Enjoying the secluded beaches of Saint-Bart's, in the French West Indies

Saint-Barthélémy, aka Saint-Bart's, is slowly recovering from the destruction of hurricane Irma one year ago. The deluxe boutiques and hotels of this paradise island in the French West Indies are reopening their doors. Between Guadeloupe and Saint-Martin, the blue lagoons of this confetti, discovered by Christopher Columbus, are finally ready to welcome stars and yachts once again.

Saint-Bart's, the gem of the Carribean

In this patchwork of tropical landscapes, no large carriers from the other side of the Atlantic, the single landing strip finishes on the beach and Gustavia, the capital, is to be discovered behind the wheel of a mini-moke. The architecture of the Creole inhabitations with red roofs, scattered along the hills, has preserved all its charm, and the gardens gently rock dreams of escapade to the tune of biguines and fragrances of vanilla and spices.

At nightfall, yachts and sailboats come to moor in the Gustavia harbor. © SBT

For those seeking tranquility, the beach of Salines is a perfect choice. © SBT

Beaches and sequins

Throw yourself in the water, the shores, where nautical leisures are endless, totally play the seduction game. Far from the must-go rendezvous of the Plage des Flamands beach, sometimes a little overanimated, the small coves of Baie de Saint-Jean, Anse des Cayes, Colombier, Corossol, Salines, Gouverneur and Grand Fond are often quite deserted while the Caribbean sea is deliciously warm…

After a short hike, it's not rare to discover small deserted coves where you will be alone in the world. © SBT

Staying there

At the Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France hotel. Implanted on the island, the LVMH group displays the codes of contemporary luxury in its ultra premium villas. www.chevalblanc.com/stbarthisledefrance/ 

Private villa, private pool, private beach, private majordomo, service is a second nature in the Cheval Blanc establishments. © DR