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Hotel LeVillage St Jean is a low key, family-run hotel set right in St Jean, the liveliest area of St Barths. It sits on the hillside above the town, a series of pretty stone and wooden cottages ranged over multiple levels and linked by stone-laid paths overhung with sprays of tropical flowers. Its handful of hotel rooms and many self-catering cottages – all decorated in bright and bold tropical colours – are set around a central reception, pool terrace, small shop, Well-Being cottage and restaurant, giving it an informal atmosphere with its own sense of community. And although it is set close to the heart of St Jean, with its excellent beach and all its activity, the hotel is very slightly removed from it, so you can retreat to the calm and quiet of your own balcony with a (superb) view of the bay. LeVillage St Jean is well priced for St Barths, friendly and also good for families.
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KEY FEATURES
| Small, family oriented St Barths/St Barts resort with rooms and self-catering cottages set in pretty tropical gardens, with air-conditioning and ceiling fans, private balconies, direct dial phones, free WiFi access and equipment for children. Library. Restaurant (open for breakfast), bar and lounge with plasma screen TV. Pool and Jacuzzi, Well-Being cottage for massage and beauty treatments, gym. Yoga and Stretch classes available. Bocce (boules) pitch. Village and shops close by, St Jean beach three minutes. |
STYLE
| Decoration modern tropical - a splash of bright primary colours – on more traditional Caribbean design, tiled floors, teak (and antique) furniture and glass louvers. Quite independent feel |
CLIENT PROFILE
| Independent couples and families wanting a base near the centre of St Barths |
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LeVillage has been a keynote on St Barths since the 1960s, since before the island ever saw a celebrity. Owned and run by a leading St Barths family, it has grown with the island, but it has foresworn the more extreme elements of glitz and glamour for which St Barths is generally known. Instead, the small hotel is a friendly retreat ideal, near all the action, for independent travellers and families. The name gives away its intention. It is a small community of suites set in cottages. Le Village St Jean is low key and it is less expensive than the glitzier places to stay on the island, so you can have a holiday on St Barths for near-worldly prices.
It is set just outside and above St Jean. You approach on the quiet road that leads up from opposite Nikki Beach, climbing quite steeply uphill. As the activity of the beach and town recede behind you, so the atmosphere begins to calm. By the time you reach your room and have settled onto your balcony, the frenetic busyness of St Jean has evaporated almost entirely. Instead you are ensconced in a quiet community of cottages around a pool.
First though, you will pass by the reception, where the style of the small and friendly hotel is already visible. Inside, over a pillared porch, you come to the Reception desk and office, which is dressed in natural stone, wood and bright and bold colours. People drop in here, sometimes to arrange a taxi or a restaurant reservation, but just as likely for a chat. There is a library of books from which you can borrow if you wish.
Diagonally opposite Reception is the pool, which is raised on its own tile and deck terrace, surrounded by a canvas balustrade. It has an infinity edge with a very pretty view over the bay. A whirlpool is set to one side. From the deck you will see the roofs of the many cottages set into the hillside around you.
A recent innovation is LeVillage’s new Well-Being cottage, a two-storey spa and gym built of tropical hardwood and glass with a lovely view of St jean bay. On the ground floor the cottage has a spa and relaxation room and a changing room and shower (that can also be sued by guests who have a late departure) and upstairs is the gym, which has some machines and free weights.
As you turn in from the approach road, you will also pass by the restaurant and bar, beneath the pool and opposite the reception. This is another gathering point when you feel like some company. You enter the room directly into the main sitting area, where there are sofas and cushions in rich red and mustard colours turned towards a huge screen on the walls. This lounge area also has free WiFi service, so you can log on with your own laptop. To one side of the sitting area is the bar. Set on a slightly lower level is the main dining room. This uses the best of the natural design, with walls of rough-hewn stone and wood on which there are bright and bold drapes in bright red, yellow and blue.
