HÔTEL BARRIÈRE LE CARL GUSTAF ST. BARTS
In a word… Exquisite.
In another word… Gorgeous.
A sun-soaked, shimmering paradise stretches across the horizon as the airplane from St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport banks right and nose-dives in for a soft, runway landing onto the isle of St. Barthelemy. From the 10-minute island hopper flight, a short drive finds you at the welcoming entrance of the 5-star Hotel Barriere Le Carl Gustaf. The heat of the hotel boasts a spectacular sweeping set of stairs leading up to luxurious bungalow suites and grand villas. This ideal, picture-perfect honeymoon destination is a veritable heaven on earth.
Checking In to Le Carl Gustaf in St. Barts
St. Barts, in short, is a French-speaking Caribbean Island that has earned a reputation as a hot spot playground for the rich and famous. If you choose this glamorous isle to celebrate your post-nuptials, it’s likely that several famous faces are there right alongside you. It’s easy to see why: the town, Gustavía, is full of upscale restaurants with a focus on local seafood and luxury boutiques, and beach clubs.
Guests at Le Carl Gustaf are greeted by the staff and led to the Gustaf Bar, where seasoned mixologists blend specialty, curated welcome cocktails featuring organic craft liquors, wines, and champagne. Sit back and indulge as you sip a chilled gin-based, fragrant Basil Smash cocktail paired with a spritz of aromatic botanicals to create an experience that tantalizes the palate and arouses your senses.
An Ideal Honeymoon Destination
Le Carl Gustaf is an ideal honeymoon destination. You can fill your days with relaxation, luxury shopping, fine dining, and days spent lounging at Shell Beach just steps away from your room.
Nestled into the hills overlooking the port, lush greenery, and bougainvillea-filled landscaping flanks each of the serene walkways leading to canary yellow and white, colonial-chic suites creating a blend of chic tropical elegance and simple, relaxed luxury – with open spaces and natural ventilation, it’s the ultimate escape.
The finest amenities are featured in every guest room. From indoor and outdoor marbled tile showers, exquisite ensuite bathtubs, separate lounge areas for reading or relaxing, private patio soaking pools - and best of all, each room whether you are in a junior suite, a deluxe double suite, an exceptional suite, or the stunningly refined 5-bedroom Villa Diana, they each have spectacular terrace views of Port de Gustavia, in all its splendor.
If you find yourself honeymooning here during the month of March, you may stumble upon St. Barths Bucket Regatta, held annually. This invitation-only boat race accepts maxi yachts of 100 feet or more. Sailing enthusiasts all over the world attend this island event, hailed as one of the most impressive nautical competitions ever.
Back at the hotel, leisurely stroll down to Shell Beach where you can explore the thousands of tiny shells scattered amidst white, pristine shores surrounded by sapphire blue waters that glitter like diamonds in the sunlight.
Luxury Experiences in St. Barts
St. Barths is a destination where you can leave your cares behind as you take long walks hand-in-hand along Emerald green ocean waves while watching colorful sailboats drift past in a peaceful dance across tranquil seas. Let go as you are slowly transported into another world where time seems to stand still and worries no longer matter. Slide into Spa Diane Barriere and pamper yourself with luxuriating spa treatments including body massages, personalized holistic treatments, and facials before enjoying a gorgeous sunset excursion aboard the St. Barth Sailor Sunset Catamaran around nearby islands.
Morning offerings at Le Carl Gustaf include aqua biking, Pilates, and yoga classes overlooking breathtaking views of endless turquoise waters stretching out toward distant horizons beyond sight’s reach.
The evening fare invites you to unwind and dine tableside with tempting, romantic dinners at the famous Le Fouquet's Brasserie where you will find a menu crafted by Michelin three-star chef Pierre Gagnaire. This signature restaurant features Caribbean and French Classic dishes featuring local spices and flavors.
Follow your soul-soothing gourmet meal with an evening stroll through the eclectic town streets dotted with vibrant red-roofed, white vacation homes, or walk along the main street with stretches of exclusive stores offering luxury products fit for royalty from Prada, Bulgari, and Dior, to Hermes and Elie Saab - all perfect ingredients for creating lasting memories together that will never fade and last a lifetime.
Whether exploring hidden coves among azure sea depths, basking in the natural sea pools of Grand Fond and Petit-Cul de Sac, sunbathing beneath swaying palms, or simply lying back soaking up starry night skies above – this dreamy honeymoon destination is like a home away from home; not only because it provides plenty of activities but also because it offers the freedom to reconnect after the busy months of endless tasks, deadlines, and planning that went into wedding preparations.
Le Carl Gustaf in St. Barths opens the door for couples to reflect on love and to connect on levels far deeper than words could ever express. No matter the words you choose to describe this heavenly honeymoon destination, this resort is designed with intimate, understated elegance in mind.
Visit hotelsbarriere.com for more information.
>Written By: Veronica Bonazza