Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa, St. Barth

At the end of October 2016, Le Barthélemy was the first luxury hotel to open on St. Barth in 20 years. However, it closed after just one year due to Hurricane Irma. It took another year before the Small Luxury Hotel (SLH) reopened with additional features. Two large new pool villas on the beach were added, as well as the fabulous rooftop terrace, where you can relax to the sounds of DJs and enjoy the sunset with a selected cocktail in your hand. The Aux Amis restaurant concept is also new and impresses at breakfast - wonderful pastries - as well as at dinner - first-class tuna ceviche, butter-tender grilled octopus, typical French black pudding. The extensive wine list also offers a large and excellent selection of (open) wines. The small fashion show performed by a young model on the wooden jetty in front of the beach restaurant seemed very French to us during lunch with our feet in the sand. The quality of the food was matched by the quality of the service staff: young, relaxed and always perfect.

The complex directly on the narrow beach is very compact, with short distances. The hotel has a distinctly maritime feel and is reminiscent of a private, albeit very large, beach house. The maritime character is continued in the well-equipped and very comfortable rooms (a few only have a garden or sea view). The fresh design in white, beige and aqua-marine also contributes to this. Although the Junior Suites have a small plunge pool, you don't really need it. The La Plage suites offer a more spacious living experience on two levels and more direct access to the beach.