Gyp Sea Hotel, St Barth

In short… Tucked into the lush hills above St Barth’s beautiful beaches, Gyp Sea Hotel feels like a beacon of calm.

The history… Gyp Sea Hotel in St Barth has undergone several transformations over the years. Originally the prestigious François Plantation Hotel & Restaurant, it closed in 2008 and reopened in 2016 under the ownership of Maisons & Hôtels Sibuet, a family-run hospitality group with other boutique properties in Megève, Ménerbes, and St. Tropez. Upon reopening, it was named Villa Marie St Barth, a sister property to Villa Marie in St. Tropez. Alongside the hilltop property in St Barth, they opened a beach club named Gyp Sea directly on St. Jean Beach. In 2023, the hotel was rebranded to match the beach club, and the whole affair is now known as Gyp Sea St Barth. In 2024, they added four beach houses at the beach club site. Despite all the changes, the hotel and its management continue to evolve the original spirit of the elegant François Plantation.

The vibe… If it is one thing Gyp Sea Hotel has in spades, it’s vibes. When you set foot on the island, you’re greeted by a valet at the airport or ferry dock, who handles your luggage and whisks you a few minutes up the hill to the tranquility of the hotel’s open-air reception. Upon arrival, the welcoming staff serves you something cold, like a glass of rosé from Sibuet’s own wine estate in France, while you check in. The decor leans plantation-house style, with furniture, art and unique pieces sourced from Jocelyne Sibuet’s world travels adorning the common spaces and villas. To tie it all together, the common areas all play well curated playlists that add to the chill atmosphere.  

The rooms… The main hilltop location has 21 thoughtfully decorated villas, each with all the amenities you’d expect. We’ve been to Gyp Sea four times now, and each time have stayed in room #18, known as Pelican from the hand-painted tile sign outside the door. Beautiful furniture pieces, like a pearl-inlaid dresser and shell-framed mirrors, remind you that you’re enjoying one of the most unique hotels on the island. The view from the Pelican villa is maybe one of the best on the property, looking down (way down) on Plage des Flamands below. The balcony is a lovely place to enjoy a coffee and fresh coconut macaroons in the morning. At the back of the villa is a closet area and a bathroom with dual sinks plus an outdoor (but private) shower and bath area. There is nothing like taking a shower outside at night, surrounded by the symphony of whistling tree frogs.

Food and drink… As the hotel has evolved, so too have its restaurant and dining options. While the restaurant used to focus on traditional French dishes, a few years ago it changed its name and menu. Now called Restaurant Dolce Vita, it serves delicious Italian dishes, with fresh pasta being the star. One thing the hotel has always excelled at is a simple but expertly prepared breakfast by the pool before you start your day. A fresh basket of pastries is delivered with your beverage of choice. The menu includes delicious pain perdu, egg dishes, and other thoughtful options, and is included for guests. One of our favorite rituals is visiting the beach club during the day and returning to the hotel in the late afternoon to enjoy the pool. This is the perfect time to try some delicious cocktails, like the Banana Boulevardier (often served with brûléed banana) and a cigar from their humidor. The attentive staff will gladly serve you in the pool while you swim. During our last stay, we had a private dinner with a custom menu served by the head chef, Justine. The staff even hung a photo from our wedding behind the bar. 

Extra tip goes to… Noemie has been a fantastic host and front desk manager over the years. Yohan, the GM, has always welcomed us warmly and facilitated some special arrangements. The food and beverage staff care deeply about the actual quality of what they serve as well as the level of service provided. Finally, the housekeeping staff and management are a cut above those at other properties with their attention to detail. The rooms are tended to multiple times per day.

The wellness… Gyp Sea Hotel has a very cozy (okay, small) air conditioned fitness room with a few cardio machines, some yoga mats (each room also has its own yoga mat), plus a weight rack and bench. There is a small spa and gift shop featuring Sibuet’s Pure Altitude Spa product line. 

Be sure to… Take advantage of the Gyp Sea Beach Club. Hotel guests have complimentary sun beds and parking, which are hard to come by during the busier seasons. Additionally, waking up early for a hike to Colombier Beach or one of the natural pools on the island is a must. The hotel staff will gladly arrange anything for you during your stay and will communicate with you throughout via WhatsApp. Be sure to take them up on their offer.

Parting words… St Barth is an island of excess, with no shortage of stunning, high-service hotels and villas. Gyp Sea Hotel offers something unique: a soulful stay rooted in the island’s past, with lovely and attentive service, all delivered in beautifully designed spaces. If you are looking for a party atmosphere, look elsewhere. But if you want something quiet, cozy, and truly secluded, this is the place. In fact, if you visit in the low season, you might feel like you have the entire property to yourself. If you do drop in, please tell them we sent you and say “bonjour.” 

Dates of stay… July 2021, July 2022, August 2023, and July 2024