Evaluation: Le Sereno St Barths Resort

Wednesday newsletters at all times characteristic a resort or flight overview.

A couple of weeks in the past, I loved a vacation in St Barths, the Caribbean’s most unique island. You’ll be able to learn my journey experiences right here:

Right this moment: Evaluation of Le Sereno St Barths

Designed by the late, famend Christian Liaigre, Le Sereno is an intimate family-owned and -operated luxurious resort providing solely 39 suites along with three multi-bedroom villas. Situated on the seaside at Grand Cul de Sac and spanning 600 ft (180 m) of pristine shoreline, Le Sereno is one in every of solely a handful of St Barths resorts that may declare a beachfront location (on this case, a nearly non-public seaside). Catering year-round to discerning vacationers craving luxurious, consolation and privateness, the boutique resort options an iconic swimming pool, a sundeck, a terrific restaurant and a spa pavilion, all of which overlook the water.

Le Sereno St Barths options in my prime 10 record of the greatest luxurious resorts in St Barts.

Have you ever ever stayed at Le Sereno St Barths? If that’s the case, what was your expertise? Go away a remark.

On this overview (extra data and pictures under my YouTube video):

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

Le Sereno St Barths is the very best luxurious boutique resort on the Caribbean island of St Barts, one of many world’s most unique and trendy trip locations. A part of the French West Indies, St Barts is a small island – with an floor space of solely 21 sq km (8.5 sq mi) and a inhabitants of about 8000 – however what it lacks in dimension it greater than makes up for in model, sophistication and informal luxurious. With secluded seashores, world-class eating places, luxurious boutiques and five-star resorts, St Barts – also called Saint Barthélemy – completely owns the steadiness between serene tranquility and classy French aptitude. This standout vacation vacation spot has earned its place among the many most prestigious and sought-after areas on the earth (on pair with the Maldives, Seychelles, Fiji and French Polynesia).

Le Sereno St Barths is situated on the shores of Grand Cul de Sac, one of many longer and extra developed seashores in St Barts. Due to Grand Cul de Sac’s location on the northeast coast and its protecting reef barrier, the turquoise waters are calm and the waves are small. On account of bay’s geography, the water at Grand Cul de Sac is shallow for an extended stretch, permitting beachcombers to stroll far into the water, whereas nonetheless touching the sandy floor. The bay can also be a favourite haunt for sea turtles, who generally swim alongside visitors within the heat waters. Kiteboarding and windsurfing are different in style actions right here as a result of commerce winds (particularly throughout the winter months). Grand Cul de Sac is 3 miles (ca 5 km) from St Barts’ capital Gustavia and a ten min drive from the island’s airport.

Following injury from the passing of Hurricane Irma in September 2017, the homeowners of Le Sereno St Barths – the Contreras household – determined to demolish and to utterly rebuild from scratch a big a part of the property. This included greater than half the rooms and all the general public areas, whereas the minimalist model of the resort – which has a loyal following amongst visitors – was maintained. The “new” Le Sereno is comprised of a group of low-rise, lagoon-facing pavilions that are set in superbly manicured gardens. Company enter the property through a sublime pavilion with picturesque purple doorways, from the place a wood staircase descends to the restaurant and the property’s much-Instagrammed, iconic swimming pool, overlooking the white sand seaside and beautiful lagoon of Grand Cul de Sac.

The definition of superior design and elegance, Le Sereno St Barths goals to elevates the St Barts expertise with understated luxurious and a laid-back angle that’s iconic of the model. Drawing inspiration from the pure fantastic thing about the island, Le Sereno encompasses a modern look with a minimalist décor to maximise the breathtaking views of the Grand Cul de Sac. The model is opulent whereas on the identical time relaxed to embrace the barefoot stylish of Caribbean. Unique and sustainable woods and stones adorn the rooms and public areas from prime to backside whereas Christian Liaigre furnishings and state-of-the-art know-how fill the inside areas. Influences from Italy – such because the marble clad partitions of the spa – are a nod to its sister property, Il Sereno, on Lake Como (extra on that under).

Le Sereno’s 39 spacious suites are effortlessly designed to hold a steadiness of consolation & sophistication and to evoke the relaxed spirit of St Barts. About two thirds of the suites are positioned alongside the magnificent shoreline (providing lagoon views) whereas the decrease room classes are scattered all through the backyard with a view of the luxurious greenery and pool space. Throughout my vacation, I used to be upgraded to a ‘Grand Suite Plage’. The suite featured a four-poster mattress, a sitting space with writing desk, and one in every of Liaigre’s signature mirrors. The total-size rest room was appointed in unique woods and featured a granite sink, a deep soaking tub, a bathe, and separate rest room. The suite opened to an outside wood deck with lounging furnishings and a small backyard overlooking the turquoise waters of Grand Cul de Sac.

