Evaluation: Le Sereno St Barths Lodge

Wednesday newsletters at all times function a lodge or flight assessment.

Just a few weeks in the past, I loved a vacation in St Barths, the Caribbean’s most unique island. You possibly can learn my journey reviews right here:

Right this moment: Evaluation of Le Sereno St Barths

Designed by the late, famend Christian Liaigre, Le Sereno is an intimate family-owned and -operated luxurious lodge providing solely 39 suites along with three multi-bedroom villas. Positioned on the seashore at Grand Cul de Sac and spanning 600 ft (180 m) of pristine shoreline, Le Sereno is one in every of solely a handful of St Barths accommodations that may declare a beachfront location (on this case, a nearly personal seashore). Catering year-round to discerning vacationers craving luxurious, consolation and privateness, the boutique lodge options an iconic swimming pool, a sundeck, a terrific restaurant and a spa pavilion, all of which overlook the water.

Le Sereno St Barths options in my high 10 checklist of the greatest luxurious accommodations in St Barts.

Have you ever ever stayed at Le Sereno St Barths? In that case, what was your expertise? Depart a remark.

On this assessment (extra information and pictures beneath my YouTube video):

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

Le Sereno St Barths is the very best luxurious boutique lodge on the Caribbean island of St Barts, one of many world’s most unique and trendy trip locations. A part of the French West Indies, St Barts is a small island – with an floor space of solely 21 sq km (8.5 sq mi) and a inhabitants of about 8000 – however what it lacks in measurement it greater than makes up for in type, sophistication and informal luxurious. With secluded seashores, world-class eating places, luxurious boutiques and five-star accommodations, St Barts – often known as Saint Barthélemy – completely owns the steadiness between serene tranquility and trendy French aptitude. This standout vacation vacation spot has earned its place among the many most prestigious and sought-after places on this planet (on pair with the Maldives, Seychelles, Fiji and French Polynesia).

Le Sereno St Barths is positioned on the shores of Grand Cul de Sac, one of many longer and extra developed seashores in St Barts. Because of Grand Cul de Sac’s location on the northeast coast and its protecting reef barrier, the turquoise waters are calm and the waves are small. As a result of bay’s geography, the water at Grand Cul de Sac is shallow for a protracted stretch, permitting beachcombers to stroll far into the water, whereas nonetheless touching the sandy floor. The bay can be a favourite haunt for sea turtles, who generally swim alongside friends within the heat waters. Kiteboarding and windsurfing are different common actions right here because of the commerce winds (particularly through the winter months). Grand Cul de Sac is 3 miles (ca 5 km) from St Barts’ capital Gustavia and a ten min drive from the island’s airport.

Following harm from the passing of Hurricane Irma in September 2017, the house owners of Le Sereno St Barths – the Contreras household – determined to demolish and to utterly rebuild from scratch a big a part of the property. This included greater than half the rooms and all the general public areas, whereas the minimalist type of the lodge – which has a loyal following amongst friends – was maintained. The “new” Le Sereno is comprised of a group of low-rise, lagoon-facing pavilions that are set in superbly manicured gardens. Friends enter the property through a sublime pavilion with picturesque purple doorways, from the place a picket staircase descends to the restaurant and the property’s much-Instagrammed, iconic swimming pool, overlooking the white sand seashore and gorgeous lagoon of Grand Cul de Sac.

The definition of superior design and elegance, Le Sereno St Barths goals to elevates the St Barts expertise with understated luxurious and a laid-back perspective that’s iconic of the model. Drawing inspiration from the pure great thing about the island, Le Sereno encompasses a modern look with a minimalist décor to maximise the breathtaking views of the Grand Cul de Sac. The type is opulent whereas on the identical time relaxed to embrace the barefoot stylish of Caribbean. Unique and sustainable woods and stones adorn the rooms and public areas from high to backside whereas Christian Liaigre furnishings and state-of-the-art know-how fill the inside areas. Influences from Italy – such because the marble clad partitions of the spa – are a nod to its sister property, Il Sereno, on Lake Como (extra on that beneath).

Le Sereno’s 39 spacious suites are effortlessly designed to hold a steadiness of consolation & sophistication and to evoke the relaxed spirit of St Barts. About two thirds of the suites are positioned alongside the magnificent shoreline (providing lagoon views) whereas the decrease room classes are scattered all through the backyard with a view of the plush greenery and pool space. Throughout my vacation, I used to be upgraded to a ‘Grand Suite Plage’. The suite featured a four-poster mattress, a sitting space with writing desk, and one in every of Liaigre’s signature mirrors. The complete-size toilet was appointed in unique woods and featured a granite sink, a deep soaking tub, a bathe, and separate bathroom. The suite opened to an outside picket deck with lounging furnishings and a small backyard overlooking the turquoise waters of Grand Cul de Sac.

