Yahoo News Life after Irma: St. Barth’s is open for business less than a year after the devastating hurricane
On September 6, 2017 Hurricane Irma made land in the Caribbean.
In its path, the most powerful Atlantic Ocean storm in recorded history destroyed Nevis Island, Anguila and St. Barth’s (the abbreviated name for Saint Barthélemy) amongst others.
The damage to St. Barth’s was catastrophic. Winds with speeds of up to 180mph lashed across the island, tearing roofs off buildings, sucking water out of pools and bringing widespread power failure and flooding.
However, St. Barth’s showed incredible resilience. Within a day the airport was back up and running, bringing in food and supplies for those stranded on the island and re-building began straight away.
Now in its summer season, the beautiful French overseas collectivity – home to just 10,000 people and around 13 square miles in size – is beginning to reopen.
Several hotel owners, restaurant managers and flight charter companies are ready to welcome holidaymakers back to the island famous for its 17 white sand beaches.
November through June is the best time to visit as the summer months can be particularly hot. Below are the best hotels to book for a very luxury vacay.
1. Le Sereno
Le Sereno comprises of 36 suites and three four-bedroom villas, each exquisitely designed. Re-opening in November, Le Sereno stretches along the beach at Grand Cul de Sac with all rooms looking out over the turquoise waters.
Avaialable to book now. From £700 per night.
serenohotels.com/property/le-sereno/
2. Villa Marie Saint Barth
You’ll find this stunning property above the hills of the Bay of Flamands. Colombier beach – inaccessible by car – is just a short walk away but the interiors of the hotel are truly spectacular.
Founder Jocelyne Sibuet travelled across the world to find intricate pieces to adorn each of the 18 bungalows with. These bungalows are surrounded by tropical gardens that create an atmosphere of pure bliss.
Available to book now. From £350 per night.
3. Le Toiny
Located in a 42 acre palm grove bordered by Toiny beach, Le Toiny is a luxury boutique hotel with just 14 suites. All rooms have private heated pools and offer stunning views over the Sea. The hotel will re-open from October 15, 2018.
Available to book now. From £568 per night.
4. Le Guanahani
Re-opening in late 2018, Le Guanahani is the epitome of island luxury. Spread over 18 secluded acres of tropical paradise, this hotel has its very own peninsula.
Looking over sweeping beaches and reef-protected lagoons, the hotel is home to 30 rooms, 27 suites and 10 signature suites – perfect for every budget. You’ll never need to leave the resort as it has three restaurants, two pools and a restorative spa – along with a water sports suite, fitness centre and tennis courts.
While you can’t currently book, check their website for end of year dates.
5. Eden Rock
The original luxury hotel in St. Bath’s, Eden Rock - owned by Pippa Middleton's in-laws - will also be reopening in late 2018. With a spectacular location in St Jean Bay, it has been welcoming guests with its stylish hospitality since Caribbean aviator and adventurer Rémy de Haenen first opened the doors back in the 1950s.
Stay in one of the 34 guestrooms and villas, all individually styled. The hotel itself is located on a rocky promontory and surrounded by white sand beaches, clear blue sea and a coral reef full of sea life.
You can’t currently book but check back with their website to book end of year dates
oetkercollection.com/destinations/eden-rock-st-barths
6. Cheval Blanc
The luxurious Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France will be reopening in December with a new design by Jacques Grange including 19 new rooms and suites. The world-renowned landscape designer Madison Cox has also curated the luscious tropical gardens located on site.
Cheval Blanc is the epitome of Caribbean luxury, perched on a hillside overlooking the sea with breathtaking views of the Baie des Flamands. The hotel will now also come with a kid's club - filled with games and activities - so the kids can play while parents relax and soak up the magic of St. Barth's.
