It’s now cheaper than ever to take a train journey on Amtrak’s popular Northeast Regional routes—if you’re willing to take the night trains.
01.09.2023 - 14:44 / matadornetwork.com
When it comes to planning a Caribbean vacation, it’s common knowledge that some islands are generally less expensive than others. And it’s no secret that Saint Barthélemy (also called “St. Barts” and “St. Barth”) is one of the most expensive, with mostly just four- and five-star hotels (though there are some affordable options).
Fortunately, the island of St. Barts is just a 30-minute ferry ride from the far more affordable St. Maarten. That means you can fly round-trip to St. Maarten (often under $500 from the East Coast) and spend most of your days there, but splurge on a few nights at a higher-end hotel on St. Barts. And if there’s one hotel to splurge on, it’s probably Hotel Manapany.
Photo: Suzie Dundas
Hotel Manapany is a beachfront hotel only about 10 minutes from the St. Barts airport and ferry terminal. It’s a five-star hotel, but it doesn’t have the pretension of some of the island’s more well-known hotels and beach clubs. Instead, it has an atmosphere of being inviting, elegant, and laid-back, where no one cares what brand you’re wearing or whether your tech start-up just IPO’d. It’s luxurious without being flashy and feels like the type of hotel some of St. Barts’ more well-known celebrity guests may pick if they prefer to avoid the beach club scene.
The entire property has an organic look and feel, relying heavily on natural materials and airy colors. The architecture is timeless and clearly inspired by the sea, with a glass-walled dining room and wooden decks that would be just as fitting in an elegant cliffside resort in northern California — though when you see the picture-perfect Caribbean Sea in the distance, you’ll know you’re very much in St. Barts.
Hotel Manapany is also an eco-hotel and potentially the most sustainable lodging option on St. Barts. Considering the island has a very limited water supply and has to ship in everything it needs, spending a little extra on your lodging show support for eco-practices (if you’re able) can encourage other hotels to follow suite.
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Hotel Manapany has many different room types, but all have a bright and airy, beach cabin style. Suites and more expensive rooms cascade down a hillside (expect stairs!) and most of the more standard rooms sit directly on the beach. My room (an Ocean Junior Suite) had a living area with a desk and couch, a big outdoor deck with a dining set and lounger, and a separate bedroom. But even the entry-level standard rooms (Tropical Rooms) have private balconies, mini-bars, coffee stations, and big beds with mosquito nets (which, thanks to the sea breeze, you actually don’t need).
The furniture and decor are a mix of seaside chic and high-end Bohemian/artsy elements, with wooden chairs, woven fabrics and finishes, and
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