After a year of stopping and starting, chopping and changing, travel in many countries is beginning to find the middle ground. What many travellers could do with right now is a good dose of high-end Caribbean luxury, and this is now back on the agenda with the Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf in St Barth announcing it will be reopening its doors for a second season.
For many people, the past year would seemingly have passed in a blur. In fact, unlike many of the years in recent memory, we’re quite sure that most people reading this would struggle to remember what they were doing only six months ago! A good example of how time has flown is the Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf St Barth which is already celebrating its first anniversary.
Even with a nasty virus sweeping across the world, the 5-star Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf was still able to cement a place as one of the Caribbean’s most sought after luxury destinations.
Although it was closed for a few weeks, the Le Carl Gustaf will be reopening its doors on the 21st of October for a second season. This new season will undoubtedly confirm the promising debut and popularity that Barrière’s newest property already enjoys with its “premium” clientele in this tiny corner of paradise.
The property is set upon a hill above the port of Gustavia (the capital of St Barths), which is a pristine natural paradise and the jewel of the Antilles. The Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf benefits from incredible views over some of the Caribbean’s most spectacular bays and its astonishing natural beauty.
The Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf’s stunning natural surroundings isn’t the only slice of beauty here, as this historic St Barths property has been completely remodelled by Barrière and boasts glittering decor and facilities and service of the very highest level.
Highest level? You might be thinking that those are rather bold words. You’re right; they are bold words, so allow us to provide some examples, and then you’ll understand why we chose them.
Throughout their stay in the Villa Diane, guests will have the pleasure of the villa’s very own butler. He is a highly experienced and attentive “majordomo” who’ll makes it a point of honour to ensure that guests’ needs are anticipated and met to the full. If you decide you’d like an impromptu picnic on a quiet beach, it will be done, as can a catamaran trip, a relaxed trek across the island to discover its secret treasure – Petit Cul de Sac that boasts a pristine natural pool as exquisite as a sapphire, which has been hewn out of the rock.
Surely there must be a drawback?
There is! This amazing luxury paradise can only welcome a few dozen guests at a time! Le Carl Gustaf has only twenty-one bungalows and suites along with one luxurious villa featuring five spacious bedrooms.
Each of these veritable havens of tranquillity has a private terrace with a view – an exquisite setting to share with your partner, family or friends, all of whom will appreciate the decor created by renowned interior designers Gilles & Boissier. The latter has managed to create a simple yet welcoming atmosphere that combines a tropical spirit and a hint of the French Riviera thanks to the use of precious woods and bright yet soothing fabrics – a timeless elegance with a modern feel!
A myriad of pleasures
At the very heart of the Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf, you’ll find another bedrock of French-style art de Vivre, Le Fouquet’s Saint-Barth, which is very much in keeping with its original namesake – the famous and chic brasserie on the Champs Élysées. This Caribbean outpost and its menu benefit from the outstanding talents of a mentor emeritus – no other than Pierre Gagnaire, whose peers once awarded him the title of World’s Best Chef.
This talented chef invites guests on a journey of discovery, a unique cruise that leads gourmet enthusiasts across the world’s oceans. His macaroni with melanosporum truffles is infused with the scents of the Italian Riviera, while his fricassée of lambi (conch) with ginger and a miso bouillon and tataki of red tuna with Koh Taen vegetables takes us on a culinary voyage to the Sea of Japan. Similarly, his carpaccio of wahoo, a fish that others refer to as the “black thazard” or the “black banana”, and the simply baked mahi-mahi, served on a bed of lime, are imbued with the flavours of the Caribbean.
And there’s more! The Hôtel Barrière Carl Gustaf boasts a second gourmet venue to tempt and excite guests. It is located alongside the sun-loungers and parasols on the hotel’s private beach on Shell Beach, an exquisite cove fringed with pink sand and lapped by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, which has lent its name to the restaurant, the Shellona.
Chef Yiannis Kioroglou has turned this waterfront eatery into an absolute must for every VIP passing through the island. Nobody can resist its party atmosphere, its idyllic setting and its colourful, sun-blessed cuisine that combines inspiration from both the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
Beauty, relaxation and pampering
Alongside its gastronomic pleasures, Le Carl Gustaf also offers its guests an experience of true wellbeing – a sensation that is immediately evident as you glide through the doors of its temple of beauty and relaxation: the Diane Barrière Spa.
Taking full advantage of the expertise of the Biologique Recherche brand, a leading name in the world of cosmetics, its team will soothe, re-energise and re-invigorate you with its top-of-the-range treatments, ranging from multi-sensory stimulation and personalised holistic therapies to tailored massages. Allow yourself to let go, rediscover yourself and fully recharge for the benefit of both body and soul!
Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf – Where and how?
Address: Rue des normands, 97133 Lieu Dit Lurin, Saint-Barth.
Latitude 17°, 53′, 46″, North. Longitude: 62°, 50′, 59″ West.
In addition to the incredible spa treatments, guests can also indulge in aqua biking, yoga and electric bicycles. The Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf can be reached by plane via Saint-Barthelemy-Remy-De-Haenen Airport. For more information and to make a booking, please visit www.hotelsbarriere.com.
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