Nestled on a hillside overlooking the ultraposh island of St. Barts rests the newly renovated Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf. Located just steps from the town’s designer shops and hip eateries with sweeping views of the Caribbean land and sea, the five-star boutique beauty offers intimacy, privacy and luxury with unparalleled attention to detail, gourmet food and beverage, and a welcome respite on the edge of all the action. Step inside.
Floating breakfast at Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf
Following a short 10-minute plane ride from St. Martin airport to the tiny St. Barts landing, I step out into paradise. Amid sweeping, deep-blue waters, glistening sunshine and warm smiles, I instantly know that this could be my home away from home.
After a welcome greeting from the hotel’s driver and a quick ride up the hill, we enter a small slice of history. An ’80s revival hotel with just 21 keys, Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf recently underwent a renovation to bring the iconic property up to modern luxury, successfully maintaining its rich history and exterior charm. With bungalows, suites, a loft and a villa on offer, parties of all sizes are encouraged to join the Le Carl Gustaf family.
Le Spa Diane Barrière is the perfect destination to ease into tranquility.
We’re led into a jaw-dropping Prestige Suite (Sugar Loaf) with a picture-perfect sea view and terrace. Spanning 753 square feet, our new home is the ultimate St. Barts oasis with little to nothing left to be desired. From a state-of-the-art bathroom with rainfall showers, an inviting soaking tub and lush products to a cozy living room with ample storage space, two balconies, a dreamy king-size canopied bed and the crown jewel—a spacious terrace and plunge pool—the suite has it all. With breathtaking sunrise and sunset views, many meals and drinks are had, easing worries away and transporting us into a state of pure paradise.
Interior of one of the hotel’s lush suites
Throughout the quick weekend jaunt, we have the ability to explore all of the endless experiences that await us from our stay. Lunch at one of the island’s hottest beach clubs, Shellona, is one of the highlights— and just so happens to be the hotel’s partner beach. As the ultimate boozy brunch scene, the St-Tropez-inspired destination offers hip DJ beats, beach seating on the iconic Shell Beach and a decadent Mediterranean menu that delivers extraordinary cuisine. Indulging in Shellona’s signature marinatos—fish of the day in an herb-lime sauce—along with a carpaccio de poisson “Saint Barth style” and a simply perfect loup de Méditerraneé accompanied by grilled vegetables, we eat to our hearts’ content, complemented by colorful cocktails and glasses of rosé.
Many of the suites inside the hotel offer private plunge pools and terraces to soak in the ultimate luxury experience.
Continuing the experience, we explore the town, popping into some of the local and designer shopping boutiques that rival those of Worth Avenue or Rodeo Drive, as well as some of the local wine shops and cafes. From Chrome Hearts to Dolce & Gabbana, Prada and local favorites such as MC2, you truly can shop till you drop. Luckily for us, we have blissful massages awaiting at Le Carl Gustaf’s Le Spa Diane Barrière. Utilizing prestigious Biologique Recherche products, the experienced therapists provide tranquility and expertise, easing me into further relaxation with a deep-tissue massage.
At Fouquet’s, guests can dine with some of the best views in town.
After working up an appetite, dinner at the hotel’s signature Paris-born restaurant Fouquet’s is a welcome sight. Boasting picturesque views of the sea amid flickering candles at its perch atop the hill, the setting is both romantic and alluring. With attentive staff that guide you through the menus, you’re provided five-star hospitality from start to finish with an upscale menu that rivals some of the most lauded on the island. Dinner is exquisite and indulgent, consisting of a tender grilled octopus and Fouquet’s tartare to start followed by a creamy carbonara linguine. For mains, we opt for the Maine lobster medallion poached in a ginger butter with carrots mousseline and mushrooms, as well as one of the best Dover sole dishes I’ve ever had.
The hotel offers breathtaking views of the deepblue waters and vibrant town below.
With after-dinner drinks at Fouquet’s Bar and a peaceful stroll through town to work off the dangerously delicious meal, it is the perfect evening, part of a perfect getaway. Delivering on its mission to make guests feel at home and convert them to St. Barts regulars, I can confirm that it did just that, prompting my next getaway countdown.
St. Barts Essentials
Don’t miss these island hot spots on your next visit.
CAVIAR, ANCHOVIES AND ALL OF THE DELICACIES
Complete with some of the most expansive offerings of life’s greatest culinary indulgences, the American Gourmet market (@american.gourmet) became our regular takeaway stop to splurge. Its owner, Eric Azagury (@ericazagury), also happens to be one of the most in-the-know and connected men on the island, complete with recommendations galore. He also happens to be a self-proclaimed (and proven) anchovy connoisseur.
DINNER AND A SCENE
Sella St. Barth (@sellastbarth) is the island’s newest culinary gem, serving up mouthwatering Israeli food and a classic Tel Avivian party after dinner, all amid breathtaking waterfront views.
SHOPPING
For classic St. Barts memorabilia and chic beachwear, head to MC2 (@mc2saintbarth). For St. Barts-exclusive clothing and accessories that can’t be found or purchased elsewhere, Chrome Hearts (@chromeheartsofficial) is a must.
CREPES
La Crepêrie & Restaurant. Trust: The ham and cheese crepe may just be the best bite of your trip. Pro tip: Add the truffle oil.