The rooms are reached by stone-laid paths and rock walls overhanging with sprays of bougainvillea and other tropical plants. As you walk to your room you will sense of the love invested in the place. It was built in the 1960s and 70s by the same family that owns and runs the small hotel today. Some of the cottages are stone, some render and others have a storey of wood.
But for all the familiar and traditional aspects of the hotel, LeVillage has been modernized in recent years and the rooms, which are deliberately and elegantly simple, have a very pleasant, modern feel. The familiar bright an bold colour scheme is continued into the hotel rooms and cottages, even down to the towels - yellow, orange and red, sky blue, azure and aquamarine. The pillows have a small orange chilli on them. They have air-conditioning and French windows – which have glass-slatted louvers (apparently at the suggestion of Greta Garbo, a former visitor), so they can be opened up and ventilated with ceiling fans. The rooms are decorated with paintings by local artists.
There are four regular ‘hotel’-style rooms at LeVillage, below the reception and opposite the dining room. They are located just across the quiet road behind a wooden gate. However, the majority of the accommodation, which is set around the reception area, are suites set in cottages. They are large, with one or two bedrooms, some with their living space on the balcony. They have their own kitchen, so you can cook if you want, but as always in St Barths you may not use it much atall because there are so many good reasons to eat out. Children’s equipment such as high chairs and cots is available to guests.
There is a very personal character to LeVillage. The same love and care that was invested into building the small resort forty years ago continues today in the management by the same family. The small hotel is fairly independent in atmosphere, because guests do look after themselves, and so it can be private if you want. This is pretty much the manner of St Barths and of course there are so many restaurants around the island so people go out anyway. And it is quite quiet (and happy to be quiet on such a busy island), but there is also a distinct sense of community, particularly because it is popular with families. The result is that LeVillage is a very friendly and well-priced spot in a generally expensive island, in which people feel very much at home. And of course return year after year.
Update, December 2008 - During the summer the Jacuzzi Suite was completely renovated and enlarged in readiness for the winter season. Set in a separate building, it is of contemporary design with a lean décor and stylish teak furnishings. It has a large deck with an outdoor Jacuzzi and covered dining area, an en suite bathroom with a large atrium-style shower with rain head, a living room with satellite plasma TV, DVD/CD player, WiFi access and a fully equipped kitchen. The suite is fully air-conditioned, has a surround sound system and is accessible to disabled travellers. WiFi has now been installed in all cottages, rooms and villas and access is free to guests. All Standard Cottages have been kitted out with new teak furnishings and drapes. |
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Beach & Swimming
Hotel LeVillage is set on the hillside just above St Jean beach, a superb curve of sand and the liveliest beach on St Barths. The hotel has some beach equipment for you to use. The swimming is excellent in the bay, which is protected by an offshore reef. And it looks fantastic (particularly from above) as it coloured an extraordinary power of blue. At the ‘town’ end there is space to base yourself on the sand, as well as a couple of beach bars (Nikki Beach, Eden Rock and La Plage) where you can retreat for lunch. But the beach also extends around towards the airport, which makes an excellent walk along the sand, with the added fun of watching the planes take off and land (careful, they might take your hat off). The other nearest beach is Anse des Grandes Salines, over the hill behind the hotel. It has a completely different feel to it because there is no development on it at all.
There is a nice swimming pool at the hotel, just across from the reception and up some steps to a terrace. It is L-shaped and has an infinity edge . A whirlpool is built into the deck to one side and there are loungers on the surrounding deck. |
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Sports & Recreation
In their new Well-Being Cottage massages and beauty treatments including facials are available by appointment at the reception. Private yoga and stretch classes are also available.
There is a gym upstairs has a number of machines (bicycles, running and weights machines. They have an excellent view through the full length glass windows. The gym is open from 7.30am to 8pm. There is also a bocce court for those who would like a game in the cool of the evening.
Otherwise, most of the sporting activities available to guests in St Barths (and there is plenty to do on the island) are off the property. Windsurfing and kitesurfing take place in Grand Cul de Sac and other watersports (scuba, sailing, day trips) are available through companies based in Gustavia. They are easily arranged through the reception.
