From the moment the chauffeur whisked me from the tiny airport to Grand Cul-de-Sac, a reef-protected bay on the northeast coast, it was clear I’d made the right choice. A sharp turn down a stone road led to the tucked-away Le Barthélemy, and I knew I was in for a world of luxury. Since then, I’ve never looked back.
What you can expect from a stay:
Take it from someone who has stayed here three times and counting: this property is pure bliss in hotel form. Sitting on a crescent-shaped bay, its 44 rooms and suites—including two massive villas—are designed to feel beachy and calming, chic yet comfortable, with every space bathed in seaside hues and neutral tones with dark wood accents. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors slide open onto either shaded balconies, patios with hot tubs, or the beach, depending on the room type. King beds, deep soaking tubs, rainfall showers, and Diptyque amenities add to the allure, while windows frame glimpses of sea turtles and kitesurfers skimming the water.
No matter what’s on my itinerary while I’m here, my mornings follow the same pattern. I sleep with the curtains open, letting the sun filter in as it reaches over the bay. I turn on the tea kettle and sit on the second-floor balcony of my suite, watching the waves cover the shore. Once my tea is ready, I bring it down to the first-floor patio that opens directly onto the sand, settling into a lounge chair to watch as fishermen prepare their boats for the day. Depending on the night, I might repeat this routine, swapping out the tea for a glass of wine.
With “Spa” in the hotel’s name, expectations are high—and Le Barthélemy delivers. The underground spa feels like a world of its own, complete with La Mer treatments, Nordic baths, a sauna, a hammam, a fitness center, and yoga and Pilates sessions. Every stay, I dedicate a day to it. My morning begins with Pilates by the pool, followed by a quick dip in the sea to wake up. From there, I head straight to the red cedar Nordic baths, alternating between the 100-degree bath and the cooler plunges before warming up in the hammam and sauna. I also never skip the La Mer Radiant Facial. The treatment rooms are a dream with temperature-controlled beds, twinkling ceiling lights, and an atmosphere so serene that it’s nearly impossible not to drift off.
