By: Paige Mastrandrea By: Paige Mastrandrea | July 1, 2024 | Travel,
Nestled within the island of St. Barts, Rosewood Le Guanahani offers a laid-back, luxurious paradise.
The terrance dining at Beach Bar PHOTO COURTESY OF ROSEWOOD LE GUANAHANI SAINT BARTH
Landing on the island of St. Barths is like slipping into a slice of heaven. Surrounded by gorgeous blue waters and colorful villas dotting the landscape, the commuter plane descends on a narrow airstrip that boasts sparkling hues of blue in the distance. Upon arrival, I’m greeted by the Rosewood Le Guanahani staff , equipped with all the luxuries needed for a post-travel journey—ice-cold towels, a coconut-scented facial mist, cold water bottles and a plush van blasting the welcome air conditioning. Within a quick 12-minute drive, we arrive at the stunning Rosewood Le Guanahani property, which underwent renovations just three years ago.
Interior shots of the on-site restaurant, Beach House PHOTO COURTESY OF ROSEWOOD LE GUANAHANI SAINT BARTH
Nestled within a lush 18-acre private peninsula, this prestigious sanctuary boasts an authentic reflection of St. Barths’ enchanting aura with a welcoming, laid-back feel. Tranquility immediately washed over me, ushered in by vibrant bougainvillea, hibiscus and palm trees that line the garden pathways. Each vibrantly hued guest cottage, scattered like jewels along these pathways, encapsulates the resort’s commitment to elegance and comfort. Ours was a beautiful periwinkle, complete with expansive views of the island waters and a private pool for swimming and lounging.
Peninsula views PHOTO COURTESY OF ROSEWOOD LE GUANAHANI SAINT BARTH
The location of Rosewood Le Guanahani is, quite simply, perfection. Overlooking two pristine beaches, each offering its own exclusive experience, the resort grants unrivaled access to the reef-protected lagoon of Anse de Grand Cul-de-Sac and the azure waves of Anse Marechal. This duality—a choice between the calm lagoon and the bustling ocean—distinguishes this haven from others. The surrounding Réserve de Grand Cul-de-Sac further enriches the experience with its preserved underwater and land ecosystems, creating an ideal environment for snorkeling, hiking and various outdoor adventures. Or, if you’re like me and prefer to lounge with a book at the beach club while listening to the waves splash and the trees blow in the wind, you can do that too, complete with attentive service from that staff , eager to help fulfill your every want and need.
Beach House serves elevated plates. PHOTO COURTESY OF ROSEWOOD LE GUANAHANI SAINT BARTH
Another distinction of the property is its exquisite cuisine offerings. At its signature Beach House restaurant, we dined on an extraordinarily memorable dinner that exceeded expectations of typical island food by fusing it with elevated plates and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. We opted, by recommendation, to start with the crispy shrimp langoustines followed by a homemade cacio e pepe-style pasta. For mains, my husband dined on what he claimed were some of the best baby lamb chops he ever had the experience of tasting, and for me, a tender, fresh seabass. The next morning’s breakfast and lunch continued the culinary magic, offering everything from French-inspired breakfast dishes and a colorful buflet of fruit, vegetables and pastries to Caribbean lunch bites.
To add to the serenity, I visited Sense, a Rosewood Spa, for a 50-minute massage. The spa promises and delivers serenity and wellness in a peaceful setting, featuring an additional adults-only pool, a gazebo stocked with all sun essentials and refreshments, and an adjacent high-tech gym. As I eased into the experienced hands of the masseuse, tension from my body completely melted away.
Guests can dine at the on-deck Beach Bar. PHOTO COURTESY OF ROSEWOOD LE GUANAHANI SAINT BARTH
Later that evening, upon recommendation of the hotel’s knowledgeable and experienced managing director, Martein van Wagenberg, we visited the town of Gustavia for shopping and dinner at one of the island’s hottest new eateries, Le Cafe, which offered live music and exquisite French cuisine. If you like to shop, you’ll find a haven in Gustavia, with its haute couture boutiques and jewelers that line against the gorgeous waters of the marina.
The next day, our time at Rosewood Le Guanahani unfortunately came to a close, leaving me itching for my next return. As a harmonious blend of natural beauty and understated elegance, the property offers an escape that is as stimulating as it is relaxing—the perfect getaway for any time of year. Whether basking in the lagoon’s tranquil waters, exploring the island’s cultural treasures, or simply lounging by the pool with a cool drink, the experience is nothing short of extraordinary. rosewoodhotels.com/en/le-guanahani
Photography by: Photo Courtesy: Rosewood Le Guanahani Saint Barth