The beaches. The sun. The chance that you might bump into Leonardo DiCaprio and make him your husband!
The list of reasons to vacation immediately in St Barts (or Saint Barthélemy) is endless.
The chic hotspot island in the French Caribbean has long been a go-to destination for the rich and famous. You really could run into anybody from Beyoncé to Bon Jovi whilst strolling along its many white-sugar sand beaches. Or Ice-T and CoCo fitting a baby seat into a 4×4 if you’re more like me.
Exclusive: The five star resort of Le Guanahani resides in 18 secluded tropical acres on its own peninsula
Pippa Middleton and her brother James were photographed paddle boarding in the waters off St Barts, last summer
An off-duty Leonardo DiCaprio was pictured relaxing on a St Barts beach with a host of bikini-clad beauties last January (left)
With its distinctive, sexy, European spirit and ambiance of casual barefoot luxury, the paradise island exudes a chic, laid-back vibe. It’s a place to see and be seen (just gawk discreetly, behind your oversized Tom Ford shades, please).
Arriving in St. Barths is always a delight. Once you’ve reached the easily accessible international airport of Antigua (flights run regularly from many major U.S. cities; NYC is ideally less than four hours away), it’s time to take a private shuttle plane to the island.
Tradewind Aviation provided me with a luxury scheduled service- there was barely time to finish my glass of Sauvignon before the eight seat plane made its approach over the sloping hillside and landed gently on the tiny runway.
From there it was a ten minute taxi ride to Le Guanahani, a resort that truly leaves you wanting for nothing.
Situated on arguably what is St Barts’ most irresistible private enclave, the exclusive hotel is spread out over 18 secluded tropical acres on its own peninsula.
Dotted along wooden paths lined with lush bougainvillea, hibiscus and palms lay colourful cottages recently re-designed by Luis Pons during a $40million makeover.
From the classic rooms to the seriously swanky signature suites, you’ll find chic palettes of blues, yellows and pinks that mirror the island’s inherent beauty effortlessly.
Tres chic: The A-list’s favourite resort, Le Guanahani, has recently undergone a $40million makeover under designer Luis Pons
Never checking out: The serene suites boast beachy hues and gorgeous views
Many offer a large private pool or Jacuzzi too, just in case the two freshwater swimming pools in the resort aren’t enough: one beachside and one for adults-only at the spa. Oh yes, the spa.
If the drudgery of daily city life has seeped into your soul lately, a long weekend at Le Guanahani’s Clarins My Blend spa is just what you need. There’s been a big focus on beauty and wellness at the five-star resort during its 30th anniversary year and the treatments on offer are incredible.
Developed by Dr. Olivier Courtin, the son of the founders of French cosmetic company Clarins, My Blend is the first skincare brand to incorporate lifestyle factors such as climate, sleep, diet and stress into the development of its formulas.
If the fully customised treatments here won’t gently massage the New York out of me then nothing will.
Attention to detail: Bright palettes of cool blues and vibrant pinks feature in the rooms and suites
And breathe: The Clarins My Blend spa features it’s own adult-only pool for uninterrupted you time
I spent my days being scrubbed, swimming, paddle boarding, doing yoga on the beach and jogging – which allowed for some guilt-free indulgence at the resort’s fine restaurants.
Breakfasts of fresh fruits and coconut water started at Indigo, which is the hotel’s main seafood-led restaurant, and is situated perfectly overlooking the pool and stunning Grand Cul-de-Sac.
Then there’s the Beach Bar where you can watch the sun set from the shade of the palapas with a glass of rosé in hand.
Come nightfall you’ll want to slip on your favourite heels and head to the tropical gardens where the fancy Bartolomeo resides for delicious dishes of veal, scallops, mushroom ravioli and more.
St Barts makes you feel sexy, it sends you back with a spring in your (pedicured) step and a well rested mind. Go, you deserve it.
Quite the view! If the two main resort pools aren’t enough, opt for one of the many suites that have their own pools