Barrière Le Carl Gustaf Hotel

St Barts

For an island that has had more than its fair share of Swedish and French influence, it shouldn’t be a surprise to find a place as simply chic as the five-star Barrière Le Carl Gustaf on St Barts, part of the French West Indies on the north-eastern edge of the Caribbean. Home to 21 spacious bungalows, villas and apartments, this property is awash with colonial feel, far enough away from the glitz of Gustavia to feel secluded, yet providing stunning views that take in the natural cove of the capital, speckled with luxury yachts intermingled with local fishing boats. The nearest beach is only five minutes’ walk, and the Caribbean is always in your sights at Le Carl Gustaf, thanks to its lofty position. So, whether you’re sipping a bespoke saffron caipiroska or chamomile negroni at the bar, dining on a Pierre Gagnaire-devised menu in one restaurant, or the best of Greek in another, expect an ever-present blue.

Doubles from £758. 00 590 590 297 900, hotelsbarriere.com

Words by Alex Mead.

This review was taken from the Christmas 2021 issue of Food and Travel. To subscribe today, click here.