St. Barth might have a reputation for glitz and glamour, but island devotees know that its real appeal lies in its unpretentious vibe, understated luxury, and utmost privacy. There’s no such thing as a bad spot on the island, but for accommodations, Hotel Le Toiny rises above as a favorite of celebrities, honeymooners, and island regulars who are just looking to get away.
With only 15 residences, this all-suite hotel exemplifies the private, understated luxury that draws visitors to St. Barth. Arriving at the property is almost akin to driving up to your own bungalow; instead of grand spaces and the high energy buzz one tends to experience at many beach resorts, Le Toiny exudes a laid-back feel. You might wander past an A-Lister on property, but you’ll feel completely at home in your most comfortable beachwear.
After a relaxed check in process, guests are invited to drive right up to their villa, complete with their own private parking space. It might seem like a simple change from the usual hotel valet, but it sets the tone for your stay: this is your home on the island, and no one, not even a valet will interfere with your schedule to do as you wish.
Each of the villas offer unobstructed views of the Caribbean Sea with a large terrace and private infinity pool from which to enjoy the vista. The terraces are designed for lingering. With colorfully appointed beach chairs, chaise lounges, reading nooks, and a dining table, visitors will soon find this space to be their favorite spot on property. Every morning guests wake up to a perfectly set breakfast poolside, complete with coffee, tea, juices, and an assortment of sweet pastries. Savory options such as eggs Benedict (highly recommended) can be added on as well. There’s no loud buzzing or intrusive announcement of breakfast, guests simply wake up and wander outside for their meal as they please.
Rooms range from 720-square-foot junior suites to a 1,215-square-foot, three-bedroom bungalow for the ultimate villa experience. All rooms are tastefully appointed in French Colonial style with touches of Caribbean flair for the perfect combination of character and color. Rooms are outfitted with all the technological capabilities one may need, including an iPod station and iPod, plasma TV with satellite television, and free Wi-Fi, but it's the outdoor amenities — hammock, endless replenishment of beach towels, pool, private shower, and scenery — that tend to keep visitors the happiest.
During the day, guests are encouraged simply to relax. While the hotel doesn’t have its own beach, some of the most gorgeous waters are just a short hop away. Saline Beach and Gouverneur Beach are two local favorites, but those who are in search of adventure and privacy should head to Colombier Beach on the other side of the island. This hidden treasure can only be reached by a thirty-minute hike, but the views along the way and the pool-like still waters make the trek one of the most memorable you can take.
After a day at the beach, make sure to wash up for an enchanting evening at Le Gaiac, one of the finest restaurant on St. Barth (an island filled with exceptional cuisine). A longstanding institution on the island, Le Gaiac is further elevating the gourmet dining experience with a newly renovated interior and updated concept for the 2014 season. The restaurant welcomed two new leaders this year, Chef Sylvain Revelant and Pastry Chef Marie Hue, both transplants from London’s Connaught Hotel.
The new menu showcases a sophisticated blend of French and local influences with new offerings such as Olive Oil-Poached Mahi Mahi with caramelized onions and Grilled Suckling Pork Loin confit with a golden chickpea pancake, broad beans and a sundried tomato salad. Longtime fans of Le Gaiac should rest assured however, classic dishes such as spaghetti with black truffles prepared tableside in a wheel of parmesan cheese, are still found on the menu and as popular as ever. Cuisine is prepared and presented in the traditional French style and an onsite sommelier expertly pairs each course with a wine offering for a decadent evening out.
If you’d prefer a more casual dining experience, be sure to swing by Le Gaiac for their World Famous Sunday Brunch de Toiny instead. Guests are treated to bottomless spreads of colorful fishes, meats, fruits, vegetables, and sweets and invited to eat to their heart's content.
The spa features a menu of treatments crafted by Linge St. Barth, a natural, local product line. One of the most unique offerings on the menu is the St. Barth Chill Out, a relaxing body massage that features self-heating round clams infused with skin nourishing sea minerals. Smooth, hand-polish clam shells heat up and cool down on the skin and are used in conjunction with nourishing avocado oil massaged into your back, legs, and shoulders. It’s a complete therapeutic and sensory experience that relaxes and melts tension in both muscles and mind. Guests can choose to take the Chill Out treatment, or any other, in the Serenity Spa Cottage or their own guest room.
From the morning breakfast platter to an evening dip in your private pool, Hotel Le Toiny is the perfect stay. The resort offers a type of luxury that spoils even the world’s most discerning travelers, but still feels easygoing, understated, and elegant — much like St. Barth itself.
