Welcome Back, CARL

Closed since 2013, the historic landmark hotel, Le Carl Gustaf, has finally reopened its doors just this past November, newly helmed by the esteemed Hotel Barriére Group from Paris. Completely redone and restyled to match the current high-level expectations of the St. Barth client, the hotel sets itself apart as the only luxury five-star hotel located in downtown Gustavia.

A MORE URBAN HIDEAWAY, if you will, the twenty-one room property commands hillside views over Gustavia’s glistening, yacht-filled harbor and provides arguably the best view of the sunset on the island (it’s year-round, to boot). The interiors were designed by Parisian duo, Gilles & Boissier, who have expertly melded tailored with playful in that signature French way, featuring restrained pops of tropical-colored fabrics and yellow stripes against rattan-covered walls, polished wood floors and sleek marble bathrooms, complete with toiletries from our personal favorite, French perfume house, BULY. The guest beds are not only invitingly attractive with fabric-covered headboards but also supremely comfortable with down-filled duvets and a pillow menu. It was tough duty pulling myself from the bed in the morning, though the room’s wide terrace with its lounge chairs, plunge pool and panoramic vista over the island’s red-roofed downtown was an instant reward.

The property’s French Colonial roots are paid further homage in the charming lobby and terrace restaurant with louvered door panels, cane seating, and polished wood floors. The in-house restaurant and bar, Fouquet’s by Pierre Gagnaire (yes, that same Fouquet’s from Paris) has quickly become the spot for sunset cocktails with a master cocktail list overseen by mixologist, herbologist and Cannes legend, Emanuele Balestra. The open-air dining room offers an elegant dining ambiance with sweeping harbor views and a refined French-inspired menu that includes risotto with prawns and beef tartare. Toss aside your no-dessert policy because pastry chef, Ted Chaix, stuns with his gorgeous and inventive concoctions such as chocolate cigars with whisky gelee, miniature cheese cakes and, of course, the signature profiteroles.

If rain—or the desire for pampering should happen—the Spa Diane Barriere, overseen by Biologique Recherche, beckons from its tucked in location under the dining room. It offers the perfect respite with its Remodeling Face treatment, which begins with a multi-faceted skin test that measures the face for hydration and elasticity levels, which then allows the spa to customize facial treatments. The fitness area, alongside the spa, is petite but more than sufficient, while morning yoga is taught in an alcove space with a small interior garden and shafts of sunlight streaming through.

Perhaps the most meaningful physical addition to the previous property though is the partnership with Shellona St. Barth, the Mykonos-inspired Beach Club on neighboring Shell Beach, which allows guests priority access and complimentary beach chairs, and effectively assures an organized beach compliment to the hotel’s in-town location. Yet, what struck me most during my recent stay was the warmth of the service. From barman Luca, who expertly crafted a tequila cocktail just to my liking for my welcome drink (This should be duly-noted, here is a hotel whose welcome drink is one where the guest gets a drink of their choice!) to Olivia at the front desk, who deftly and generously managed my requests for amending restaurant reservations and car rentals. On an island where much is happening and client demands are high, I am certain that Carl Gustaf staff and manner of service is more than prepared.

FOR MORE INFORMATION https://www.hotelsbarriere.com/en/saintbarth/le-carl-gustaf.html