FROM OUR DESIGNER GRETCHEN MAULL :
Of all the amazing places I’ve had the opportunity to visit, Saint Barth's holds a special place in my heart. I married my partner in crime on the beautiful Ansel Marechal Beach at Le Guanahani Hotel. Spending the past weekend there made me fall in love with island all over again. See below as I share some of my favorite places and experiences- shall you ever find yourself on a tiny plane in route to this Caribbean island gem.
The only way to get onto the island is either by ferry (not for the faint of heart) or by air where you will land on the one of the shortest runways in the world. To alleviate our fears the pilot mentioned he makes this trip about 10 times a day for the past 20 years. We put on our headphones in (to listen to the new Drake), sat back, and enjoyed a breathtaking aerial view. The GG Maull Hobohemian is a perfect carryall for my trip- Dramamine sold separately.
By the time we land in St. Barth it’s about 2PM. We drop off our luggage, grab our essentials, and head to lunch. The Eden Rock Hotel has a beachfront Jean George restaurant that is right around the corner from the airport. My favorite thing to order for lunch is the Lobster Avocado Salad with a Champagne Truffle Vinaigrette, paired with an Aperol Spritz of course!
Time to unpack and unwind! There are so many gorgeous locations with breathtaking beaches. It’s hard to go wrong when choosing a hotel. This past weekend, I stayed at Cheval Blanc for the first time. My husband and I had a very secluded quite room with a view of the ocean and a private pool. It was the perfect way to spend a relaxing weekend.
You can always find me at the beach. I put on my new Camilla one piece and head straight for the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Ocean. The beach at our hotel is the Baie des Flamandes is not to be missed. When all you need is your sunnies, wallet, iPhone and a small tube of sunblock for re-applying. Stand out in our one-of-a-kind Rebel Holster– for the beach the holster is my go to!
My favorite spot for dinner (besides Le Ti) is Bonito. It is downtown near the port of Gustavia. I must order the Salmon Tiradito, pear with raw salmon yuzu and truffle salt. Yummy! The restaurant has a very cozy-chic vibe, all white that makes me feel at home, until I notice the open-air view and realize: wait, no, I’m in paradise! At Bonito they have a dj and mixologist if you can’t make it for dinner, I recommend stopping there for a drink! Yann, is their in-house DJ who also played at my wedding.
Our weekend in Saint Barths wouldn’t be complete without dancing well into the AM at the infamous Le Ti. It was recently renovated so if you haven’t been in a while I recommend stopping by to see the beautiful remodel. Being shy is not allowed here. Check your inhibitions at the door and put on your party hat, literally. Le Ti has an array of costume choices in their enviable costume closet. So deck yourself out in and dance on the table, anything goes here. My favorite accessory of choice? Our sequin Party Pouch!!
To recover from a festive night out, we grab a pressed juice or a coffee at Kiki e Mo, a roadside cafe near Eden Rock. Bonus points if you speak French! It is the national language of island and mainly spoken at this cafe.
Beware of speeding mopeds as you cross the street and head over to do a little shopping near Nikki Beach. I particularly love the boutique Terra Saint Barth which carries all the essential flow-y beach looks to accompany relaxed island living vibes.
The best way to end the day, especially before heading back to the hustle and bustle of New York City-life, is with a spa visit. At sunset, my husband and I donned our white French terrycloth robes paired with a glass of champagne. We head to the Spa Cheval Blanc and enjoy a deep tissue massage. (Ask for Julia.)
Parting is such sweet sorrow. This expression couldn’t more true when the morning of our departure arrives. It’s always hard to leave this magical island. Until next time Saint Barth, it is certainly not my last
XOXO,
Gretchen