Ok, so let’s be honest. As much as we’re adoring all the pictures of kids in neatly-pressed uniform currently gracing friend’s Facebook pages (and no doubt we’ve put up a few of our own), and as lovely as it is to have some time to ourselves without thoughts of how to entertain them every day, many minds are wondering to half term already and what to do if a trip away is on the cards. We’ve had a glorious summer in this house, thanks in part to the fabulous weather we’ve enjoyed here at home, but late October is a different story. Forget beach walks here – if heat is what you’re after then you’re going to need to get on a plane, and one destination we can’t recommend highly enough is St. Barths. And, just to make things really enticing, there is a fabulous new opening on the island that month.
Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France
Located on Baie des Flamands – one of the island’s finest beaches – Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France is relatively quaint with its 40 suites, bungalows and villas, but this is precisely what appeals. It’s not too big and full of people – it is tranquil, calm and very luxurious. What was Hotel Saint-Barth Isle de France, the stunning St. Barth’s property has been acquired by LVMH (which testifies to the level of excellence you can expect on arrival). After much redesign, the hotel will reopen this October as Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France (consider yourself informed) and it’s guaranteed to be sumptuous, family-friendly, and full of wonderment for both parents and kids.
Now, if you have small children or you’re expecting and want somewhere lovely for next year, the summer is a better time to head to the island, because the temperatures aren’t quite so searing. Head there soon, however, and you can expect some serious heat, turquoise waters and balmy nights.
The Accommodation
The two-bedroom Fisherman’s Cottage is set in the beautiful tropical gardens of the hotel, making it an ideal island hideaway for families. With one king-size and two twin beds, there is room for everyone; doors open onto the living and kitchen areas, and there is a sheltered interior courtyard and outdoor garden where children can safely play.
For Them
The hotel’s immaculate seafront swimming pool will no doubt prove a pull, while the beautiful beach is going to be just as popular with its shallow, clear, turquoise water (far more relaxing for you, too). If your little ones are active they will adore the mix of kayaking, paddle boarding, windsurfing and catamaran excursions on offer. There is also horseback riding above the white sands of Gouverneur Beach for budding equestrians.
For You
Like any thoughtful, family-friendly hotel, the Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France offers a baby-sitting service so you can enjoy the evening beach club vibe of La Case de l’Isle, highly regarded for its elegant, light and colourful French cuisine (it has long been one of St Barth’s hottest dining destinations). And the spa? Well, it will be the only place to find Guerlain treatments in all of the Caribbean.
The four-treatment room Cheval Blanc Spa will offer signature treatments by the iconic Guerlain brand – the first of their kind in the Caribbean – and created exclusively for this hotel. Signature therapies will include St-Barth Solar Escape, a ritual that subtly combines the Terracotta range with Guerlain specialists’ know-how, offering a soothing escape for travel-weary skin. (A new Orchidée double treatment room and other novelties will follow when the hotel continues its extension throughout the 2015 – 2016 season, so you might want to book to come back again).
If you don’t want to be inside the spa by day you can also enjoy treatments from leading skin-care brands, Natura Bissé and Intraceuticals, in the serene garden setting of the main house.
A Big Blue Day Out
And top of the hotel’s well-curated services has to be “Big Blue Escape.” Escorted by a Majordome, Cheval Blanc’s dedicated butler, you can spend a day aboard a 69′ yacht whose experienced Captain will unveil St Barts’ most gorgeous bays. There are lots of little surprises spread on board by their Majordome throughout the day, such as the Maison’s beach bag, complete with panama hats and matching fans, sun lotions and other treats. After exploring the marvels underwater, you will drop anchor in front of the pristine Saline Beach and enjoy a fresh lobster lunch. I know. It’s heaven sent. The rest of the afternoon can be spent swimming, sunbathing or indulging in an exclusive, onboard Guerlain spa ritual. One last cocktail and delicious amuse-bouches will be served while you enjoy the sunset, before being brought back to shore. Can we go now, please?
For more information click here.