When Hurricane Irma touched down and devastated the French-Caribbean island of St. Barts in September of 2017, it was impossible to imagine that tourism —the island’s primary industry — could bounce back. But it did, and it’s flourishing. Hotels are reopening in a steady stream, including the beloved Eden Rock and  Le Guanahani by the end of 2019. 

This December, the Barrière Group, which also has hotels in France and Morocco, will be opening the ultra-luxury and highly-anticipated Hotel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf. The property will be located in the center of Gustavia, the island’s main "town," which has loads of high-end shopping and nearby restaurants, making it an ideal spot for guests who want to be in the thick of things. The port, where visitors enter the island via ferry — and yacht, bien sur — is also nearby. Situated on Shell Beach, the hotel will offer incredible views; it’s the go-to beach that locals and visitors frequent for sunset cocktails. 

Despite being in the center of town, the hotel’s 23 cottages and suites will feel almost hidden in a lush tropical garden. Guest rooms will feature a very St. Barts aesthetic, bringing in pops of yellow, banana leaf prints, and natural woods set alongside crisp white bedding. Many of the rooms have balconies with sea views, and some have private pools. 

Onsite restaurants will include Shellona, with a Mediterranean and Caribbean-inspired menu from Greek chef Yannis Kioroglou. Expect made-for-the-seaside dishes like coconut milk-infused mahi mahi or hot and cold mezze. The most anticipated dining spot is Fouquet's Saint-Barth, a new restaurant led by Michelin-starred Chef Pierre Gagnaire (of Barrière Group’s signature Le Fouquet’s brasserie), who has created a menu with fresh twists on French classics infusing produce from land and sea. There’s also a bar that overlooks the waters — ideal for an aperitif or a St. Barts favorite — the chilled glass of rosé.