OVERVIEW
HIGHLIGHTS: Plenty of activities to choose from on site, such as golf and tennis. Their villas are hands down some of the best options and I would opt for that over staying at the resort. They also have an adults only beach and pool section - the adults are red umbrellas and the family side are yellow umbrellas.
- Food: Good and even better juices/smoothies!
- Service: Attentive
- Technology: N/A
- Family or Pet Friendly: Very family friendly
- In the know: Go for the villas. Suites only face the ocean, and the Nevis view was better.
- Overall Impression: Stunning grounds
- Style: Island chic
- Location: Easy access to activities on the small island
- Rooms: Need an upgrade - prefer Nevis View
- Amenities Highlights: Good golf course onsite
- Low Point: To play tennis on our own cost additional
St Martin
Hotel: Belmond La Samanna
When: March 2017
FEATURED ATELIER AMENITY:
Lunch for 2, once during stay (excluding drinks)
OVERVIEW
HIGHLIGHTS: The One Bedroom Terrace Suite is worth the splurge. And the concierge prior to our arrival was fantastic.
- Food: Good - not life changing, but good
- Service: 5 Star
- Family or Pet Friendly: Bring the kids!
- In the know: The villas are one of a kind and PERFECT for a family or couples trip.
- Overall Impression: Unreal
- Style: Ultimate relaxed luxury
- Location: The only luxury option in St. Martin
- Rooms: Charming French Style + Villas! Would not get anything less than a Suite.
- Amenities Highlights: Custom Rum - can't go wrong
St Barths
Hotel: Cheval Blanc, St-Barth Isle de France
When: March 2017
FEATURED ATELIER AMENITY:
50 EURO Food and Beverage credit at a la Case de L'Isle, per room, per stay
OVERVIEW
HIGHLIGHTS: The color pattern (light pink hue and white) is some of the best I've seen. The property is very tastefully decorated. Plenty of families and friends traveling together here - so would be a fun place to meet with others!
- Food: Great - and their menus are fun!
- Service: Great - if you find the right ones
- Family or Pet Friendly: Very family friendly
- In the know: Seems a little more crowded for being just 40 rooms and suites.
- Low Moment: During lunch, they have someone fashioning off clothes from their shop.
- Overall Impression: Slightly Pretentious
- Style: Opulant
- Location: A little further away from the action, but trendy none-the-less
- Rooms: Bright White and large
- Amenities Highlights: Their towels are awesome!
OVERVIEW
HIGHLIGHTS: This hotel very much surprised me. I expected more trendy with more "see to be seen" crowd. But over all, it was much more laid back and casual. The rooms are outstanding and very well done and decorated. I would be happy in any one of the rooms - even entry category.
- Food: I could've had 5 of their fresh juices!
- Service: Beyond polite and no judgmental looks
- Family or Pet Friendly: They take all kids, but I think older the better
- In the know: Certain Rock Classic rooms have a better location, they are scattered through out the property
- Overall Impression: Unexpected laid-back luxury
- Style: French and eclectic
- Location: Fabulous, walking distance to restaurants and Nikki Beach
- Rooms: All are unique and different
- Amenities Highlights: The new juice bar!
Antigua
Hotel: Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort
When: May 2013 and June 2014
FEATURED ATELIER AMENITY:
$100 Spa Services Credit
OVERVIEW
HIGHLIGHTS: One of my favorite things about this property, is the surprises you get on the beach. They serve a fabulous frappacino, that I even tried to have Las Vantanas Al Paraiso recreate. It's all-inclusive, and the drinks and food are still great.
- Food: All-Inclusive and great
- Service: Top Notch
- Family or Pet Friendly: Families welcome - but also a lot of honeymooners here
- In the know: You are whisked away once you arrive at the airport. Taken to a pier to board a boat only accessible to people staying on the island. About 15 minutes later, you are in paradise and greeted with a nice cocktail
- Overall Impression: An All Inclusive true Paradise on a private island
- Style: Traditional Island Chic with tons of open air
- Location: Private Island
- Rooms: Only 40 rooms, but have great villas for families and couples who want a little more privacy and exclusivity
- Amenities Highlights: Chef creates some great in villa amenities.
OVERVIEW
HIGHLIGHTS: Great secluded get-away. The breakfast restaurant has stunning views. You feel like you are away from it all when you arrive here.
- Food: A-OK!
- Service: Very good
- Family or Pet Friendly: Very family friendly
- In the know: Try and get a Suite on the second level with an ocean view. The Ground level is accessible to anyone who walks by, and if you don't have your blinds closed, well.....
- Overall Impression: Seclusion at its finest
- Style: Vegetative grounds with a modern twist
- Location: Secluded
- Rooms: 82 Suites from Junior Suites to 3 bedrooms
- Amenities Highlights: A little "foot pond" to take off the sand before you come back into your suite