Le Sereno earned its five-star status by having the best of privacy and a laid back atmosphere. They offer private dining on your terrace or some private corner of the grounds, where you can listen to the rolling surf. On one of the Island’s 14 beaches, we enjoy a picnic of sashimi, seaweed salad, and fresh fruit. For dinner, the staff sets up a special moon and candlelit honeymoon table on the beach for us. We choose between the succulent lobster catalana, the light and moist Dover sole, and the flavorful catch of the day encrusted in salt. It’s not just service with a smile, but anticipating what you might want, prior to your request.
The Eden Rock Hotel is basically the center of the St. Bart’s universe in St. Jean. As we walk the stairs of the Promontory Point, we find On the Rocks, a Jean-Georges restaurant, which has their motto, “Creativity, Pride, Passion,” written on the walls. Diego, the restaurant manager, is amiable, knowledgeable, and in command. He doesn’t choose for us but in giving the choices, creates our direction. First, Amuse-bouche, then each dish over the course of dinner is beautifully presented. As we leave, hand-in-hand down the steps, we see the Sand Bar but choose to go home rather than party on.
Another night, we dine at Le Cheval Blanc, on Flamands Beach. We are invited for a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres at Le White Bar, on the beach, for the Yellow Party hosted by Veuve Cliquot. Our prix fixe dinner starts with the smooth and velvety pâté de foie gras, continuing to a chilled tomato lobster soup, followed by a soft and flaky Hake in a sweet Japanese glaze and then lamb. Oh the lamb, perfectly roasted and presented, each bite is so tender, bursting with the juices of the many tastes incorporated into the dish. We complete the evening with a dessert of chocolate nuggat and fondant wraps.