Located directly on the private beach of Grand Cul-de-Sac on St. Barth, the luxury resort is starting the 2020/21 winter season with numerous innovations including comprehensive safety and hygiene concepts. After Hurricane Irma left a trail of devastation in September 2017, almost the entire property had to be rebuilt. The highlights of the dream resort, which has since won several awards, include the spa located directly on the beach, where only products from the renowned Swiss label Valmont are used, generously sized family suites, and the restaurant designed by star designer Patricia Urquiola and extended to the beach with magnificent views of the sea. 

Positive restart

St. Barth combines the best of both worlds: the elegance of St. Tropez with the casualness of the Caribbean lifestyle. In other words, the island, which is only 18 kilometres long, is both exclusive and unpretentious. On a relatively small area, it impresses with volcanic and coral landscapes, with a total of 22 dream beaches and countless opportunities to indulge in culinary delights. "This year has been very challenging for the tourism industry," says Samy Ghachem, Managing Director of Sereno Hotels. "This makes us all the more excited to welcome guests to Le Sereno from December 17, 2020. Exquisite cuisine inspired by our sister hotel Il Sereno Lago di Como awaits them, as well as design suites and villas that offer ample space for larger groups. And, of course, that relaxed, luxurious service that Le Sereno has always stood for." Luis Contreras, founder of Sereno Hotels, points out that his family decided to take a consequential step in light of the damage caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017: "We wanted to have a significant portion of the property, and therefore more than half of the rooms and all of the public areas, completely rebuilt. In doing so, we agreed that the distinctive style of the property should be maintained. According to the motto plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose we have brought the resort to new life and at the same time left it with its soul." He adds, "Unfortunately, in this crazy year of 2020, our guests have not yet had the opportunity to get to know our brand new hotel extensively. This makes us all the more excited about the upcoming reopening." A special highlight is the Le Sereno Suites Piscines, which has two large heated pools.

Le Sereno Villas

The new premises offer a high degree of exclusivity as well as absolute privacy and are perfect for those who want to take time out for a while or work in peace and stylish seclusion. Overlooking the turquoise bay of Grand Cul-de-Sac, the villas, including their outdoor areas, measure approximately 650 square metres and each have their own private pool and are set in terraced landscaped gardens. Amenities include 24-hour VIP service including private chef, butler service and event management, as well as complimentary access to all the 5-star resort has to offer. If required, the three villas can be booked as a unit and linked together. The French star designer Christian Liaigre was responsible for the design of the villas. The clarity and simplicity typical of his designs can also be found here. Warm, natural textures of various types of wood and stone form an exciting contrast to the strong colours of the surrounding nature.

Many new highlights

The dishes created by chef Raffaele Lenzi especially for Ristorante Al Mare are based on fresh, local products, with which he composes contemporary light, modern Italian dishes. Restaurant classics such as Spaghetti con Aragosta remain; new to the menu are delicacies such as Spaghetti with Cucumber Ceviche, Lobster with Caponata, Spaghetti Ai Cinque Pomodori or a traditional Italian fish soup served with toasted bread. Making a comeback is the Aperitivo Hour, popular with diners. Mediterranean antipasti, delicious wines and cocktails are served to the sounds of guitars. Guests at Le Sereno are also spoilt for choice when it comes to the variety of outdoor activities on offer. Kayaks, paddleboards and snorkelling equipment can be hired from the hotel's own beach. For the more ambitious, top equipment is available for kite and windsurfing, water skiing and jet skiing. Those who prefer solid ground under their feet can explore the mountain ranges of St. Barth in the company of a hiking guide. Worthwhile destinations include the natural pools of Petit Cul-de-Sac, Grand Fond with its magnificent view of the coast, and Saline Beach. If you want to relax while shopping afterwards, you should stop by the boutique Le Sereno. Among other things, you can buy handmade Moda Milanese from Larusmiani, Milan's oldest men's outfitter, located in the legendary Via Monte Napoleone, in the island's most stylish hotel boutique. Hats from the famous Cambiaghi factory, founded in Italy in 1800, and swimwear from Carioca complete the carefully curated range.

Further information and booking at: www.serenohotels.com.

About Sereno Hotels

The Sereno Hotels are on an expansion course. The opening of Le Sereno St. Barth, designed by Christian Liaigre, in 2006 was followed four years later by Le Sereno Villas. With the opening of Il Sereno Lago di Como in 2017 and the operational takeover of the historic Villa Pliniana, an architectural jewel in the immediate vicinity of the 5-star hotel, Sereno Hotels have established themselves as owners and operators of a manageable number of properties that fall into the upper end of the luxury segment. All Sereno Hotels have in common the restriction to only a few rooms or suites with generous layouts, fantastic views and a special attention to detail. Special attention is paid to design, service and cuisine. Privately owned, Sereno Hotels are located in some of the world's most desirable vacation destinations and are all members of The Leading Hotels of the World and Virtuoso. Among the many awards Le Sereno St. Barth and Il Sereno Lago di Como have received are Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards and Travel + Leisure's World's Best.

Picture credits: Sereno Hotels