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text by  BRITTANY S. CHEVALIER photography by  MICHAEL LUCAS

Leave your galoshes and worries at home this winter and head to one of the most posh (yet unassuming) islands in the Caribbean.

L’ESPRIT

WHERE TO STAY

le guanahani GRAND CUL-DE-SAC, 800-216-3774 leguanahani.com Situated on a private peninsula between the Marigot Bay and Grand Cul-de-Sac beaches, this picturesque resort boasts 18 acres of captivating Creole-style cottages, two swimming pools, and four gourmet eateries. Once you set foot on Guanahani’s magnificent property, you won’t ever want to leave.

hotel le village de st. jean COLLINE DE ST. JEAN, 800-651-8366 villagestjeanhotel.com At the Hotel Le Village de St. Jean, the exquisite poolside view is reason enough to stay at this moderately priced gem! Just minutes away from the island’s airport and most popular beaches, this luxurious mountainside hideaway comes complete with an expansive vista and cool, laid-back vibes.

VILLAGE DE ST. JEAN

WHERE TO EAT

tamarin ROUTE DE SALINE, +590-590-29-27-74 tamarinstbarth.com This serene dining favorite near Saline 3 Beach got its name from the impressive tamarind tree situated in the middle of lush botanical surroundings. Famous 4 for its Sunday brunch, Tamarin also provides impeccable service, a peaceful ambiance, and unfussy, delicious food.

o’corail PLAGE DE GRAND CUL-DE-SAC, +590-590- 29-33-27 st-barths.com/ocorail A relaxing shack-style spot on the shores of Grand Cul-de-Sac Beach, O’Corail serves up a traditional menu of Creole-inspired dishes, featuring fresh seafood and artisanal rum cocktails (infused on the premises!). Wander up for a beachside lunch accompanied by cooling ocean breezes.

FRESH FISH SKEWERS AT O’CORAIL

restaurant le santa fé ROUTE DE LURIN, +590-590-27-61-04 Recognized as the oldest restaurant on the island, Le Santa Fé is a favorite spot of locals and annual visitors alike. Whether you’re craving mahi-mahi brochettes or Provençal-style lamb 5 chops, you cannot go wrong with this traditional French eatery. It doesn’t hurt that the service is exceptional and the patio overlooking Gouverneur Beach is positively breathtaking.

eddy’s RUE SAMUEL FAHLBERG, GUSTAVIA, +590-590-27-54-17 Meander and disappear into Eddy’s garden sanctuary right in the heart of Gustavia. This original French-Asian- Creole fusion hot spot is ideal for vacationers with a refined palette for flavorful food. Dive into the savory lentil salad and tender seafood entrées while enjoying the open-air and casually chic setting.

RESTAURANT LE SANTA FÉ 

le grain de sel ROUTE DE SALINE, +590-590-52-46-05 Just steps from Saline Beach, domino’s favorite St. Barths restaurant offers an inventive variety of Caribbean-inspired specialties prepared by chef Eddy Coquin. Place your order for the chicken sautéed in creamy coconut sauce and the mouthwatering chocolate cake à la mode.

l’esprit NSE DE GRANDE SALINE, +590-590-52-46-10 A divine alfresco culinary experience well worth the drive, l’esprit is known for traditional French fare and friendly service. This eatery’s savory menu, featuring delights such as beef tenderloin and foie gras with mango, has been a favored choice for the past 20 years.

COLORFUL LE GUANAHANI DETAIL

ENTRANCE OF LE GUANAHANI

SUNSET OVER THE OCEAN

SITES & ATTRACTION

Sanse de grand fond beach ANSE DE TOINY If you’ve traveled to St. Barths with outdoor activity in mind, this is your spot—a rocky terrain located on the southeast side of the island. Get active with a hike along the eastern trail to reach an incredible view of the island’s natural tidal pools.

shell beach GUSTAVIA A small bathing oasis within walking distance of Gustavia’s central shopping district, this hangout is also known as Anse de Grands Galets and offers views of Lurin’s steep cliffs. As its name implies, Shell Beach is a superb spot for collecting shells, rocks, and other natural souvenirs. Be sure to stop at beachside restaurant Do Brazil for a glass (or two) of rosé and grilled tuna steak.

ROADSIDE NEAR ANSE DE GRAND FOND BEACH

saline beach ANSE DE GRANDE SALINE The perfect option for those looking to abandon civilization: trappings such as restaurants and clothing vendors are left behind on this dreamy stretch of walkable sand nestled directly between Gouverneur and Grand Fond beaches.

flamands beach ANSE DES FLAMANDS This picture-perfect stretch of white sand on the north side of the island is a swimming and family-friendly beach. Noticeably less busy than classic beaches like St. Jean, Flamands still features the convenience of multiple eateries and hotels.

A MOKE, THE ISLAND’S SIGNATURE VEHICLE

clarins spa (at le guanahani hotel) GRAND CUL-DE-SAC, 800-216-3774; leguanahani.com Opened in 2004, Le Guanahani’s sumptuous spa provides the best in beauty and massage options with products and techniques created exclusively by the celebrated French skin-care brand Clarins. Featuring an adults-only swimming pool and private relaxation areas, it is the quintessential place to unwind and decompress on your island getaway.

BEACHSIDE

FRENCH INDIES DESIGN

WHERE TO SHOP

vanita rosa RUE OSCAR II, GUSTAVIA, +590-590-52-43-25; vanitarosa.com The bright, bubbly pink exterior will lure you into this stylish boutique located on Gustavia’s happening Rue Oscar II. It’s a favorite stop for elegant, fashion-forward women searching for comfortable resort wear.

donale RUE OSCAR II, GUSTAVIA, +590-590-29-22-65 A not-to-be-missed stop and recent addition to the island, Donale has an ethereal vibe inspired by the owner’s love of rustic accessories and handmade threads.

BIJOUX DE LA MER

french indies design RUE JEANNE D’ARC, GUSTAVIA, +590-590- 519-519; frenchindiesdesign.com Housed in a classic St. Barths mansion known as Le Brigantin, French Indies Design is the foremost destination for modern, island-inspired interiors. Under the direction of Karine Bruneel, designer of the Tamarin restaurant’s interiors, the shop offers a selection of modern decor and accessories made in the authentic couture tradition.

poupette RUE DE LA RÉPUBLIQUE, GUSTAVIA, +590-590-27-94-49 poupettestbarth.com Offering designer bathing suits, sarongs, and popular ladies’ silk boxer shorts, Poupette is synonymous with colorful, laid- back clothing and accessories skillfully constructed with materials and prints inspired by the island’s natural surroundings.

RUE DU GÉNÉRAL DE GAULLE

les artisans RUE DU GÉNÉRAL DE GAULLE, GUSTAVIA, +590-590-27-50-40 tamarinstbarth.com Located in new digs, this dual space functions as both an art gallery and a jewelry store. With many pieces designed by owners Albert Yaphet and Jo-Anne Quetel as well as local artists, the array of reasonably priced jewelry for women and men will satisfy all souvenir seekers.

bijoux de la mer RUE DE LA RÉPUBLIQUE, GUSTAVIA, +590-590-52-37-68 bijouxdelamersbh.com This family-owned business set in a quaint island bungalow provides the finest and most delicate creations composed of Australian and black Tahitian pearls.

THE PORT OF GUSTAVIA