FRENCH WEST INDIES IN A NUTSHELL
We have selected three very special resorts, two on St Barths and one on the French side of St Martin.
St Barths in a nutshell | Foodies should look no further! The decidedly stylish but seriously laid-back St Barths is stunningly pretty with, in our view, much of the best of France in an idyllic tropical setting with glorious beaches. It's all about food really - an oven-warm brioche and café au lait in the morning, grilled fish or a pizza perhaps with your toes in the sand for lunch, freshly flownin foie gras and lobster for dinner amongst the rich and famous! Virtually everywhere, there's minimal formality and maximum style. As you might tell, those of us who have been there love St Barths!
St Martin in a nutshell | The French part of St Martin, which is less developed than the Dutch (Saint Maarten), has wonderful beaches and many excellent restaurants with a distinctly cosmopolitan atmosphere - if you want to combine some stylish nightlife with your beachcombing and some good duty-free shopping, St Martin is a superb choice. It's not as scenically attractive as St Barths but has its own distinct atmosphere.
CARIBTOURS' PERSONAL VIEW
When she could drag herself away from the sublime restaurants, Gemma was especially struck by the sense of personal safety and well-being in St Barths – and we all rate the boutiques in Gustavia in particular! Gemma also enjoyed a visit to the market in Marigot, St Martin and also visited the Dutch side "It's more lively with casinos, nightclubs and so forth but you feel a million miles away from it in the seclusion of La Samanna".
DID YOU KNOW...?
Did You Know...? The inhabitants of St Barths originate from Brittany.
Situated on Anse des Flamands, one of St Barths’ most beautiful beaches, this delightful 30 room hotel offers guests a relaxed blend of French style and Caribbean charm.
We still rate Isle de France as one of the most stylish hotels in the Caribbean.
The restaurant here is renowned for its excellent cuisine – several of us have stayed there recently and were especially impressed by the superb food and impeccable yet informal service.
Charles Walker and his wife Laurence are the most charming hosts, quietly ensuring that guests receive the very best service in stylish surroundings.
The Molton Brown spa is a welcome recent addition.
LOCATION
Set above the Anse des Flamands beach on St Barths with some accommodation across a small road in lush tropical gardens; 10 minutes from Gustavia, the capital and the airport.
SPECIAL INFORMATION
Hotel closed 1 September - 15 October.
Facilities
La Case de L’Isle Restaurant, cocktail bar, 2 pools, tennis court, fitness centre, limited watersports, snorkelling and deep sea fishing.
The hotel recently opened a new Molton Brown Spa.
Hotel is suitable for
Children
Honeymooners
Extra features
Contemporary/chic
Available Activities
Spa
Eating out
Accommodation
30 spacious guest rooms with air-conditioning, CD and DVD players, TV, coffee makers, Molton Brown amenities in the sumptuous bathrooms and a balcony or terrace.
Décor is individual to each room but is uniformly exquisite with gorgeous fabrics and linens.
The Tropical Garden Rooms are located near the tennis courts and have views over the gardens; Tropical Garden Suites have a separate living room; the larger Tropical Garden Bungalows are ideal for families.
Beach Rooms have a terrace with views of the swimming pool and of the ocean; Beach Junior Suites are larger with a living area.
The most recent addition is the two bedroom Fisherman’s Cottage with an enclosed courtyard and a two bedroom Beach Suite.
|
Isle De France
