Le Sereno Hotel

Le Sereno is a minimalist gem that often draws celebrities (like Jessica Simpson) and other well-heeled couples to its private suites and four-bedroom villas tucked in a coastal hillside on St Barth’s. The hotel's flawless design utilizes a wealth of natural materials and is the brainchild of French designer Christian Liaigre, considered one of the top contemporary designers in the world. With wooden boardwalks passing through sand, palm trees, and tropical shrubs, white low-rise buildings with eye-catching red accents are juxtaposed against rustic thatched structures, like the one housing the hotel's restaurant -- a chic, open-air venue with gorgeous hardwood floors and a beamed ceiling. The vibe throughout is fittingly serene and quiet, with guests often lounging poolside or kayaking the shallow cove on which the hotel sits.

Le Sereno is seated atop the hillsides facing the Gran Cul de Sac cove, on the eastern end of St. Barth's. It takes about 15 minutes by car to get to bustling Gustavia, which has ferry access to neighboring islands as well as a number of activities, beaches, and restaurants. Otherwise there are a few restaurants within walking distance, like Bartholomeo, three minutes away on foot. Pasha, a local grocery store, is within a four-minute walk of the hotel. There are plenty of popular beaches within a five- to 10-minute drive, and Nikki Beach is about eight minutes away by car. The island's airport is a ten-minute drive west, with service available to neighboring islands.

The hotel’s naturally chic aesthetic is expressed beautifully in the hotel’s 36 suites and 3 villas: billowy white lace canopies are draped over dark wooden bedposts that look hand-carved by master woodcutters in most rooms. High ceilings, lots of natural light, and spartan decor add to the rustic appeal, which is complemented by warm hardwood floors and immaculate white walls. All rooms include iPods and docking stations, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, large closets, robes, slippers, and minibars, and all have private terraces. Luxurious villas are also available. These are essentially houses, with full kitchens, comfy living rooms with contemporary couches and bookshelves, and features like private gardens or personal pools. Most have ocean or garden views. The bathrooms are spacious and well-lit, with floor-to-ceiling mirrors, soaking tubs, separate showers, and a Caribbean-meets-urban-chic style (think glazed concrete next to hardwood). The only drawback is that some showers are only semi-private in relation to the rest of the bathroom and aren't fully enclosed. Water pressure is excellent and bathrooms come with Ex Voto Paris bath products.

The beach at Gran Cul de Sac spans 600 feet of unofficially private sand that's part of a protected area for nesting sea turtles. The water remains shallow and calm, though seaweed-like flora darken the otherwise crystal turquoise waters that lap at the island’s prettier beaches. Paddleboards and kayaks are free for guests, and jet-ski and kite-surfing equipment is available for rental on the beach.A small private pool and sundeck sit next to the beach, as well as the seafood-focused Le Sereno Restaurant, where the sophisticated lunches and dinners come at a hefty price tag. Breakfast is included in the room rate and is a straightforward selection of breads, juices, made-to-order eggs, and fruits per request.The Spa La Serene provides massage and spa treatments in ocean-facing rooms that are discretely tucked away on one corner of the property -- guests also have the option of private in-room services. The fitness center is small but features up-to-date equipment and personal trainers are available on request for specialized workouts. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and free airport transfers are available.