Le Sereno St Barths additionally options three multi-bedroom villas, which provide an unparalleled mix of privateness, luxurious, and design. Every of the three villas spans over 7,000 sq. ft, that includes three to 4 grasp bedrooms with en suite loos, a spacious open-plan residing space, and a completely outfitted designer kitchen. The interiors, crafted by famend Parisian designer Christian Liaigre, showcase pure supplies like wooden and stone, making a serene environment that enhances the breathtaking ocean views. Friends can bask in facilities resembling a personal heated pool, expansive terraces, and a media room that doubles as a library. Past the villa’s comforts, friends have entry to the lodge’s providers, together with concierge help, housekeeping, and gourmand eating choices.

The heartbeat of the lodge is Restaurant Le Sereno Al Mare, which provides 180-degree views of Grand Cul de Sac. A totally open-air idea, the area takes most benefit of the dramatic environment, boasting a water view from virtually each angle. Positioned on the heart of the restaurant is a classy bar, which serves craft cocktails made and an in depth checklist of wines and spirits. The bar additionally function a juice station, the place friends can order up freshly squeezed wellness and detox elixirs. Led by Govt Chef Raffaele Lenzi and Davide Mosca, the restaurant’s delicacies focusses on scrumptious, modern Italian delicacies. Menu highlights embrace the Costoletta di vitello “alla milanese” e insalata di pomodori (Bone-in veal cutlet “alla milanese” with tomatoes salad ), Spaghetti Ai Cinque Pomodori (spaghetti with sauce produced from 5 tomato varieties) and Vitello tonnato (Chilly sliced veal with creamy tuna sauce ).

Tucked away in a nook of the backyard, the intimate spa at Le Sereno St Barths contains two full remedy rooms and a health room boasting the most recent health know-how and gear. In between the 2 remedy rooms and health services is a small backyard courtyard that gives a serene area for friends to follow yoga or meditation. The in depth spa menu provides facials, physique wraps and massages completely utilizing Valmont merchandise and strategies. All massages, manicures, pedicures and spa remedies will also be delivered within the privateness of the suites. As well as, the boutique property additionally encompasses a waterfront pavilion, a coveted area for rest and St Barts’ solely beachfront remedy room.

Le Sereno is the sister lodge of Il Sereno Lake Como, my favourite luxurious lodge in Italy. Created by famed Milan-based designer Patricia Urquiola, the all-suites Il Sereno options 30 outsized suites, all with their very own furnished terraces and lake views. Embellished Milan restaurateur and Michelin star chef, Andrea Berton, is on the helm of this luxurious lodge’s signature restaurant, Ristorante Berton Al Lago, that includes an beautiful menu impressed by Italy’s numerous areas. Rounding out the all-star crew, acclaimed botanist Patrick Blanc contributed his signature vertical botanical gardens all through the property, together with a spectacular “inexperienced sculpture” artwork work. The lodge is the third property to affix the Sereno Inns portfolio after Le Sereno Lodge & Villas in St. Barthélemy and Villa Pliniana, additionally positioned on Italy’s Lake Como.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

The boutique scale of Le Sereno St Barths, whereas a promoting level for its exclusivity, additionally implies that the resort’s services and facilities are comparatively restricted in comparison with bigger luxurious resorts. With only a handful of suites & villas, one restaurant, and a small spa, the lodge provides a extremely customized expertise, however it additionally means fewer on-site facilities in comparison with bigger luxurious resorts. For vacationers who get pleasure from a number of on-site eating places, in depth spa providers, health facilities, or leisure services like tennis courts or children’ golf equipment, the intimate measurement might really feel considerably limiting. The resort focuses on understated magnificence and tranquility, which can not attraction to those that favor a extra bustling or activity-packed surroundings throughout their keep.

The peaceable, laid-back environment of Le Sereno St Barths is ideal for these looking for rest, however it additionally means nightlife choices are restricted on-site. Friends hoping to expertise the full of life facet of St Barts – with its bustling bars, nightclubs, and seashore events – might want to organize transportation to the capital Gustavia or different cities, that are a brief however vital drive away. This could possibly be inconvenient for these hoping to get pleasure from full of life evenings with out leaving the property.

