Site Inspection at Hotel Le Toiny in St. Barths

Many people travel to the island during peak season to party. I did just the opposite and traveled during a time when it was less busy in the low season to avoid the crowds. Sometimes you just need an escape to mentally decompress, recalibrate and hit that reset button. Getting to St. Barths can be challenging if you do not plan in advance, as there are no direct flights to the island. The airport’s runway is too short for any of the major airlines and private jets. There are a few ways to get to St. Barth from neighboring islands, including catching a 1-hour ferry (more affordable, longer journey) or a 10-minute small propeller plane (shorter journey, more expensive) from St. Maarten, by private yacht or helicopter. From St. Maarten, I opted for the ferry (which I do not recommend). If you are prone to sea sickness, I do not recommend the ferry as an option.

Hotel Le Toiny is a small boutique, 5-star luxury hotel with only 22 independent, free-standing suites and 24 swimming pools on the entire property. This hotel is hidden on a secluded beach (we love seclusion). Tucked in the mountains, full of palm trees and lush tropical flowers, making each villa exclusive, very private from the other suites, away from crowds. It’s a great, tranquil setup for the ultimate relaxation getaway. The concierge welcomed me to the property with a glass of Rosé before escorting me to my suite. There I found a bottle of champagne, bottled water, my itinerary for the next several days and a love note (welcome letter) waiting for me. I was super excited to come here. I had the Signature Suite, which was beautifully decorated, spacious and very cozy with 1,775 sq ft, both indoor and outdoor combined living space.

Le Toiny is categorized as a hotel, but it does not feel like one at all. It’s like a beach house sanctuary that’s very much giving luxe beach-chic. I had views of the Caribbean Sea and the sliding glass doors in the rooms opened fully, giving me an indoor/outdoor feel. There are a lot of mosquitoes on the island so, I recommend keeping the doors closed. Bug repellant is provided. The suite also comes with its own private heated pool and a huge terrace. Everything from the minibar and daily breakfast was included. The hotel offers a safari shuttle to its exclusive beach and beach club where I could completely relax and zone out with no crowds. The privacy and exclusivity of it all was perfect. Hotel Le Toiny is suitable for the luxury client. They are family-friendly and also perfect for couples or solo travelers.

I recommend Hotel Le Toiny to my clients who prefer to travel solo, honeymooners or couples looking for a romantic getaway on a secluded beach. The Euro is the official currency of this French island, but the US dollar is accepted. French is the official language, but English is widely and fluently spoken.

Places to eat:

• La Langouste for the best lobster.

• Le Tamarin for great French cuisine and garden hour.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our St. Barths page.