Tennis is available in Petit Cul de Sac. Horse-riding, with trail rides through St Barths’ surprisingly remote and rough terrain, can be arranged at the Ranch des Flammands in the north-west. |
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Staff
There is daily maid service to your room or cottage. LeVillage is family concern and is owned and run by the Charneaus, who have lived in St Barths for many generations. It was built in the 1960s and 70s by Andre Charneau and is now managed by Catherine, his daughter and son Bertrand. Another member of staff that you are likely to meet is Solène. |
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The Rooms
There are two different sorts of rooms at LeVillage. There are four hotel rooms, which are set in a block just below the reception overlooking the bay. The majority of the 27 rooms at the small resort however, are set in cottages. These are free-standing, mostly set on a stone base and with a wooden or a render upper and of course a balcony to look out onto the salt-pond and the bay. There are one- and two-bedroom cottage with a kitchen and a living area. The rooms are all decorated in bright fabrics and painted in bright colours which gives them a very vibrant atmosphere. The furniture is stylishly made in wood. |
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Dining
The restaurant is open for breakfast only, which is included for guests at LeVillage.
You may well be out during the day. There are lots of take-away restaurants (this being St Barths you can even take out gourmet food), which will prepare anything from a picnic for the beach (try Kiki et Mo at the foot of the hill) to a dinner for two.
There are many other places to eat in St Jean itself, just a few minutes’ walk down the hill. Try Zanzibarth and Andy’s Hideaway for some fun. For a more formal meal go to one of the other hotels, or into Gustavia. |
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Useful Hints
If you wish to order some food to be left in your cottage for your arrival then do contact the LeVillage in advance. |
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Practical Facts
Annual Closure Dates: hotel open year round
Dress Code: Informal by day and elegantly casual for the evenings
Facilities: Swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Restaurant (breakfast only) bar, lounge with plasma screen TV and WiFi. Well-Being Cottage with air-conditioned Fitness Room and a Beauty Cabin for massage/beauty treatments. Bocce (boules) pitch. Changing room with shower for late departures
Complimentary: Fitness room. Bocce (boules) Pitch. WiFi access in the lounge and all guest rooms
Other Services: Reception can arrange watersports and activities. Private yoga and stretching classes available on request. Room service for breakfast. Daily maid service
Children: Welcome. Highchairs and cots are available
Weddings: One of you will need to be resident for over a month to marry on St Barths. The hotel can organise any kind of wedding according to budget, and will provide a wedding planner.
Accommodation: 24 rooms & cottages and 3 villas
Room Types: All accommodations have air-conditioning, balcony or patio, direct dial telephone, free WiFi access, safe, hair dryer, and en suite bathroom with shower. 4 x Hotel Rooms overlook the bay and have a flat screen cable TV, either a king-size bed or two twins, ceiling fan and a mini fridge. Standard Cottages have views of Saint Jean Bay, a covered terrace with dining area and adjoining kitchenette. Gardens are ground level with a patio and twin beds (king on request) and Terraces are upper level with a sundeck, either a queen or king-size bed and ceiling fan. Deluxe Cottages are more spacious, have a large terrace with dining area and fully equipped kitchen, radio/CD player, hammock and bedroom with king-size bed. Gardens are on ground level with ocean view and a patio with lounge chairs and the Garden Suites have an additional living area with day bed off the bedroom (sliding wall panels for privacy). Terraces are upper level with a sundeck, views of Saint-Jean Bay and a ceiling fan and the Terrace Suites have an additional living area with day bed off the bedroom (sliding wall panels for privacy). The Jacuzzi Suite is in a separate cottage, is fully air-conditioned and was completely renovated and enlarged late 2008. It has a large deck with outdoor Jacuzzi and covered dining area, en suite bathroom with large atrium-style shower with rain head, a living room with satellite plasma TV, DVD/CD player, and a kitchen. The suite can sleep 2 adults and 2 children and is accessible to disabled travellers. 2-Bedroom Cottages have a large terrace with dining area and fully equipped kitchen, radio/CD player, and a hammock. The upper level is similar to the Deluxe Cottage Terrace Suite with a living area with sofa bed off the bedroom which has a king-size bed. The 2nd bedroom is downstairs with two twin beds, a dressing-room, large bathroom and a patio. La Case is a one bedroom stand-alone cottage suite with elevated views of Saint Jean Bay. It has a wrap-around wooden decked veranda with sun loungers, hammock, covered dining terrace with adjoining kitchen with bar counter, a living room with mezzanine access, and a bedroom with two twins.
