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[bigletter]We came to St. Barts as an extension of our trip to Florida for a wedding, excited for a our first big getaway from Parker and eager to explore the buzzy island. We arrived on the little plane a bit shaken by the rainy weather and steep landing, but happy to find our hotel’s valet waiting for us with a big smile and bright personality, in addition to two substantial yellow striped umbrellas. As he drove us up and into the rolling hillsides that make up this teeny island his cheerful sentiments and French accent instantly calmed my worries.
Rain or shine, we’d be able to find the holiday spirit upon arrival to this chic tropical retreat here at Villa Marie! It was the slow paced space we didn’t know we needed. I think I went into the weekend assuming we’d be swept right into party mode upon landing the small plane, but in some oddly assuring way we got exactly what we needed the second we were ushered in by the host who came to great us at the car, a reason to relax amongst the lush surroundings.[/bigletter]
The property exuded everything you’d imagine from an upscale Caribbean resort, but on a much more quaint and cozy scale. The vegetation, the birds, the reimagining of what may have very likely been an island plantation into a well decorated retreat for us folks who feel far away from home.
And despite my usual disdain for dark wood and bright yellow I was overcome by how well styled the surroundings were, truly embracing design elements of the West Indies. It’s no surprise to me that I came across an article on Architectural Digest diving deep into the transformation of what was formerly the François Plantation Hotel into Villa Marie in my research.
Walking into our bungalow was a treat, I was instantly excited to sit on the patio whether with a cocktail or coffee, rain or shine! After Arthur tried the welcome fruit of the island, the name I can’t recall, and we started to settle in I couldn’t shake the feeling that we were on a second honeymoon. Perhaps it’s because our honeymoon was a bit more of an adventure than a romantic getaway?
Or maybe it’s because we just surpassed our first year as parents and perhaps that is something worth celebrating. I still don’t quite understand why a babymoon wouldn’t come after the baby? And since we didn’t have one due to the pandemic, and not being pregnant just seems more fun, I couldn’t help but call this trip exactly that!
After ooohhhing and awwwing at the marvelous tub and the closet we headed straight to the hotel’s restaurant appropriately titled after the former name of the establishment, François Plantation, for a lite bite and sip before our big night out to not one, but two dinner reservations. So we shared the local catch of the day and smoked salmon blinis along with a celebratory cocktail as the rain worked out its last bits.
We enjoyed picking our server’s brain, a lovely gentleman, who we’d continue to banter with the rest of weekend given the small and personable set of hosts here at this charming little piece of paradise! In fact we honestly did feel like the only guests at the hotel the entire weekend, likely because we weren’t here during busy season but also because the place really does lend itself to that of a well staffed villa. The space is expansive enough to feel private but also adorned as if you were a guest in someone’s second home.
Especially when you’re offered a cheese plate on the late night menu!
Prior to the trip I was so concerned about transportation, my worry that with a small island comes an even smaller pool of cabs, let alone any type of ride share presence. Fortunately the concierge had reassured me that they would take my itinerary (which they printed for me to review when we arrived) and ensured us they could call someone to transport us from wherever, whenever. We even called the front desk while out shopping in town and they sent a cab within ten minutes. Everyone at the hotel and really on the entire town was so kind, beautiful and French!
Bravo, you really need to replace Vanderpump Rules with Carole Rules about all the fabulous and flirty French staff that work at Le Ti, or honestly any of the chic establishments we ventured to on this trip!
All around this hotel surpassed all my expectations. From the chic shell selfie mirror, to the beyond beautiful presentation of avocado toast, to the not so sweet espresso martini tips from our friend at the bar (the trick is to use this liqueur) we had the best time and I would most certainly stay here again or recommend to a friend!
The best part of all, however, was our little patio in front of the bungalow. Amongst all the tropical greenery, such a great spot to capture an outfit before the start of the night and then catch up with coffee the next morning.
And that’s exactly what we did before heading back into reality! Xx
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