AN UPDATE FROM LE GUANAHANI SINCE OUR STORY WAS PUBLISHED LAST SUMMER: Built on sunshine and spirit, we are incredibly grateful that the St. Barth’s community has even grown stronger after Hurricanes Irma and Maria. We have come together to start rebuilding our beloved island home to welcome you all back to the Le Guanahani you know and love. It is from the bottom of our hearts that we thank you for your support and patience as we start our reopening journey for Summer 2018. We look forward to continuing to update you on the progress we make on our slice of paradise.
St. Barth’s, regarded worldwide as the sexiest, most extravagant island in the Caribbean, is known for its seemingly endless list of high-end beachfront hotels. With dozens of ultra-luxe properties to indulge your whim, choosing just one may be harder than you think.
The key is knowing what you want, and if that’s a perfect marriage of relaxation and luxury, your wedded bliss will be found on the northeastern shore: Le Guanahani Hotel. Overlooking Anse de Marigot and Anse de Grand Cul-de-Sac from its private enclave, the Le Guanahani mesmerizes visitors with its casual, yet ultra-posh, French Indies joie de vivre.
The 67 vibrantly hued guest cottages nestled among garden paths filled with hibiscus, bougainvillea, and coconut trees, are outfitted in a modern colonial style. Airy guest rooms vary from bursts of bright colors to serene pastels set against dark hardwood floors, white walls, wicker and plush cotton fabrics.
The suites have lofted ceilings, private pools and gardens, and every cottage has its own terrace and bathroom with the very best Clarins products. For fitness lovers, there are many options to break a fun sweat or even an adventurous one. Check out the reef-protected lagoon by paddleboard or kayak, or take a dip on either side of the white sand peninsula.
Get your heart pumping while gazing at the ocean on cardio machines at the fitness center, or simply walk the hiking paths through the lush landscape. For adventure, try kite surfing, scuba diving, and other daredevil activities like cruising the island on an ATV or by submarine.
The resort draws families and couples who can take advantage of the facilities — children’s programs, tennis courts, a gorgeous spa, and so much more. Then there is the service: wildly attractive staff at your beck and call.
No request goes unfulfilled. Want a handcrafted cocktail delivered to your beachside lounge chair or hammock? No problem. Our tip: try the refreshingly light Fizzy Cool, a magical concoction made with pineapple, grapefruit, lime, lemon, fresh cucumber, ginger, mint, thyme, and, of course, a little seltzer.
The service is above and beyond, a long-lost luxury in the service industry. Case in point: a left-behind credit card at the infamous Le Ti was tracked down for us and returned the next day. Now, that’s service! Merci beaucoup, Le Guanahani.
The executive chef, Nicola Di Marchi, has infused her Italian into the resort’s two trés-chic restaurants, Indigo and Bar-toloméo. St. Barth’s signatures include fresh-caught mahi mahi and wahou, prepared with a French twist. Guests here can venture out to explore the shops, restau-rants, and nightlife of the sexiest island in the Caribbean or hide out in their own barefoot chic reserve, with one of the hippest poolside restaurants, among well-heeled travelers sip-ping on white Burgundy and other fabulous libations.
