Gustavia’s glamorous Hotel Carl Gustaf was named, with a nod to history, for the current King of Sweden. A bit of the story is that Swedes took possession of St. Barth from the French back in the 18th century. They renamed the town Gustavia to honor their then king, Gustav III, and interestingly, declared it a free port. The French later reacquired the island but charming touches of Sweden remain, as does its duty-free status.

The hotel’s name suits it well as it rises regally above the picture-postcard town and its fairytale, Lilliputian harbor. Extensive renovations for the 2009 season have rendered it more elegant than ever and include a completely redesigned restaurant with a new moniker, Victoria’s. Named for the Swedish princess, and under the direction of Executive Chef Emmanuel Motte, it will continue to offer the finest French cuisine.* The lounge, justly famous as a venue for sunset cocktails, has been enlarged and features an exciting menu of small plates and the latest libations as well as the classics…Champagne, cognac, calvados, exotic cigars – and live music. It’s all here.

A boutique hotel as fabulous as the Carl Gustaf deserves an equally fabulous boutique spa. It has arrived. We are already hearing rave reviews about the sophisticated and sublime Carita-branded oasis designed by the legendary Carita sisters of Paris. Spa lovers take note: two newly opened suites include the luxurious one-bedroom Spa Suite, located just above the sanctuary. Guests can just nip down for a massage or any one of the pampering signature treatments. Ahhhh

And the other new accommodations? The aptly named, very special, and very private, Royal Suite. Perched on top of the property to leverage the panoramic vistas, it’s beautifully decorated and boasts every amenity. A private entrance opens to 2,600 sq. ft. that encompasses an oversized living room, a fully–equipped kitchen and an office, There are four bedrooms, each with a sumptuous bath en suite with both tub and shower. A walled garden contains an exquisite infinity plunge pool and a Jacuzzi.

Guests can also choose from 14 individual one-and two-bedroom villa suites, each angled into the hillside for maximum views, and surrounded by lush tropical foliage. The living area’s dark wicker pieces upholstered in rich prints have a colonial feel, and the flat screen TVs, iPod docks and Wifi anchor you in the 21st century. The bedrooms are stunningly appointed, and the elegant en suite marble baths have multi-jet showers – love that. And there are dressing rooms and closets big enough to hold oh, say 1000 thong bikinis and matching flip-flops.

Each suite opens to a private terrace with its own plunge pool – and the view? You look over the red-tile roofs to the boats gently bobbing in that oh-so-quaint harbor. Enchanting. Should you be inclined to cook-in there are sleek kitchenettes with granite countertops, glass cooktops and microwaves.

Being in the heart of Gustavia puts you in walking distance of oodles of chic restaurants, bistros and sidewalk cafes and all those trendy boutiques for shopping. Those Swedes had the right idea. You are also just a short walk from the famous Shell Beach. The hotel offers a shuttle service to St. Barth’s many gorgeous beaches.

* Book a stay of 7 nights or longer through St. Barth Properties and receive a complimentary dinner for two at Victoria’s

A Few of Our Favorite Things :

• Sunset cocktails – the dramatic sunset and then watching the harbor come alive with twinkling lights
• The Boutique Spa by Carita...ahhhh

Who Would Just Love it Here

Honeymooners – it’s romantic as all get-out; families – the suites provide a villa life style with all the services of a hotel, and all those who love the buzz of being in the center of things.