Hotel Barriere Le Carl Gustaf is back in business on St. Barts

After years of anticipation and a few hurricanes shaking things up, the iconic Hotel Barriere Le Carl Gustaf has triumphantly reopened its doors on St. Barts. Nestled in the charming foothills of Gustavia, this beloved landmark is once again welcoming guests to soak in its timeless charm, stunning sea views, and luxurious comforts that make every stay feel like coming home.

After a long hiatus, the iconic Hotel Barriere Le Carl Gustaf has reopened its doors on the stunning island of St. Barts. Closed since 2013, this landmark property nestled in the foothills of Gustavia has undergone a stunning transformation while retaining its original charm. Offering luxurious accommodations, panoramic views, and exquisite dining, this boutique hotel is once again inviting guests to experience the best of St. Barts in style and comfort.

The Heritage and Revival of Le Carl Gustaf

Originally built in the 1970s, the hotel was shuttered in 2013, leaving a notable gap in St. Barts’ luxury hospitality scene. Purchased in 2016, the hotel’s revival faced several challenges, notably the disruption caused by the devastating hurricanes in 2017. However, the perseverance of the team led by General Manager Emmanuelle Cipriani brought new life to the property, culminating in the grand reopening last fall. Despite a brief closure during this year's hurricane season, Le Carl Gustaf welcomed guests again in late October with renewed energy and elegance.

This reopening is more than just a business milestone—it's a restoration of memories and a homecoming. Emmanuelle recounts an emotional encounter when an older couple, upon seeing the lobby, shared their joy at returning to a place they once called home during their previous stays years ago.

A Design That Honors Tradition

The redesign, overseen by the French designers Gilles & Bossier, artfully blends contemporary flair with the hotel’s original footprint. Named after the King of Sweden, the hotel’s lineage reaches back to the days when St. Barts was a Swedish colony, and this historical nod is reflected throughout the property. Despite its modern upgrades, the hotel preserves its unique style and intimate atmosphere, making it a beloved landmark on the island.

Luxurious Accommodations with Breathtaking Views

Le Carl Gustaf boasts 21 luxury rooms, suites, and bungalows, each offering stunning sea views. Among these is a spectacular penthouse suite and the distinctive colonial-style Villa Diane, comfortably accommodating up to 12 guests. Villa Diane features five bedrooms, two terraces, and an infinity pool, perfect for those seeking an exclusive retreat.

Every room is designed to maximize comfort and take advantage of the hotel’s unique position overlooking the vibrant port and harbor of Gustavia. This makes Le Carl Gustaf the only hotel on the island with panoramic vistas of this charming area, a feature that truly sets it apart.

Dining Delights and Leisure Activities

A stay at Le Carl Gustaf offers guests not only luxury accommodation but also exquisite dining experiences. The hotel’s red-roofed boutique charm extends to its two restaurants. Shellona offers a beachfront dining experience with lounge chairs at Shell Beach nearby, while the brasserie-style Fouquet's is overseen by the acclaimed three-star Michelin chef Pierre Gagnaire, blending French and Caribbean culinary traditions.

For relaxation and recreation, guests can indulge in treatments at the Spa Diane Barriere, enjoy aqua biking in the private plunge pools, explore the island on electric bikes, make use of the fitness and yoga studios, or embark on private catamaran sails. Families with children can also appreciate the on-site kids’ club during holiday seasons, catering to 5-to-12-year-olds.

St. Barts: The Ultimate Travel Destination

Demand for travel to St. Barts is currently booming, with Le Carl Gustaf welcoming a diverse international clientele. Approximately 40% of guests are repeat visitors, mostly from the U.S., but also from Mexico, Europe, and Russia. Americans typically stay four to five nights, while Europeans often enjoy longer visits, especially during the festive New Year period which requires a minimum 10-night stay.

Strict health protocols are in place to protect guests and staff alike, including vaccination requirements and mandatory PCR or antigen tests prior to arrival. Transit through St. Maarten and Puerto Rico also involves specific pre-registration and testing procedures. More than 90% of the island’s population is vaccinated, and on-site testing is conveniently available for guests departing back to the U.S.

With commissions for travel advisors ranging from 10% to 15%, and upcoming familiarization trips planned, Le Carl Gustaf is actively inviting travel professionals to discover its unparalleled offerings firsthand.

Discover More About Le Carl Gustaf

To explore more about this stunning hotel and plan your stay at its picturesque location, visit the official website of Le Carl Gustaf. For in-depth reviews and travel insights, check out the detailed articles on Luxurious Magazine, France.fr, Robb Report, and Islands Magazine.

Discover What Makes Hotel Barriere Le Carl Gustaf Stand Out