Location On one of the world’s most exclusive and fashionable destinations the family-owed hotel Le Sereno is located on the stunning Grand Cul de Sac on the island of St Barts. One of the few beachfront properties on the lush, tropical enclave, it has 180m of virtually private coastline, and is just 2km from Morne du Vitet peak – the highest point on the island – and 8km from the capital, Gustavia. It’s the perfect stepping off point for jaunts around historic sites like the 17th century forts that line the harbor and Fort Gustaf’s lighthouse, to the array of chic duty-free boutiques in the town.

Spa Le Sereno offers an excellent range of beauty treatments by Sothys in the spa pavilion. Three-walled treatment rooms at the oceanfront locale effortlessly merge with the outdoors, creating an oasis for the senses. Go for a facial, massage or body wrap as birds chirrup overhead, and shower surrounded by bougainvillea.

Part of the Leading Hotels of the World collection, Le Sereno is home to 36 luxury suites and three sizable four-bedroom villas, each designed by Parisian architect, Christian Liaigre. A sophisticated, casual luxe vibe is experienced throughout through classic, neutral hues. The majority of rooms offer knockout ocean views, while private terraces and gardens, king-size four-poster beds, and all the mod-cons, including personal iPods and docking stations are a given. Bathrooms appointed in exotic woods and granite sinks are filled with Ex Voto Paris amenities, and D. Porthault high thread count towels and robes. The one-bedroom Villa Vue Mer suites come with a separate living area and 6ft redwood hot tub, and the Villa Du Pecheur suite showcases a private pool overlooking the beach.

Laze a while by Le Sereno’s freshwater infinity pool, which extends down onto the beach. Mere moments away, the bay at Grand Cul de Sac is ideal for swimming, snorkelling, kite surfing, windsurfing and paddle boarding. The hotel’s beach club can also organise guided tours outside the shallow barrier reef and into the open ocean, where hydrofoil boards are available. Guests can also opt for a day at sea with a sail boat charter. Or else head for leisurely walks along the bay, hikes into the surrounding hills or a spot of tennis on site. St Barts is a party town, so don’t miss out on the local jazz nights, and do explore the boutiques and big brand shopping at the likes of Hermes and Dior.

St Barts is the cuisine capital of the Caribbean and there are 80 gourmet restaurants on the island offering everything from French to native seafood and Asian and West Indian. At the elegant beachfront Restaurant Le Sereno chef Alex Simone brings together Mediterranean brassiere style with the bounty of the Caribbean Sea. Try the signature lobster linguine, which celebrates spiny lobsters that arrives daily on the Le Sereno private beach. The more casual restaurant Plage is great for lighter bites during the day.