Not content with gussying up New York’s Mercer Hotel and Paris’s Hôtel Montalembert, celebrated French designer Christian Liaigre turned his attention to a forgotten little corner of St. Barth in 2005. He worked his magic on the much-loved Sereno Beach Hotel and transformed it into the ultra-glamorous Le Sereno, his innovative designs displayed to their best advantage against their stunning bay backdrop.

Grand Cul-de-Sac’s wide scoop of palm-dotted white sands drops to a reef-enclosed turquoise bay that is ideal for water sports - water skiing, windsurfing and snorkelling are all readily available here at local charges, although sunworshipping around the swimming pool doesn’t cost a thing and may be more tempting to those guests simply after a little stylish relaxation.

Of course, absolutely no one can resist a little covert people-watching in the beachfront Restaurant des Pecheurs. A laid-back eaterie during the day, after dark it transforms into a swanky hotspot frequented by everyone who
matters. French chef Jean-Luc Grabowski makes the most of local seafood in his creative dishes, his bouillabaisse much
in demand on Friday nights.

Le Sereno’s thirty-seven beautifully-furnished suites and villas are equally popular, their splendid ocean views going very well with their minimalist design and bespoke Christian Liaigre furnishings. The personal iPods, 310-thread count linens and towels specially made by D. Porthault paint a picture of the kind of standards to expect, whilst the individual pools or hot tubs of the luxurious private villas satisfy any demands for complete privacy. Little wonder Le Sereno was recently named ‘one of the world’s most romantic hotels’ by Travel & Leisure magazine.

ACCOMMODATION: 37 SUITES & VILLAS.
CHILDREN: WELCOME YEAR-ROUND.
7 NIGHTS: FROM £2,820 P.P. IN THE HIGH-SEASON (£240 P.P.P.N.) & £2,270 P.P. IN THE LOW-SEASON (£165 P.P.P.N.).
MEAL PLAN: CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST ONLY.