Where Rosé Flows Like Water
This weekend I had the pleasure of traveling to St. Barths, an island where the rosé flows like water. I have been to many islands in the Caribbean (mostly when I was a frequent cruiser in my formative years) and this one is just different. St. Barths is a state of mind rather than a destination. The moment you arrive, you are transported into the je ne sais quoi of this small, luxurious, and incredibly stylish enclave. It is filled with small pleasures, excellent cuisine, great design, and people who want to enjoy themselves. This is why so many businesses want to capture and recreate this essence. If you look too hard you may realize you are on an elaborate set, or you may even see the Wizard behind the curtain. However, it is hard to care given the amount of rosé running through your veins.
This week, I search for answers about what makes this island so unique and puts its visitors in a St Barths (NY) state of mind.
Walking around, taking in the natural beauty!
Colombier Beach
Our hotel(s) were located on Flamands Beach, as we stayed at both Taiwana and Cheval Blanc (thank goodness for my Rise gear)! In April these hotels will be merged, and it is anticipated that the laid back chic vibe of Taiwana will be replaced by the slightly less laid-back chic of Cheval Blanc. The set will be changed, the assortment of toiletries will bear different names, and the splashes of red color by the pool will be replaced by pink. We will have to see for ourselves when it is unveiled in December of this year.
Either way, Flamands Beach provides a magnificent view of surrounding rock formations and is known for the turquoise waters, the calm surf and the white beach. However, before you kick back on your beach chair, you need to earn that bottle (or two, maybe three --- did anybody say Jeroboam?) of rosé at lunch and get your steps in. The hotel fitness center just won't cut it!
Each morning, I left the hotel (breakfast) behind and followed the path along the coast through a Nature Reserve that provided epic vistas. One morning, I even saw a family of goats on a steep outcropping of rocks (central casting?). While this portion of the hike is not very rigorous, you may have to ruin your manicure and put your hands down to balance yourself on the rocks. As you approach the peninsula, you can walk down to Colombier beach, which locals still call "Rockefeller's Beach." There is a nice path to walk there and back and enjoy this little enclave for boats looking to moor overnight. For the more intrepid traveler (lunch drinker), from here you can start heading up! According to fellow hiker and Louper Robin K., this ascent is 75 stories. At the top is a lookout point where you can take a selfie and see the various points of interest on the map. It is the perfect way to start the morning and remove the guilt of the liver damage that will soon ensue!
Driving Around in Style
This island is meant to be explored. To see and be seen. Of course, you need to get from hotel to beach to restaurant and then back again in style. In fact, this island is so curated that there are basically only three types of cars to rent: a BMW Mini, the Moke, and/or the Blue Summer. This weekend I rented a Mini, but was very jealous of the other (Moke/Blue Summer) drivers. The Moke was originally designed by the British as a vehicle that could literally be parachuted to remote islands for military operations. For the environmentally conscious and uber cool, there is the Blue Summer. This electric car just personifies St. Barths and is manufactured in partnership with Citröen, the French car company. You must have a car to bop around, explore, and cruise the steep hills and tight curves like a laid-back local.
A Room with(out) a View
If you are in St. Barths long enough, you may need a break from the sun, from the beach, and/or from the everything. While I love the beach as much as the next guy (in a linen shirt and Sundek suit), sometimes I need a change. So when you've had you fill of Nikki Beach, La Plage or Shellona (a great spot that replace Do Brazil), head into the enchanted gardens of St. Barths!
Francois Plantation @ Villa Marie Saint Barth
Colombier Beach Trail, Gustavia 97133, Saint-Barthélemy
I kept passing this hotel and restaurant on my hikes to Colombier. Every time I passed, I was increasingly curious. Then I read my friends blog daytripper365 and knew this was a must. Come for dinner or a late afternoon cocktails. This boutique hotel comprised of 18 bungalows has been completely renovated and the only surviving detail is the name of the acclaimed restaurant. Have a drink by the pool shaded by Palm trees in the lush garden, listen to nature (plus a few McCaws) and you'll feel miles away from the DJ spinning tunes a la the beach party lunches. If you are looking to have a romantic meal, visit Francois Plantation for dinner. This is a hard table to come by, so book early. They are famous for their Bouillabaisse, so this is a must! The style is a mix of tropical Colonial and Caribbean boho chic, which has a very different feel then the other restaurants on the island. Oh, and they have a vast menu of rum (the Caribbean tequila) and Cuban cigars --- so they had me at bonjour!
Le Tamarin
Grande Saline, Saint-Barthélemy
Open for lunch and dinner, Tamarin is a great spot to stop on your way to or from Salines beach or as a reprieve from the beaches altogether. The 200 year old tamarind tree as you enter sets the tone for the jungle feel of eating in the lush gardens. Grab a table in the shade and enjoy the amazing cool breeze and simple, fresh food. Breathe.
Dress like a Native (New Yorker in St. Barths)
To be in St. Barths is to wear the uniform of St. Barths. That means women wear bathing suits and Poupette coverups. Men wear bathing suits and linen shirts. Both wear super comfy and expensive sweatshirts, straw fedoras and/or Trucker Hats. In fact, if you are not wearing the aforementioned outfit, you may look like you are ... a tourist (OH MY)! So, here's to getting the St Barths look before you arrive.
Free in St Barths
Sweats and tees
This name is quite ironic. Obviously you are free to do what you want as a consenting adult in St Barths, but these comfy clothes are most definitely not free. And, in fact, nothing is Free on the island! While these clothes are downright expensive, I must admit they contribute to the mindset of comfort, style and relaxation.
Orlebar Brown
Swimsuits
First there was Vilbrequin, then there was Sundek. Now there's Orlebar Brown ... Even though this designer is British, they have borrowed (stolen?) the spirit of St Barths in their clothing line. They have brought a tailored look (in short, mid-length or long) to men's swimsuits. They even have a photographic suit with the original Red house (now Eden Rock for those in the know) printed on the shorts. This way you can be an insider and roll from the pool to the beach to lunch, and back again, and always be in style. If you don't want to see yourself coming and going, check out #snapshorts, Orlebar Brown's design your own service where you can put your own photo, pattern or drawing on your (BF's, bros, hubby's, Dad's) swim shorts ... get started here but please don't put a picture of your kids, I couldn't bear that.
Big Truck
Hats
Nothing says, "I don't drive a Big Truck" like a hat that actually says, "Big Truck." In fact, I think it really means that I drive a rented BMW Mini around St. Barths. No matter what, this is the perfect hat to keep the sun from your head when on the beach in St. Barths. These hats are so great, you may want to leave the straw fedora in your hotel room for the day!
In closing, St Barths oozes style. It is a beautiful place to spend time with people you love, no matter what the occasion. Sure it is an elaborately staged paradise, but I'm two feet in and consider hikes at Colombier Beach, rides in Mokes and Blue Summers, meals at Francois Plantation and Le Tamarin, and outfits from Free in St Barths, Orlebar Brown, and Big Truck Found!