Hotel of the Week: This St. Barts Hideaway Makes the Ultimate Warm-Weather Escape
The new Beach Club bungalows at Gyp Sea St. Barts make a picture-perfect addition to the fabulous mountain retreat
As icy weather blankets much of the U.S. and Europe, many are looking to escape to warmer climes. The islands of the Lesser Antilles—particularly picturesque St. Barts—provide a welcoming environment for travelers in search of sunshine, sandy beaches, good food, and great fun. Now couldn’t be a better time to book a weekend away, as the New Year’s Eve crowds have already departed and those visiting St. Barts for the March regatta have not yet arrived.
A stunning space to rejuvenate is the Gyp Sea Beach Houses in Saint Jean. This quiet collection of one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas offers guests a secluded space for relaxation, while still being just steps from the beautiful beaches and boisterous party spots. Outfitted in furniture and textiles from Pierre Frey, Elitis, and Manuel Canovas with vibrant works of art, the standalone bungalows provide an authentically Caribbean atmosphere with all the amenities of a five-star resort.
Here, guests can take a refreshing dip in their private plunge pool or unwind on one of the oceanfront chaises, the ideal perch from which to watch planes cruise over nearby Saint-Jean Beach. Mouthwatering meals can either be served on the private terrace, or one of the resort chefs will come and prepare a special meal in the villa’s kitchen. Look for tantalizing traditional cuisine like cod fish fritters with spicy mayonnaise, tuna ceviche with ají amarillo, and massive crayfish served with a sweet potato mousseline and mango habanero salsa, with frozen coconut for dessert. A dedicated butler helps coordinate the wine list with the sommelier, manages breakfast deliveries, and any other request.
Guests can also dine in the adjacent Beach Club or try out a variety of water sports—from snorkeling just offshore, where turtles frolic amongst the yachts, to a fast-paced zip through the waves with a seabob or a sunset sail around the island. Saint Jean offers a multitude of boutiques just a short stroll away or visitors can arrange car service into nearby Gustavia, where luxury goods from Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Cartier, Vilebrequin, and more can be found at tax-friendly prices.
The Beach Houses are just the latest addition to the Gyp Sea, which debuted in the former Villa Marie location, nestled into the mountains of Colombier and overlooking the Bay of Flamands. From the freestanding accommodations—each uniquely decorated in considered tropical decor—visitors can take in sweeping views of the lush landscape, dine in the thoughtfully curated on-site restaurant Menu Découverte, indulge in a decadent treatment at the Pure Altitude Spa, or swim in the tropical pool where local tortoise often walk by looking for a wayward watermelon slice. Its barefoot luxury at its best.
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