Saint Barts, for initiates

A French island in the Caribbean, Saint-Barthélemy has succeeded in resisting mass tourism. A corner of paradise for billionaires, this island of 24 sq. metres is home to many luxury boutiques and several prestigious hotels, awarded top-notch ratings for their excellence and 5-star "farniente".

Turquoise water lapping white sand, untamed beaches hiding at the end of footpaths… As soon as you arrive on the runway of the Gustave III airport set on the beach of Saint-Jean, this idyllic scenery unfurls. As part of the coast has been listed as a marine nature reserve, you can find yourself nose-to-nose with sea turtles in the Colombier Cove or discover a colony of pelicans on Le Pain de Sucre, just off Gustavia. Once you have explored this little paradise on earth, it is easy to understand why several of the most exclusive hotel groups, in the wake of a certain Nelson Rockefeller, have opened sumptuous establishments, highly-prized by the jet-set and other members of the Happy Few. Each winter, they meet up for festivities at the water's edge or aboard splendid yachts which drop anchor here at this time of the year.

Good addresses :

L’isola

Ranked each year on the Condé Nast Traveler's "Gold List", Eden Rock, a member of "Relais & Châteaux", overlooks a sumptuous coral reef. It proposes 34 rooms and suites, as well as ultra-luxurious villas giving direct access to the Saint-Jean beach. www.edenrockhotel.com

With its colourful cottages scattered at the heart of an estate of over 15 acres featuring bougainvillier, hibiscus and a grove of coconut trees, the Hotel Guanahani & Spa is ideally located between ocean and lagoon in the north-eastern part of the island. It is also renowned for the quality of its restaurants and sublime Clarins spa. www.leguanahani.com

Le Sereno is an intimate address offering 36 suites and 3 spacious villas right on the beach. Well-known Parisian designer Christian Liaigre has endowed it with the perfect elegance which characterizes this luxury sanctuary. www.lesereno.com

Every night, an "Italian chic" ambiance reigns supreme in the restaurant L'Isola which proposes the finest recipes from trans-Alpine cuisine in ultra-refined version. No way can one resist the spaghetti with lobster ! www.lisolastbarth.com

Bonito

Delicious and delightful, with a superb view of Gustavia harbour, Bonito offers generous land-and-sea cuisine with a selection of "céviches" featuring the catch of the day. www.ilovebonito.com

La Plage

The main attraction of La Plage is the view. In a peaceful setting and with your feet in the sand, you will dine on delectable cuisine blending French influences with a touch of South American inspiration.