Hotel Carl Gustaf

RENOVATED FROM TOP TO BOTTOM in 2006, the Hotel Carl Gustaf (www.hotelcarlgustaf.com) in St. Barts is guaranteeing dollar rates for the winter season that represent nearly a 20 percent savings from the usual rates.  Hotel Carl Gustaf's suites are located inside cottages with harbor views

Through April 19, sample pricing includes $1,350 double per night for a one-bedroom suite—that's versus 1,100 euro, which today is equal to about $1,615. Rates include breakfast daily (in room or in the resort's restaurant), champagne upon arrival and roundtrip airport transfers.

The legendary Hotel Carl Gustaf, which sits high above the yacht-filled harbor of Gustavia, has 14 one- and two-bedroom suites inside cottages with views of the harbor and beyond. Additionally, there's the 6,500-square-foot Golden Reef Villa with its own infinity pool and Jacuzzi. This three-level villa boasts plenty of private terraces, seven bedrooms and bathrooms, a fully equipped gourmet kitchen and a dining conservatory.

Six one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites have private decks and plunge pools and large living rooms, fully equipped kitchenettes and his-and-her closets or dressing rooms. The Great View Suite boasts the best view of the ocean because it's nestled on the upper level of the resort. It also features a kitchenette, private terrace and outdoor Jacuzzi (but no plunge pool).

The hotel has also just added a much wider choice of in-room spa treatments through its new partnership with Ligne St. Barth (www.lignestbarth.com). Previously, it was able to offer only massages, either in the guest's room or in the hotel's sole treatment room. The spa menu now includes facials, body masks and body peels as well. Book ahead by contacting managing director Birgit Brin ([email protected]).

An onsite fitness center is open 24/7. For offsite pleasures, staff can arrange excursions aboard the hotel's 52-foot Carl Gustaf III yacht (think sailing to St. Maarten or Anguilla for dinner), set up scuba-diving trips, windsailing lessons, rounds of golf at nearby courses—even private jets to superior courses on the islands of Nevis, St. Kitts or Anguilla.

Food and Wine

Dining is a tour de force from chef Emmanuel Motte, and gourmet options include dinner at The Sunset, where signature dishes such as steamed sole fillets in a chive-and-Cinzano sauce hold court. The Wine Cellar, considered among the region's best, stocks more than 500 of the world's most celebrated wines, champagnes, cognacs and rare rums. Fabulous picnic baskets that include fine linens, crystal stemware and silver and brim with delectable delights can be hand-delivered to any local spot or yacht.

For VIPs, contact general manager Pierre-Alexandre Maillard (011-590-590-297-900, [email protected]) , who has catered to celebrity guests including Cindy Crawford, Billy Joel and John Grisham.