Once a month, Luxus Magazine sets its sights on a destination in France or elsewhere, to discover the most elegant spots – all tried and tested and carefully selected. Charming hotels, exquisite restaurants, exclusive boutiques, cultural getaways… Our guide unfolds like a treasure trove of secrets for discerning travellers. After Cortina d’Ampezzo, it’s time for Saint Barthélemy – the pearl of the French West Indies.
There are islands we visit, and others we never forget. Saint-Barthélemy belongs to the latter category — a slice of France suspended in the Caribbean Sea, where refinement blends with freedom, where coral meets cashmere, and where every sunset over Gustavia feels like a privilege.
🔑 Historical insight: From Swedish heritage to David Rockefeller’s gamble
Discovered in 1493 by Christopher Columbus, who named it after his brother Bartolomeo, the island of Saint-Barthélemy has had a unique destiny. Originally inhabited by the Carib Indians, it became a French colony in the 17th century before being ceded to Sweden in 1784 in exchange for a warehouse privilege in Gothenburg. Gustavia, its capital, still bears witness to this century of Swedish presence through its architecture and its status as a free port.
Returned to France in 1878, the island remained isolated and poor for a long time. The historic turning point came in the 1950s when David Rockefeller, captivated by the island’s wild beauty, had a villa built there. This aristocratic ‘gamble’ transformed this barren rock into a sanctuary for the global jet set. Today, Saint-Barth cultivates this discreet and exclusive luxury: an overseas collectivity that has managed to preserve its authenticity and village charm, whilst becoming the Caribbean’s most sought-after destination for discerning travellers.
🔑 Key to the heritage and architectural highlights : Le Clocher, Le Brigantin and Wall House
Some places reveal a more unexpected side of the island: inspiration from the North. Le Clocher, Le Brigantin and Wall House stand out for their typically Nordic architecture, a rarity in these latitudes. Clean lines, structured volumes and light wood interact with the dazzling Caribbean light, creating a contrast that is as subtle as it is elegant. These unique venues reflect a different vision of the island, where Scandinavian minimalism meets tropical charm.
Located at the southern tip of Gustavia harbour, the Wall House Museum is an essential cultural stop to understand the island’s unique identity. Housed in a carefully restored historic stone building, this venue accurately traces the Swedish colonial era (1784–1878). Through a collection of old maps, archive photographs and period artefacts, the museum illustrates how this small, barren rock became a thriving free port under the Swedish crown. The exhibitions offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the pioneers, the evolution of local architecture, and the deep ties that still bind Saint-Barthélemy to its Scandinavian heritage today.
🔑 The key to a good night’s sleep: Eden Rock
Perched on its rocky promontory between two fine sandy beaches, Eden Rock is much more than a hotel: it is an icon. Here, sleep takes on the air of a privileged retreat in rooms and villas featuring chic seaside design, where precious woods are paired with touches of bright red. You drift off to sleep lulled by the lapping waves of Saint-Jean Bay, in an atmosphere that is both cosy and sunny. The culinary experience is just as integral to the venue’s prestige, driven by the vision of world-renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The Remy Bar & Lounge is also the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail with a breathtaking view of the sunset.
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Featured photo: © Unsplash
