St. Barths, that glittery jewel in the Caribbean, is famous for jaw-dropping mega yachts docked in the harbor, pristine streets lined with chic boutiques and tony clientele who sojourn here either to be seen and socialize or escape for a few blissful, paparazzi-less days. The island took a hit during a hurricane a few years ago, with some properties still bouncing back and others using the opportunity to undergo extensive upgrades and expansions.
The eco-chic Hotel Manapany, situated on the northern side near Anse des Cayes, fared better than others and was able to reopen last fall. It’s located just five minutes from the town of Gustavia and the tiny Gustaf III airport (transfers to and from the airport are included with your stay), meaning shops and restaurants are close by; yet if you want to hole up and not leave the resort, there is still plenty to experience.
The boutique hotel has 43 rooms and suites including 12 connecting rooms. They are categorized into 12 ocean deluxe, 19 ocean prestige (one with a Jacuzzi), four beach prestige, three panoramic suites, four beachside suites, two beach houses and a Creole villa; the latter is located directly on the beach and includes two bedrooms on two levels, each with its own bathroom and ocean views. Each accommodation is uniquely furnished in a scheme blending Caribbean with modern French, utilizing warm tropical hardwoods, stark white wainscoting, high ceilings with wooden beams and ceiling fans, along with pops of Caribbean color, decor and artwork that lend a laid-back island feel. Rooms include a private sundeck, tea- and coffee-making amenities, a minibar, B Signature bath products, an American breakfast and high-speed WiFi. As part of the resort’s commitment to the environment, every room includes a parking space equipped with a charging station for electric vehicles.
The spa touts lounge chairs and tables and a private adults-only pool facing the ocean. Both are available for spa guests. Organic skincare products by Dr. Hauschka are used for massages, facials and body treatments in several private treatment cottages with exterior showers and the soothing sound of the surf just outside the plantation-shuttered window. One cottage can accommodate a couple’s treatment. Morning yoga and oceanfront Pilates classes on a covered pavilion by the beach are also offered daily. The main saltwater pool, also located ocean-side, is open to all. The beach can be a bit rocky in parts but it makes for a perfect stroll to collect shells, coral and sea glass and includes ample lounge chairs, umbrellas and tables on request; servers are also at the ready to bring food and drink to your chair. If you need a break from the sun, a fitness center is equipped with Technogym cardio, strength and functional devices.
At Hotel Manapany, commitment to the environment is not just a marketing strategy, and in this respect it is at the forefront of other hotels on St. Barths. Solar panels are used to produce hot water and electricity and a water treatment system allows the property to produce its own water. As mentioned, parking spaces outside each villa allow for electric cars to charge. Guests can rent electric cars during their stay, and they are the only vehicles permitted to get around the 4.2-acre property. Housekeeping staff uses only biodegradable detergents and practices like steam cleaning, and the towels are crafted from natural fibers like bamboo. The hotel maintains an organic vegetable garden and orchard, harvesting citrus, mango, passion fruit, banana and coconut for the restaurant; other ingredients are locally sourced when possible.
Though indoor tables at Manapany’s restaurant still have a sea view, it’s way more fun to kick off your flip-flops and run your toes in the sand at an umbrella-topped table outside. Chef Anthony and the team fuse Caribbean fare with dishes you might find in the Mediterranean and Côte d’Azur: grilled mahi mahi over black beans with Iberian chorizo stew, lamb-stuffed zucchini Provençal, and baba with passion syrup and grapefruit segments.
Be sure to start with a cocktail; in addition to the signatures on the list the Manapany offers a new one every week. The Manapanytinii is prepared bar or tableside, with Monkey 47 Gin, blanc vermouth, crème de violette, hibiscus, lavender and grapefruit bitters. Let your bartender know your penchant for booziness or sweetness; either way it’s a lovely, heady, floral take on a martini. After lunch, soak up a few late-afternoon rays on the beach with the Anse des Cayes, with coconut water, pineapple, lime, honey, vodka and saline, served in a coconut shell, garnished with palm leaves and presented on a round wooden tray with shells and coral. Not only is it one of the prettiest cocktails you’ll ever come across, it’s refreshing yet layered. In fact, this libation might be a metaphor for the island itself: Crack its surface and you’ll find much more on St. Barths than million-dollar sailboats and designer labels. And the Hotel Manapany is a welcoming abode to really dive into what it’s all about.
