Grand Cul de Sac, St. Barth's, French West Indies

The only place to have a complete resort experience on the little Caribbean island of St. Barth's is the sophisticated and family-friendly Hotel Guanahani & Spa. It's the island's largest hotel, even though it has a total of just 68 rooms and suites. Le Guanahani strikes the delicate balance of being glamorous, romantic and kid-friendly all at the same time. It really has it all: a Clarins spa, Frédéric Fekkai hair salon, fitness center, a fashionable boutique, a freshwater swimming pool and Jacuzzi, two kids' clubs for different age groups, two restaurants, two tennis courts—and even two beaches! Yes, two white sand beaches because the resort sits on its own peninsula with one side facing a reef-protected lagoon and the other facing Marigot Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

The breezy, Caribbean meets French Colonial style rooms are in colorful cottages dotted about a verdant hillside that slopes down to the turquoise lagoon. Try to book an ocean-view suite (don't bother getting one with a small pool as you'll probably never use it unless you have little kids). Families should reserve one of the two-bedroom family suites. For extra space, splurge for one of the six deluxe suites—that's what celebrity hair stylist Frédéric Fekkai does when he's paying a visit to his salon. "My favorite is the Wellness Suite," says Fekkai, "It's located above the spa and has the most beautiful 180 degree view of the island and ocean. We love the large outdoor terrace and enjoy breakfast there every morning. There's also private access to the spa, including after-hour use of the lap pool, and, for the ultimate luxury … butler service!"

If you end up in a room near the top of the hill, be prepared for a bit of a climb—although exercise will help get you in bikini shape for the people watching around the main pool. "It’s a great scene with lots of celebs, socialites and models during the Christmas and New Years period," says Andrew, a financier in New York who's stayed there several times. "Lunch at the Indigo cafe next to the pool is a big deal, with beautiful people strutting their stuff."

In addition to hanging by the pool, guests can head to the beach for jet skiing, para-surfing and lessons with the PADI scuba diving school. The water is too shallow for real swimming, but it's a nice spot for kids to splash around. Andrew from New York gives Guanahani high marks but warns that its beaches aren't great. "Most people relax on the shore or do water activities, but the best beaches are on the other side of the island, such as Gouverneur and Saline beaches," he says. NB: Some guests complain about the hotel's indifferent French employees. Fifteen minutes from the airport.

Hotel Guanahani & Spa
Grand Cul de Sac, St. Barthelemy
French West Indies