Le Sereno St Barths additionally options three multi-bedroom villas, which provide an unparalleled mix of privateness, luxurious, and design. Every of the three villas spans over 7,000 sq. ft, that includes three to 4 grasp bedrooms with en suite bogs, a spacious open-plan residing space, and a completely outfitted designer kitchen. The interiors, crafted by famend Parisian designer Christian Liaigre, showcase pure supplies like wooden and stone, making a serene environment that enhances the breathtaking ocean views. Company can bask in facilities similar to a non-public heated pool, expansive terraces, and a media room that doubles as a library. Past the villa’s comforts, visitors have entry to the resort’s companies, together with concierge help, housekeeping, and connoisseur eating choices.

The heartbeat of the resort is Restaurant Le Sereno Al Mare, which presents 180-degree views of Grand Cul de Sac. A totally open-air idea, the area takes most benefit of the dramatic environment, boasting a water view from nearly each angle. Situated on the middle of the restaurant is a classy bar, which serves craft cocktails made and an intensive record of wines and spirits. The bar additionally characteristic a juice station, the place visitors can order up freshly squeezed wellness and detox elixirs. Led by Government Chef Raffaele Lenzi and Davide Mosca, the restaurant’s delicacies focusses on scrumptious, modern Italian delicacies. Menu highlights embrace the Costoletta di vitello “alla milanese” e insalata di pomodori (Bone-in veal cutlet “alla milanese” with tomatoes salad ), Spaghetti Ai Cinque Pomodori (spaghetti with sauce created from 5 tomato varieties) and Vitello tonnato (Chilly sliced veal with creamy tuna sauce ).

Tucked away in a nook of the backyard, the intimate spa at Le Sereno St Barths consists of two full remedy rooms and a health room boasting the most recent health know-how and gear. In between the 2 remedy rooms and health services is a small backyard courtyard that gives a serene area for visitors to follow yoga or meditation. The in depth spa menu presents facials, physique wraps and massages completely utilizing Valmont merchandise and strategies. All massages, manicures, pedicures and spa therapies can be delivered within the privateness of the suites. As well as, the boutique property additionally encompasses a waterfront pavilion, a coveted area for rest and St Barts’ solely beachfront remedy room.

Le Sereno is the sister resort of Il Sereno Lake Como, my favourite luxurious resort in Italy. Created by famed Milan-based designer Patricia Urquiola, the all-suites Il Sereno options 30 outsized suites, all with their very own furnished terraces and lake views. Adorned Milan restaurateur and Michelin star chef, Andrea Berton, is on the helm of this luxurious resort’s signature restaurant, Ristorante Berton Al Lago, that includes an beautiful menu impressed by Italy’s various areas. Rounding out the all-star workforce, acclaimed botanist Patrick Blanc contributed his signature vertical botanical gardens all through the property, together with a spectacular “inexperienced sculpture” artwork work. The resort is the third property to affix the Sereno Motels portfolio after Le Sereno Resort & Villas in St. Barthélemy and Villa Pliniana, additionally situated on Italy’s Lake Como.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

The boutique scale of Le Sereno St Barths, whereas a promoting level for its exclusivity, additionally signifies that the resort’s services and facilities are comparatively restricted in comparison with bigger luxurious resorts. With only a handful of suites & villas, one restaurant, and a small spa, the resort presents a extremely customized expertise, nevertheless it additionally means fewer on-site facilities in comparison with bigger luxurious resorts. For vacationers who get pleasure from a number of on-site eating places, in depth spa companies, health facilities, or leisure services like tennis courts or children’ golf equipment, the intimate dimension could really feel considerably proscribing. The resort focuses on understated class and tranquility, which can not enchantment to those that want a extra bustling or activity-packed atmosphere throughout their keep.

The peaceable, laid-back environment of Le Sereno St Barths is ideal for these in search of rest, nevertheless it additionally means nightlife choices are restricted on-site. Company hoping to expertise the full of life facet of St Barts – with its bustling bars, nightclubs, and seaside events – might want to organize transportation to the capital Gustavia or different cities, that are a brief however needed drive away. This could possibly be inconvenient for these hoping to get pleasure from full of life evenings with out leaving the property.

