Hospitality and Culinary Updates Coming to St. Barts in 2021
St. Barts, the Caribbean’s leading luxury destination, is flush with a host of updates, improvements and new openings in both the hospitality and culinary sectors. Highlighted by the reopening of Le Guanahani, Rosewood’s latest property, the island has not skipped a beat on new offerings that will further enhance its reputation as one of the favored locations for the jet-set crowd.
As of Feb. 3, the French Government has enacted new preventive measures against COVID-19 “variants” to all overseas territories which entails the temporary closing of the borders to all visitors (St. Bart residents, regardless of their nationality ,not included). But if you don’t already live in paradise…That may mean little to you. Although international travel may be out of reach for the time being, St. Barts is a considerable destination for travelers planning a future respite. While St. Barts authorities negotiate an alternate solution, it is still possible to dream of a St. Barts vacation. The island easily accommodates the growing demand for private, socially distanced vacations. Future visitors to St. Barts should take comfort in the island’s protective measures and can look forward to an itinerary featuring new and improved hospitality experiences.
Hotels:
Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth – Ideally situated on a private 18-acre peninsula overlooking Marigot Bay and Grand Cul-de-Sac, Le Guanahani will reopens its doors under the Rosewood brand. Upon reopening, the fabled resort, which first opened in 1986, will offer 66 guestrooms, suites and villas featuring vibrant design elements that embrace the property’s unique Caribbean allure.
Then there is Hotel Manapany – The exquisite eco-lodge of St. Barts is known for its spacious private villas and suites that perfectly fuse nature with luxury. Visiting the hotel’s open-air, seaside restaurant and bar is an experience itself, celebrating culinary artistry. New for this season, the restaurant will host Fire Camp evenings on the last Friday of each month. Also, the Manapany welcomes its own surf instructor and surf school to its beach. If you are a beginner surfer, this tropical isle is not too shabby to take a few lessons on.
Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf – The intimate and thoughtfully designed hotel made its highly anticipated debut fall 2020. Featuring an array of suite, loft and villa-style accommodations, each equipped with its own terrace and private plunge pool, this hotel offers an unparalleled lavish island experience. Beyond the ultra-luxe quarters, the retreat captures the natural spirit of St. Barts through European and island styles and via its Michelin-starred Caribbean and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
Let us not forget Hotel Christopher –This 5-star hotel offers an intimate setting with astonishing views of the crystal-clear waters and neighboring islands. Hotel Christopher blurs the boundaries between inside and out with modern spaces integrated with nature, featuring large decks and private pools. The Christopher has reopened with the addition of three new four-bedroom villas and the new, sustainably-sourced Christo restaurant and a Sisley Spa with open-air rooms looking out on the water. Sounds like everything we need in the way of the new luxury being space.
Once you are out and about, dining will be top of mind so here are some gems on the island.
Fouquet’s Saint-Barth – In the newly opened Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf this new restaurant, already famously known in France, features a menu by three-Michelin starred chef Pierre Gagnaire which revisits the great classics of the Caribbean, scented with spices and local flavors, and boasts a unique panoramic view of Gustavia overlooking the Marina.
Gyp Sea St Barths – Located on St. Jean beach, within the all-new “Bohemian Beach Club,” this beachfront restaurant has a barbeque-centered menu with favorites on the menu such as grilled avocado salad, Jamaican-style jerk chicken, freshly-caught fish and rock lobsters on the grill, smoked rib of beef, burnt vegetables with za’atar spices, aioli and lemon confit.
La Petite Plage – Located on the port of Gustavia, this restaurant features a menu signed by the highly decorated chef Eric Frechon, annually chosen as one of France’s best chefs. Its menu conjures up innovatively fresh summer Mediterranean dishes with a splash of the Caribbean with local and seasonal products. The simple yet elegant décor features wood furniture complimented with crisp white cushions, tabletop candles and stylish glassware.
Arawak Café – Located in Gustavia, this open-air café touts a boho-cool vibe with teak furniture and an event hammock where guests can relax and take in the fresh air. Offering a selection of tropical cocktails, salads and snacks for dine-in and pick up.
Kinugawa – The first French West Indies location for restaurant group Blackcode, this elegant and warm interior features Japanese gastronomy with French art de vivre. Menu offerings include both cold and hot starters, salads, sushi, fish and meat mains and a selection of desserts.
The Sin Garden – The ultimate pastry experience, recently opened by Marine Urbain and Djordje Varda who have combined their passions for dessert and art. The Sin Garden brings an entirely new perspective to gastronomy as it demonstrates her professional experience and outstanding skills through masterful desserts.
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Restaurant – From legendary French chef Joël Robuchon, who received more Michelin stars than any chef in the world, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon is a new restaurant space that spans nearly 9,149 square feet and multiple levels. Opening in May 2021 and overlooking the port of Gustavia, L’atelier de Joël Robuchon will house an open-counter restaurant (50 seats), a pastry shop, a tearoom as well as the bakery and an on-site caterer. The first floor will feature a restaurant, open from breakfast to dinner, with 50 table seats and 10 seats at the bar and a large terrace providing panoramic ocean view over the Gustavia Harbor. L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon will also provide a catering and delivery service for the villas and the boats.
The health and safety of residents and guests remains the destination’s number one priority. Please check entry requirements and travel regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
