Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa

St. Barts is known as a jet-set haven, but Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa is the definition of quiet luxury. Designed to embrace its natural surroundings, the hotel’s 44 rooms and two private villas are discreetly tucked on one of the island’s finest stretches of sand, on the eastern edge of Grand Cul-de-Sac. The sister property to Champagne stunner Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa, Le Barthélemy beautifully blends French sophistication with the Caribbean’s characteristic laid-back culture, while giving back to the island through sustainable initiatives and activities like coral restoration and zero-waste cooking classes.Bookended by a bay and beach, interior designer Sybille de Margerie (also behind Mandarin Oriental, Paris and Cheval Blanc Courchevel) infused the philosophy of French minimalism (a color palette of coastal shades and mix of wood tones throughout) while not overpowering the true highlight of the rooms — ocean views. Terraces put you steps away from the white-sand shore and crystal-clear turquoise water, punctuated only by a few boats bobbing in the distance.