorable cocktail from Bar Fouquet’s inventive menu is a must. Have a seat at the intimate, five-seat bar or in the small lounge to enjoy one of Barrière Group’s bar consultant Emanuela Balestra’s masterpieces. Balestra is an Italian mixologist who incorporates a lot of plants and an array of edible fragrances that are housed in a leather box at the bar. Each cocktail is topped off with a fragrant plant, such as the Carlito’s Sangria that comes with a spritz of lemon, thyme, and basil aroma, for example. 

With so many offerings in the idyllic setting of St. Barths, plan your next luxury getaway with a stay at Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf. The property has recently launched a romance package just in time for Valentine’s Day that includes:

 -A Romantic floating breakfast with two mimosas (or choice of alcoholic beverage) 

– A couples’ treatment at the renowned Spa Diane Barrière with a bottle of champagne, flowers, and delicacies 

-A photoshoot for two throughout the stunning property and famous Shell Beach

-A private catamaran ride with a picnic on the beach

 The package starts at $16,000 for five nights.