Hotel Manapany
Anse des Cayes
97133 Saint Barthélemy. France
tel 590 590 27 66 55
Read This Next
Review: Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus
eFlyer Reviews
Dec 6, 2023
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Dec 7, 2023Why Sun-Splashed Mazatlán, Mexico, Attracts Digital Nomads
Mazatlán, Mexico, has long been an attractive home destination for Canadian and American retirees, but, in recent years, young, digital nomads have also discovered the charms of this coastal city, finding inexpensive accommodations, beautiful weather and plenty of bandwidth for working remotely. The laid-back beach scene definitely eases the transition of relocating to Mexico’s West Coast.
Sponsored Content
Treasure Every Moment in The Islands of Tahiti
The Islands of Tahiti offer a range of captivating activities for travelers with diverse interests, from hiking to breathtaking waterfalls, riding horses on secluded beaches; swimming with sharks; or immersing in Polynesian culture through traditional dance, music and art. For watersports enthusiasts, the crystal-clear lagoons offer exhilarating experiences like surfing, kiteboarding and paddleboarding. And if you’re looking to relax, the pristine beaches, overwater bungalows and tropical sun offer the perfect setting. With 118 islands and atolls to explore, island hopping is an excellent way to experience the full diversity of The Islands of Tahiti. With its blend of adventure, culture and relaxation, The Islands of Tahiti offer a truly unique travel experience.
December 2023
Dec 7, 2023Global Traveler Announces the Winners of the 2023 Outstanding Diversity & Inclusion in Travel Awards
For its third year, Global Traveler awards the airline, cruise line and hotel brand best representing diversity, equity and inclusion within the travel industry. Over the past year Global Traveler analyzed many airlines, cruise lines and hotel brands to determine which companies prove most committed to changing the world through diversity and inclusion.
December 2023
Dec 7, 2023Enduring Excellence: Global Traveler Honors the Winners Achieving Top Status, Year After Year
The highly anticipated GT Tested Reader Survey has more reason to celebrate in 2024 than ever before. This year marks the 20th anniversary of our GT Tested Reader Survey awards, with many of the winning brands earning milestone accolades for years of dedicated and consistent service.
Sponsored Content
Share Your Travel Preferences with Global Traveler in a Short Survey & Win
Learning more about our readers’ travel habits and preferences ensures Global Traveler delivers the content you desire. As the travel industry has adapted and changed over the last few years, it’s more important than ever to connect. To best meet your short- and long-term travel content needs, please help us!
December 2023
Dec 7, 2023Global Traveler Celebrates the Winners of the 20th Annual GT Tested Reader Survey Awards
As another phenomenal year of travel comes to an end, it’s time, as always, for Global Traveler to celebrate and award those who do it best as we announce the 2023 winners of the GT Tested Reader Survey awards. But that's not the only cause for celebration here: We've hit another major milestone, as this marks our 20th year honoring the best of the best inn world of travel!
eFlyer News
Dec 6, 2023Study Reveals Least Reliable Airports in United States in 2023
Private jet charter service Jettly recently conducted an extensive study to find the most and least reliable U.S. airports in 2023. Analyzing the total number of delays, cancellations and diversions from more than 390 U.S. airports provided by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the results saw the least reliable airports span all corners of the country.
Sponsored Content
Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
eFlyer Deals
Dec 6, 2023Christmas Break at All-New The BoTree
The newly opened The BoTree in London didn’t forget about winter festivities, either. Its Christmas Break offer immerses guests in the glamour of London’s holiday season.
ShareThis