Whereas the seclusion of Le Sereno St Barths is a serious draw for a lot of, its location implies that accessing different components of the island requires transportation. The resort isn’t inside straightforward strolling distance of outlets, eating places, or cultural sights, requiring using rental automobiles or taxis to discover the colourful native scene. The one exception are the eating places of the close by Rosewood Le Guanahani Resort and Le Barthélemy Lodge & Spa (that are each a 5 min stroll from the lodge). So, the remoteness of Le Sereno could possibly be a draw back for these wanting spontaneous adventures or quick access to bustling island life.

A lot of the attraction of Le Sereno St Barths lies in its out of doors areas – the pool, solar terraces, and direct seashore entry. Nevertheless, the enjoyment of those areas may be affected by St Barts’ tropical climate patterns. In the course of the wet season (June to November) or sudden storms, friends may discover themselves confined to the lodge’s restricted indoor areas, which may put a damper on the sometimes sunny, open-air expertise. Sadly, that was the case through the my keep in January, when it poured water for 2 consecutive days (though January is meant to be the dry season).

A notable challenge at instances within the Grand Cul-de-Sac Lagoon, notably within the hotter months, is the presence of seaweed (particularly sargassum) that may wash up on the seashore. This could have an effect on the fantastic thing about the seashore and your total seashore expertise. Whereas the resort employees works laborious to clear it away, there are occasions when the buildup may be important, affecting the standard of the water and the aesthetic of the seashore.

Le Sereno St Barths is undeniably a splurge-worthy vacation spot, however its exclusivity comes with a premium price ticket (however that’s the case for each 5-star lodge in St Barts). Charges for villas and suites are considerably greater than in different Caribbean locations, particularly throughout peak season or holidays. Whereas the impeccable service, gorgeous design, and privateness present wonderful worth for these looking for a high-end getaway, it may possibly really feel out of attain for vacationers who’re budget-sensitive or preferring extra inexpensive luxurious alternate options. So, for these not absolutely dedicated to the ‘St Barts splurge’, the expense may really feel disproportionate in comparison with different Caribbean locations providing related experiences at a fraction of the value.

Le Sereno’s web site promotes Grand Cul-de-Sac as a perfect kitesurfing spot, highlighting its shallow lagoon, coral reef safety, and favorable commerce winds. Nevertheless, kitesurfing is definitely prohibited on this space as a result of native laws and environmental issues. Consequently, all kitesurfing classes happen at St Jean Seaside, a few 15-minute taxi journey away, with taxis costing roughly €50 every approach. This disconnect between the marketed location and the precise lesson website may be disappointing for friends anticipating to kitesurf immediately from the lodge’s close by seashore. The lodge ought to make this essential element clearer on its web site and through the reserving course of to handle visitor expectations and keep away from confusion.

MY VERDICT

Location: 8/10
Design: 8/10
Pool: 9/10
Rooms: 8/10
Meals: 9/10
Breakfast: 8/10
Spa: 8/10
Service: 9/10
Wow issue: 8/10
Worth for cash: 9/10
General expertise: excellent – 8.4/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Lower your expenses: get complimentary VIP perks at Le Sereno St Barths when reserving through Virtuoso:
- Improve on arrival, topic to availability
- Each day breakfast for as much as two friends per bed room, served within the restaurant
- $100 USD equal lodge credit score to be utilized throughout keep (not combinable, not legitimate on room charge, no money worth if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in and late check-out, topic to availability
- Complimentary Wi-F

Lower your expenses: learn right here my suggestions for getting the very best deal at a luxurious lodge like Le Sereno St Barths (and/or obtain many free perks).

Learn my suggestions for making ready your journey in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

St Barts has a pleasing tropical local weather with common highs that hover within the 80s °F (round 28 °C), often tempered by cooling commerce winds. December to March are the most well-liked months to go to, characterised by heat, typically dry but additionally windy days, while the summer season months between June and November are usually extra humid, with common showers and the potential for tropical storms and hurricanes. One of the best time to go to the island is April and Could, a candy spot that includes decrease costs and fewer crowds.

HOW TO GET THERE

The primary approach to journey to St Barts is to fly to close by St Maarten Island, adopted by a 15-min flight to St Barts’ airstrip, which is positioned a brief 10-minute drive from Le Sereno St Barths. The lodge offers complimentary highway transfers to and from the airport.