IN COMPLETE INTIMACY

Overlooking the translucent blue of Flamands Bay, far removed from polished luxury hotels, this boutique hotel, like all Sibuet-branded places, evokes a family home. Sun-bleached wood and bright colors, rattan, bamboo, unique objects, shell chandeliers, fish traps transformed into lamps, pineapple side tables... Jocelyne Sibuet is the alchemist of this vintage and nomadic design, offering the luxury of aesthetics collected from her travels and the freedom of uniqueness. For this reopening, two new villas have been added to the 18 distinct and independent bungalows and suites. La Flamand, whose terrace extends into a private pool, and La Saline, which has its own jacuzzi. But whatever room is chosen, with or without a suite, all are nestled between banana trees and hibiscus, respecting the privacy of their guests. Here, everyone is at home.

TABLE WITH A VIEW

Once upon a time, where Villa Marie now stands, was a restaurant: François Plantation. A true gastronomic institution on the island, this "piano in the forest" has kept its name and reputation. The current chef, Emmanuel Motte, delivers high-flying Franco-Creole culinary compositions. Crab meat gratin with spinach sauce, puffed grouper quenelle, grilled lobster and vegetables, freshly caught fish of the day, garden bananas or flambéed pineapple, coconut blancmange... all of Saint-Barth delights in it. And before or after dining, people stop by for a royal mojito or an iconic ti-punch at the bar. Chic colonial spirit, in the style of plantation houses, mahogany blades turn above an ebony counter where the rum route is taken.

Also to discover, by the pool or in the garden, are the breakfasts and lunches from the new healthy menu. Fruit salad, homemade granola, açaí bowl, avocado toast, mustard sprouts, and pink radish... it offers the tropics in a deliciously dietary mode. But it's still hard to resist the irresistible rum-soaked French toast!