Luxury and St Barts

Barrière is continuing to develop its hotel network, in so doing cementing its place among the leading French players in the luxury tourism sector. And having only just opened the doors of the Hôtel Barrière Les Neiges Courchevel, the group led by Dominique Desseigne is already preparing its next big venture in St Barts, the pearl of the French Caribbean.

It is here that the group has decided to expand its network through the renovation of one of the island’s emblematic hotels, the Carl Gustaf, which closed its doors in 2013. After two years of studies and construction work, it will reopen at the end of 2017 more surprising and elegant than ever before following a complete renovation orchestrated by Gilles & Boissier, trusted figures on the Parisian interior design scene whose previous projects have included the Four Seasons in Montreal and Mexico, the Mandarin Oriental in Marrakech and the Ritz Carlton in New York. These two architects were keen to incorporate local culture into their design in an artistic way, incorporating contemporary touches into the Caribbean structure of the buildings.

Overlooking the port in Gustavia, the island’s capital, a stone’s throw from luxury boutiques, the finest restaurants in the Caribbean and the highly exclusive Shell Beach, and surrounded by a huge tropical garden that is as verdant as it is tranquil, the Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf will offer two junior suites and 13 cottages (all with their own private pool) behind its colonial façade, complemented by two superb additions: a loft and a private villa.

The first will feature three bedrooms, a swimming pool and private jacuzzi and will boast the best sea view on offer from the hotel – perfect for making the most of the island’s magnificent sunsets! The second, as luxurious as it is exclusive, will include a total of six bedrooms and, of course, its own private pool.

This premium property merits top-notch facilities and services and with this in mind Barrière has planned two restaurants, a spa and a bar for its new flagship hotel. For dining, guests at Le Carl Gustaf will have the choice between Le Fouquet’s with its à la carte menu overseen by Pierre Gagnaire, one of the world’s most renowned modern chefs, and Shellona, a beachfront restaurant on Shell Beach, with its unique concept combining dishes to share and a live DJ-led ambience. When it comes to wellbeing, Barrière has chosen to join forces with Biologique Recherche, a renowned expert in cosmetic treatments operating in over 50 countries worldwide. The Diane Barrière spa will also feature a fitness centre and yoga room.

With such a partner on board, the future of the Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf is certainly looking very healthy!

Dominique Desseigne adds: "This is the beginning of a new era for Barrière, led by its spirit of conquest. This is the group’s first foray into the highly coveted luxury hotel market in the French Caribbean and the Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf St-Barth symbolises our development strategy outside of mainland France. Our hotel, which will open at the end of 2017, will enjoy unbeatable views of the islands and the legendary port of Gustavia. It will also boast direct and exclusive access to Shell Beach, a veritable jewel on St Barts".