With an area of 25 km², Saint Barthélemy, or Saint Barth for those in the know, is a favorite haven for celebrities from around the world. Singers, actors, royal families... And why not you? Are you the type who likes to spend your vacations lounging on the beach? Indulging in water sports, savoring gourmet cuisine, or partying until dawn? The island will fulfill your every desire. For the ultimate experience, there is only one destination: the Carl Gustaf.
The Carl Gustaf, the ultimate retreat in Saint Barth
Located in the heart of Gustavia, the Carl Gustaf hotel stands out first and foremost for its location. The only five-star hotel in the city center, it offers direct access to chic boutiques, art galleries, renowned restaurants, and historic sites in the capital. Another major asset is its breathtaking view of the harbor and the azure horizon of the Caribbean Sea. Nestled on a hill, it offers sumptuous sunsets every evening, with shades of red, orange, and purple reflecting off the calm waters of the harbor, dotted with boats and brightly colored houses.
Acquired in 2015 by the Barrière group, the Carl Gustaf underwent extensive renovations before revealing its charms to the public in 2020. The interior design firm Gilles et Boissier orchestrated this transformation. Built in 1970, the interior has been completely redesigned while preserving the colonial style of the building and the Caribbean spirit of St. Barth.
Quickly becoming a must-see destination on the island, the Carl Gustaf owes its success to the warm atmosphere created by subtle plays of light and shadow and the use of noble materials such as wood and stone. This atmosphere also envelops the 21 rooms nestled in the heart of a lush tropical garden. The combination of wood, stone, and delicate fabrics, illuminated by soft light filtering through the reed screens, creates an intimate and peaceful environment. Each room has its own outdoor terrace, private pool, and offers the same mesmerizing view of the bay and harbor.
The only Biologique Recherche spa on the island
In keeping with its commitment to excellence, the Diane Barrière spa at the Carl Gustaf has partnered with the prestigious Biologique Recherche brand. This exclusive partnership on the island is sure to attract keen interest in this intimate and confidential spa, which has three treatment rooms and also offers yoga and Pilates sessions. For those who don't want to leave the comfort of their suite, it's also possible to be pampered directly on your terrace!
Biologique Recherche is a name that is sure to ring a bell with even the most seasoned beauty addicts. Since its creation in 1977, the brand has enjoyed worldwide renown for its products, which deliver impressive results on the skin thanks to their high concentration of active ingredients. One example is the famous P50 lotion, an exfoliant that helps regulate skin pH and promote cell renewal.
In keeping with the brand's philosophy, an initial diagnosis is carried out to identify your “Skin Moment” in order to personalize the treatment as much as possible. Then, all you have to do is choose between the Remodeling Face treatment, which aims to redefine facial contours using a machine that combines four electrical currents and radiofrequency waves, or the pre- and post-operative aesthetic medicine treatment, designed to optimize results and accelerate regeneration after a procedure. Bio Sensible treatment to soothe the skin, sebum-balancing treatment to purify it, Pigm 400 to reduce the appearance of pigmentation spots, or Hydréclat for dehydrated skin... One thing is certain: Biologique Recherche will have the right treatment for your needs.
And if you're more inclined to treat your body to a wellness break, the brand has plenty of options to offer: P50 treatment to exfoliate and soften the skin, “Light Legs” to drain and decongest, or even anti-stretch mark treatment... We highly recommend, on our side, the precision remodeling massage performed by Hermine. Thanks to her extensive experience in thalassotherapy centers, she has become a true expert in slimming treatments. She will energetically and vigorously perform movements targeting the deep layers of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. The goal? To improve circulation, promote the drainage of toxins, and reshape the body's contours. Kneading techniques to mobilize the subcutaneous tissue and reduce cellulite, intense kneading to work deeply on the muscles and adipose tissue, vigorous friction to warm the tissue, and drainage techniques to eliminate toxins and reduce swelling... You will feel undeniably lighter after this treatment.
A feast for the palate at Carl Gustaf
Lightness is all you need with the many delicacies to savor at Carl Gustaf. The hotel is a true paradise for gourmets thanks to its two culinary concepts. On the one hand, the Beefbar, famous worldwide and present in the most sought-after destinations: Mykonos, Monaco, Hong Kong, New York, Dubai, Doha... In Saint Barth, it replaces Fouquet's and offers a more relaxed and even more generous cuisine. Proof of its success, it is almost fully booked every evening. It offers an exquisite selection of meats, including the famous Kobe beef, which they are the only ones able to import into Europe.
Wagyu and Black Angus are also in the spotlight, served in a variety of mouthwatering dishes such as jasmine tea-smoked bao buns, Oaxaca cheese and black truffle quesadillas, and gyozas and tartares. To accompany these delicacies, let yourself be tempted by the Cinzano-marinated chicken, fried in Kobe butter, tender and delicious, and every bit as good as that served by a famous fast food chain. The menu offers a choice of filet-frites-style meats (New York steak, Black Angus, or Wagyu), miso black beef, grilled cuts, and other teppanyaki dishes.
And if the generous portions quickly satisfy your hunger, it would be simply inconceivable not to succumb to the irresistible Guanaja chocolate soufflé, topped with caramelized cocoa nibs and ginger sorbet. Melt-in-the-mouth and indulgent, you won't be able to stop yourself from dipping your spoon back in again and again. Another signature dessert that is definitely worth a visit is the chocolate bar with crispy biscuit and runny caramel, with its marbled pink appearance that is all the rage on social media.
During the day, you might prefer to have lunch with your feet in the sand facing the ocean? Head to Shellona, a few minutes' walk away on Shell Beach. Here, Greek and Mediterranean cuisine takes center stage with chef Yiannis Kioroglou, who creates dishes such as tuna or prawn Niçoise salad, crispy beef carpaccio, honey and sesame feta in filo pastry, and grilled calamari. So many fresh and light flavors to savor comfortably seated on your deckchair.
