Few people know St. Barth as well as Charlie Vere Nicoll. The British-born hotelier first came to the island in the late 1990s for his honeymoon, before eventually making it his home. Over the past three decades he and his wife, Mandie, have shaped St. Barth’s hotel scene in meaningful ways: first, in the late ‘90s, transforming the beloved Isle de France on Flamands Beach into one of the island’s most sought-after stays, before selling it to LVMH in 2014; then reviving Hôtel Le Toiny, a quietly legendary property tucked along the island’s rugged Côte Sauvage—offering a different, wilder side of the island, far from the beach clubs, boutiques and bustle of Gustavia. Charlie also happens to be the longtime vicar of the island’s Anglican church. Here, he reflects on the true soul of St. Barth beyond the yachts, his favorite corners of the island, and the hotels and haunts he returns to between Europe, the Swiss Alps, and the Caribbean.
What is the backstory of Le Toiny?
After selling Isle de France to LVMH, which then became the Cheval Blanc on Flamands Beach in 2014, we thought we were finished… but the island and our love for it had other plans. In 2015, we bought Le Toiny with the idea of creating something deeply personal and quietly exceptional. It was our “one more project,” and perhaps the most meaningful.
The hotel is on the beautifully wild side of the island, with dramatic views from the beach towards St Kitts and Nevis and St Eustatius. When we bought the hotel we doubled the size to 22 large suites, all with their own swimming pool, and completely refurbished the property. One of the most important things we did was add the new and now rather iconic Beach Club.
The Beach Club has become the heart of Le Toiny. It’s very much feet-in-the sand, laid-back luxury at its finest, if I do say so myself. Mandie and I love to wander from table to table during long lunches, chatting with guests and making sure everyone feels part of the Le Toiny family. Recently we’ve also introduced our Thursday night extravaganzas at the Beach Club, which have quickly become one of the hardest tables to secure on the island. They are wonderfully lively evenings that somehow manage to feel both glamorous and relaxed at the same time. It’s great fun and very much in the spirit of Le Toiny.
When and why did you become the parish priest?
I was appointed Vicar and Parish Priest at the Anglican Church in St. Barths in 2002 by the Bishop of the North East Caribbean. When we moved to the island in 2000, I had recently been ordained in the Church of England. The Bishop learned of this and asked me to become the first resident priest in St. Barths in nearly 100 years. It has been an extraordinary privilege and a great source of joy in my life and in many ways, church and hotel life share a common thread: hospitality.
Most memorable moments in the cloth?
What stands out most to me is the congregation itself. It’s wonderfully eclectic, open, and inclusive, a real reflection of the island. You’ll find people from all over the world sitting side by side with local families who have been here for generations and first-time visitors; that mix creates something rather special. The church is often full on Sundays, with the doors wide open and the breeze coming through. Occasionally a bird will fly in and join us for a moment, which somehow feels entirely appropriate in St. Barths! There is a sense of warmth and ease that makes the whole experience feel very natural, almost like an extended family gathering. For me, that sense of community is the most memorable part of it all. It’s a great privilege to be part of people’s lives in that way—celebrating weddings and baptisms, sharing in moments of joy, and sometimes offering comfort when it’s needed. It’s one of the most meaningful roles I could imagine.
What do most people misunderstand about St. Barth?
Many assume it’s only about super yachts, glitter, and New Year’s parties. While that moment certainly exists, it represents just a few days of the year. The true heart of the island is understated, warm, and deeply authentic. There is a strong local community, all of whom treasure the island’s sense of gentleness, with almost no crime at all, virtually no unemployment, and a wonderful spirit of inclusivity and welcome.
What people often don’t realize is that St. Barth still feels like a village at heart. People know one another, and there is a deep respect for the island’s natural beauty and way of life. It’s a place where life moves at a slightly kinder pace, and that quiet charm is really what makes it so special.
On St. Barth — favorite café, beach lunch, apéritif spot, restaurant, shop, beach, sunset view?
Beach lunch is always Le Toiny Beach Restaurant. Dinner at La Table at Le Toiny.
The best shop is our Beach Club boutique, which carries a little something for everyone and is curated by my wife, Mandie. The island’s luxury boutiques in Gustavia offer everything from French and Italian brands to unique local designs. Skip the typical souvenirs and choose something timeless, such as a linen piece or handmade jewelry. For something truly special, be sure to visit the shop KB St Barth for Katia’s exquisite pearls, a perfect reflection of St. Barts’ understated sophistication. In the end, the best souvenirs are the ones that carry a touch of the island’s spirit home with you.
For sunset, Camaruche and Pointe Milou never disappoint. One of my hidden gems is the beach restaurant Ti Corail—a fairly well kept secret for the discerning, which is owned and run by my old head chef at the Isle de France: fabulous food, specializing in wonderful fresh fish. Hopefully I can still get a table after sharing my spot…!
How often do you travel?
Quite a bit! Usually every other month between Europe and St. Barths. The travel can be a little relentless at times, but it’s also part of the joy of this life—moving between beautiful places and wonderful people.
At home in London—favorite for breakfast, business lunch, pub/drink?
Breakfast at Colbert. Business lunch at 5 Hertford Street. It’s one of those rare places where you can have a serious conversation over lunch while still feeling completely at ease. The atmosphere is discreet, charming, and just lively enough to make it feel like the center of things. And then, of course, no day in London is complete without a proper pub stop at The Thomas Cubitt.
The perfect week at home in Switzerland would include…
August and September in the mountains are simply unbeatable. The air is crisp, the light is golden, and the landscape feels almost impossibly beautiful. We are based in the beautiful little village of Lauenen, just next door to Gstaad in the mountains. It’s a wonderfully peaceful place where life slows down in the best possible way. I love walking around Lauensee, and having lunch at the top of the Wassengrat is always a highlight, taking in the views with good friends, good wine, and the kind of alpine food that somehow tastes even better at altitude. Sundays are reserved for a proper lunch at Le Grand Chalet, which for us is one of those timeless places that never loses its charm.
Three favorite hotels in the world (besides your own)?
JK Place, Capri. Villa Feltrinelli on Lake Garda. Le Crillon in Paris. Being a boutique hotelier, I find expensive mediocrity is far too widespread in our industry. These three hotels, however, truly stand apart. They represent not only beautiful design and exceptional comfort, but also that elusive sense of genuine hospitality. From the moment you arrive, there is a warmth and ease that makes you feel completely at home.
Each of them understands that luxury is not just about design and amenities, but about how a guest is made to feel. The service is intuitive, personal, and delivered with real charm. As should always be the case, happy staff make for happy guests and that philosophy is something we live by at Le Toiny as well. We treat both our staff and our guests like family, it may sound cliche, but it’s true. That approach I think is ultimately what creates that sense of warmth and belonging people remember long after they’ve left.
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