Located on the glamorous island of St Barths – just eight square miles wide, with year-round sunshine and paradisiac beaches – is beautifully bohemian Villa Marie Saint-Barth. St Barths remains one of the world’s most sought-after holiday destinations – just eight square miles and with year-round sunshine, authentic French charm and unspoiled beaches glowing with breezy shades of blue, reflecting the azure waters that surround the island. From paddling and snorkeling to morning yoga classes for early risers, there is plenty to do for guests of all ages.
The hotel is family owned-and-run by Maisons et Hôtels Sibuet and is the group’s first property outside of mainland France. Villa Marie Saint-Barth is situated on the iconic Bay of St Jean and looks out over the famous Colombier beach, an undisturbed stretch of pristine shore at the far end of Pelican beach, where lush vegetation frames white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters are just steps from the shoreline. The famous Colombier Beach is located just beyond a rocky hill and is only accessible by boat or foot. It is not as simple to get to as other beaches on the island for non-hotel guests and access involves a 30-minute hike across a narrow, forested path surrounded by indigenous wildlife such as tortoises and mountain goats. This narrow access means the beach is mostly empty and known as the island’s most picturesque stretch of sand – the perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling or just relaxing on the white sands looking out to the glistening Caribbean Sea.
With 21 cottages and suites, the hotel is named after the label’s much-loved property of the same name in St Tropez. Suites at Villa Marie offer guests a secluded and stylish retreat with breath-taking views overlooking the tropical gardens and out to the heavenly beach, particularly the Master Villas. The villas comprise of two double bedrooms, an indoor lounge and en-suite bathrooms, along with bohemian styled interiors. This unique style is complemented with brightly patterned cushions, white wicker chairs, handmade Indonesian seashell mirrors, an elegant roll-top bathtub and artisanal furnishings. The relaxing design of the rooms is in keeping with the tropical surroundings and enhanced by objects d’art.
The Sibuet family has recently enhanced its strong culinary offering with a brand-new Italian restaurant, Dolce Vita. The new dining concept embodies the Caribbean charm iconic to Villa Marie paired with a chic Sicilian flair in tones of bright yellow – bringing a vibrant slice of Italy to the island. This new venue boasts a romantic atmosphere matched with a relaxed dining experience to encourage guests to relish in the sounds of Italian music in a relaxed setting. The menu includes culinary classics such as Spaghetti alle Vongole, Escalope with Lemon, and Cacio e Pepe theatrically flambéed in a parmesan wheel. To match the “dolce” with the “vita,” delectable Italian classics such as Tiramisu and Vanilla Pana Cotta with a citrus marmalade are deserts not to miss.
Villa Marie Saint-Barth also includes Gyp Sea Beach Club – a few minutes from the hotel, on Pelican beach and the ultimate hotspot to dine, drink and soak up the sun. The restaurant, bar and beach club is designed with Villa Marie’s effortlessly chic, bohemian flair in mind – cementing the hotel as one of the must visit destinations on this paradise island. The venue features comfortable wooden sofas and stylish sun loungers to while away in the sunshine with casual culinary offerings such as the beach side barbeque featuring the likes of organic poultry, catch-of-the-day lobster, smoked rib of beef, and a Caribbean classic, pineapple roasted in rum. From starter through to dessert, almost everything is done on the barbecue – whether it be roasted, smoked, grilled and braised, the culinary team have embodied the authentic, rustic Caribbean cooking technique resulting in incredible dishes. Starters include Caribbean salt cod fritters, Crab cake, Gyp Sea’s tartinade with Tzatziki, sea urchin tarama and pea hummus, while mains include linguine with fresh lobster, organic roasted chicken with Caribbean spices and smoked sweet potatoes with a habanero spiced jus. The rum bar is the ultimate spot to enjoy lunch or cocktails with rare and unique rums, the finest of cigars and daily, fresh fruit juices. The Gyp Sea Boutique also features the most beautiful brands and authentic, unforgettable gifts from this slide of paradise. Why not finish off the day with an exceptional hot shell massage to soothe and relieve muscles among beachy surrounds?
Rates at Villa Marie Saint-Barth start from €550 (currently approx. $552) B&B, for two guests. For more information, visit en.saint-barth.villamarie.fr/
