What it is

An artful 21-room gem where every room overlooks the Caribbean sea, with a Francophile-worthy restaurant and airy bar.

What it isn't

Hungry. The red roofed boutique hotel is also home to a waterside Greek restaurant on Shell Beach, Shellona, helmed by Athens-born chef Yiannis Kioroglou. Trust us: order the fish carpaccio with caviar.

What we think

It’s no wonder St. Barths is a billionaire’s playground. There’s something extra alluring about the sea here—it’s eternally glass clear, yet turquoise as the sky. Settled like a bullfinch bird atop its hill, Le Carl Gustaf is within walking distance of Gustavia, the main town on this ten-mile isle, and the powdery sands of Shell Beach. But if you prefer to just hole up in your room, we won’t blame you: even the “starter” category is nothing short of exquisite, with a 413-square-foot private terrace overlooking the water below and an ultra glam, 538-square-foot interior serenely outfitted in cloud whites and rattan blondes. For the full Beyonce experience, book five room Villa Diane—with 4,300-square-feet to roam, a circular infinity plunge pool that seems to blend in with Gustavia’s harbor below, and a private terrace attached to every room.

You're here because

The intimate hotel has made room for a yoga studio and a spa where there is no menu; treatments are tailored to you and your specific needs. (Bonus: they use Biologique Recherche products).

The Moment

There’s only one thing better than cocktail hour—and that’s cocktail hour in St. Barths. Chamomile-infused negronis? Check. Sage margaritas? Check. You order a hibiscus cosmo and sprawl out on the terrace to watch the sun set. #Heaven.

Restaurants & Bars

Fouquet's St Barths - open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this brasserie invites itself to the Caribbean revisiting the great classics offering a menu of dishes scented with spices and local flavors

Shellona - offers Mediterranean and Caribbean-inspired dishes of the day by Greek chef Yiannis Kioroglou located on Shell Beach

Location

Tucked in the hillsides above Gustavia, just an eight block walk along the harbor to Louis Vuitton and all the other megawatt French boutiques. Insider tip: American Gourmet grocery market is the place to stop for a picnic lunch (with French cheeses aplenty) at ordinary mainland prices.