Living the luxe life on St. Barths

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St. Barths, Guadeloupe

I still remember the first time I heard of Saint-Barthélemy. While enjoying a solo holiday in Aruba in the early 90s, I decided to tack on another few days to my vacation and hit another destination. I scoured my Fodor’s Caribbean guide and came across an island with an unpronounceable name. It sounded dreamy, but so did the astronomical hotel rates. I passed. While it helps to have deep pockets like St. Barths’ regulars— P. Diddy, Jay-Z and Beyoncé and Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon—I later learned that ballin’ on a budget is doable on this picturesque French island, as well.

Discovered by Columbus in 1493 and named for his brother Bartoloméo, it wasn’t until David Rockefeller bought a property in 1957 that St. Barths began its transformation as the playground for the wealthy. Powdery, white sandy beaches, enticing emerald and turquoise waters, ideal climate year-round, delicious French food, champagne and rosé flowing from noon on, over-the-top yachts, late-night partying, high-end boutiques and low-rise buildings set the stage for an ideal holiday for the well-heeled. Although U.S. dollars are widely accepted on this sophisticated island, euro is the official currency. The unfavorable exchange rate shouldn’t deter you though. This slice of paradise is worth it, whether you’re a jetsetter or not.

I’ve visited now during the winter and summer and found both equally delightful. The eight-square mile island is at its peak in the winter when the glitterati descend, and reaches a crescendo during the holidays when the port is jammed with sleek yachts. Though quieter in the summer, its warm, sunny days and comfortable nights make this the perfect year-round destination. However, many businesses are closed September and October due to hurricane season, so it’s best to avoid those two months.

If you’re going to splurge, head to the newly-renovated Hotel Guanahani & Spa, where I stayed this past time. With 68 bungalows nestled in a tropical garden, it’s the largest hotel on the island. But a homey feel permeates throughout the resort dotted with colorful, Creole-styled cottages and open year-round. I had to peel myself off my spacious terrace adorned with orange (my fave color) cushions that afforded me memorable sunrises over the lagoon and a view of Grand Cul de Sac beach (pictured here) to enjoy the rest of the property and its surrounding areas.

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