Whereas the seclusion of Le Sereno St Barths is a significant draw for a lot of, its location signifies that accessing different elements of the island requires transportation. The resort isn’t inside straightforward strolling distance of outlets, eating places, or cultural sights, requiring using rental automobiles or taxis to discover the colourful native scene. The one exception are the eating places of the close by Rosewood Le Guanahani Resort and Le Barthélemy Resort & Spa (that are each a 5 min stroll from the resort). So, the remoteness of Le Sereno could possibly be a draw back for these wanting spontaneous adventures or easy accessibility to bustling island life.

A lot of the enchantment of Le Sereno St Barths lies in its out of doors areas – the pool, solar terraces, and direct seaside entry. Nonetheless, the enjoyment of those areas may be affected by St Barts’ tropical climate patterns. Throughout the wet season (June to November) or sudden storms, visitors may discover themselves confined to the resort’s restricted indoor areas, which might put a damper on the sometimes sunny, open-air expertise. Sadly, that was the case throughout the my keep in January, when it poured water for 2 consecutive days (despite the fact that January is meant to be the dry season).

A notable problem at instances within the Grand Cul-de-Sac Lagoon, notably within the hotter months, is the presence of seaweed (particularly sargassum) that may wash up on the seaside. This will have an effect on the great thing about the seaside and your total seaside expertise. Whereas the resort employees works exhausting to clear it away, there are occasions when the buildup may be important, affecting the standard of the water and the aesthetic of the seaside.

Le Sereno St Barths is undeniably a splurge-worthy vacation spot, however its exclusivity comes with a premium price ticket (however that’s the case for each 5-star resort in St Barts). Charges for villas and suites are considerably increased than in different Caribbean locations, particularly throughout peak season or holidays. Whereas the impeccable service, beautiful design, and privateness present glorious worth for these in search of a high-end getaway, it will possibly really feel out of attain for vacationers who’re budget-sensitive or preferring extra reasonably priced luxurious alternate options. So, for these not absolutely dedicated to the ‘St Barts splurge’, the expense may really feel disproportionate in comparison with different Caribbean locations providing comparable experiences at a fraction of the worth.

Le Sereno’s web site promotes Grand Cul-de-Sac as an excellent kitesurfing spot, highlighting its shallow lagoon, coral reef safety, and favorable commerce winds. Nonetheless, kitesurfing is definitely prohibited on this space as a result of native rules and environmental issues. Because of this, all kitesurfing classes happen at St Jean Seaside, a few 15-minute taxi trip away, with taxis costing roughly €50 every means. This disconnect between the marketed location and the precise lesson website may be disappointing for visitors anticipating to kitesurf immediately from the resort’s close by seaside. The resort ought to make this vital element clearer on its web site and throughout the reserving course of to handle visitor expectations and keep away from confusion.

MY VERDICT

Location: 8/10
Design: 8/10
Pool: 9/10
Rooms: 8/10
Meals: 9/10
Breakfast: 8/10
Spa: 8/10
Service: 9/10
Wow issue: 8/10
Worth for cash: 9/10
Total expertise: superb – 8.4/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Get monetary savings: get complimentary VIP perks at Le Sereno St Barths when reserving through Virtuoso:
- Improve on arrival, topic to availability
- Day by day breakfast for as much as two visitors per bed room, served within the restaurant
- $100 USD equal resort credit score to be utilized throughout keep (not combinable, not legitimate on room charge, no money worth if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in and late check-out, topic to availability
- Complimentary Wi-F

Get monetary savings: learn right here my ideas for getting the very best deal at a luxurious resort like Le Sereno St Barths (and/or obtain many free perks).

Learn my ideas for getting ready your journey in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

St Barts has a nice tropical local weather with common highs that hover within the 80s °F (round 28 °C), normally tempered by cooling commerce winds. December to March are the most well-liked months to go to, characterised by heat, typically dry but additionally windy days, while the summer time months between June and November are usually extra humid, with common showers and the potential of tropical storms and hurricanes. The very best time to go to the island is April and Could, a candy spot that includes decrease costs and fewer crowds.

HOW TO GET THERE

The principle method to journey to St Barts is to fly to close by St Maarten Island, adopted by a 15-min flight to St Barts’ airstrip, which is situated a brief 10-minute drive from Le Sereno St Barths. The resort offers complimentary highway transfers to and from the airport.