Credit Cards: Visa and MasterCard only |
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Rates
| | 16 Apr-17 Dec 2009 | 09 Jan-14 Apr 2010 | | | CP | CP | | Hotel Room 1-2 persons | 135 | 220 | | Standard Cottage 1-2 persons Garden Terrace | 170 220 | 260 330 | | Deluxe Cottage 1-2 persons Garden Garden Suite Terrace Terrace Suite Jacuzzi Suite | 250 280 320 350 390 | 370 400 460 495 650 | | La Case 1-2 persons | 350 | 540 | | 2 Bedroom Cottage 1-4 persons | 400 | 620 | | Extra person | 50 | 70 | | Children 0-4 yrs | 30 | 35 | All rates are quoted in Euros €, per room, per night, including CP = continental breakfast and Service Charge. All rates are subject to 5% Government Tax. Rates are subject to change without notice A 3 night deposit (5 nights for February bookings) is required to secure all reservations. A loss of deposit will be incurred for no-shows and for cancellations within 45 days of arrival (within 60 days for February bookings), for cancellations prior to 45 days of arrival (60 days for February bookings) an administration fee of €100 will be charged (€150 for February bookings). |
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How to book
If you wish to make further enquiries or a reservation, please use the WEB LINK or DIRECT EMAIL ENQUIRIES facility at the top of this page to make contact with Hotel LeVillage St Jean in St Barths, or if you wish to telephone them, please click on TELEPHONE CONTACT to reveal the number. |
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Locality
It is a two-minute walk down into St Jean, which is the liveliest village on St Barths outside Gustavia. There are several parades of shops (clothes, specialty food and wine), and a number of restaurants and bars. On the shoreline is the famous Nikki Beach and the Sand Bar at the Eden Rock Hotel. Drive a couple of minutes west and there are more shops opposite the airport including a large supermarket.
St Barths is really quite small, so everywhere is within a short drive. Gustavia, just over the hill from the airport, has a string of excellent bars around the waterfront and a number of good bars and restaurants around its narrow streets. |
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Meet & Greet
Most visitors to St Barths rent a car and so they drive themselves (all of two minutes) from the airport. However, if you do not drive then LeVillage is happy to collect you. If you arrive by boat in Gustavia then the car hire companies will deliver, or you should catch a taxi to St Jean. |
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Getting Around
Taxis are quite hard to come by in St Barths, and so be aware that if you have a dinner reservation in a restaurant around the island you may have to reserve a cab a couple of days in advance.
All in all it is easiest to hire a car, which will enable you to visit the beaches by day and to go out in the evenings. On St Barths we recommend Europcar and Gumbs Car Rental. Both companies have outlets at the airport if you wish to pick up your car on arrival, but they will also deliver to the hotel. Please be aware that at the height of the season, particularly over Christmas and New Year, it is very hard to get hold of a car and so it is necessary to book it at least a month in advance. |
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_normal.jpg "Fitness room and beauty cabin, Hotels in St Barths")
_normal.jpg "Double bedroom in a Standard Cottage Garden, St Barts Travel")
_normal.jpg "Working out with a view, St Barts resorts")
-_normal.jpg "Leg massage at Hotel Le Village St Jean, St Barths hotel")
