Hotel Le Village St Barth

From the first glance at the bright pink flowers that line the steep cobbled hill to Hotel Le Village, it is immediately apparent where the hotel got its name. The vibe is reminiscent of a central square in a charming little French Mediterranean town: quaint rooms, a lending library with shelves piled high with books, even the occasional game of bocce between guests make this one of the most romantic, yet laid-back, hotels on St. Barth’s. Expect to see plenty of natural stone and hardwood throughout, and almost every space has a casual ambience, including the tiled outdoor terrace where breakfast is served. The hotel’s simplicity and lovely atmosphere attract a diverse group of guests, most of them American and European couples. 

Hotel Le Village sits on a steep hill above St Jean’s Bay in St Barth’s. Many of the island's most convenient features are within a five to 10-minute walk of the hotel, but it's not the easiest trip for anyone with mobility issues. Famous St. Jean Beach is a 15-minute walk from the hotel, while Nikki Beach can be reached in five minutes on foot. Gustavia -- the island's charming main town, is home to all manner of upscale shops, restaurants, and services -- is a 10-minute drive from the hotel, while the Hideaway, a lively and popular dining spot that's about eight minutes away on foot. The airport is just three minutes away by car.

The spacious rooms, suites, and villas at Le Village are all have a similar relaxed, preppy feel -- clean lines, muted colors, and mahogany wood. Decor does vary slightly from room to room, with some employing a simple white and hardwood motif accented by bursts of bright marigold in the furniture, and others having soft aqua accent walls. Expect to see hardwood desks and bed frames with colonial silhouettes, ceiling fans swirling from high ceilings, and light wood laminate floors. The spaces are as beautiful as they are luxe -- elegant bathrooms are built directly into the island's rocks in some rooms, while others have outdoor hot tubs or private decks surrounded by lush greenery. The top-notch amenities here include Nespresso machines, iPod docks, powerful air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs. Rooms also have full kitchens or kitchenettes plus a small dining area and large balconies or patios. Contemporary bathrooms are decked in modern tiling and have walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads and trendy raised sinks. Multi-bedroom villas can accommodate families, and many rooms also have pull-out couches for small groups. 

The hotel’s wellness center has a downstairs relaxation room where guests can receive massages or other spa treatments. Upstairs, the cramped but modern fitness center is enclosed in glass and offers lovely panoramic views of St. Jean's Bay, with a number of free weights and up-to-date machines.  The small pool is next door and features equally stunning views, lots of lounge chairs, and umbrellas.

While there’s no on-site restaurant, breakfast is included and served in a shaded terrace room, with an array of options that include cereals, juices, and pastries. There’s a small lounge here with couches and board games as well. There’s no business center, but guests can print as needed from the front desk and Wi-Fi is free and functional everywhere on the property. Beach equipment, including snorkeling gear, towels, and umbrellas, is free for guests to use.