Denise Dupré, an American entrepreneur, is the founder and managing partner of Champagne Hospitality, the company that owns Le Barthélemy Resort & Spa on the Caribbean island of Saint Barts. Dupré says Hurricane Irma was a turning point for the island, making residents and businesses more focused on sustainability and environmental stewardship.
“We opened Le Barthélemy in October 2016 and enjoyed a spectacular first year,” Dupré recalls. “Then, on September 6, 2017, Hurricane Irma struck, devastating much of the island and our hotel. Irma revealed the tangible effects of climate change: all connections to the island were severed, roads were blocked by fallen trees and debris, and significant portions of the hotel were destroyed.”
© Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa
She explains that the resort was struck by a 30-foot surge that even collapsed hurricane shutters. That experience prompted the team to make sustainability central to the hotel’s philosophy and operations. While many island hotels reduced staff, Dupré chose to retain all employees who wished to stay on, and reconstruction began immediately. Remaining open early in the recovery proved advantageous, allowing Le Barthélemy to be among the first properties to welcome guests again.
Today a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Le Barthélemy features 44 rooms and suites—most with terraces and several with private pools—two full-service villas, and an infinity pool beside the sea. Its rooftop bar, Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot, is celebrated for inventive cocktails and a lively atmosphere.
© Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa
The resort has expanded its sustainability-focused experiences under the direction of its new chef, Jérémy Czaplicki. He leads a zero-waste cooking class that invites guests to shop at a nearby market for fresh fruits and vegetables from the French West Indies and then learn practical techniques to minimize waste—such as transforming vegetable peels into juices or dressings and turning meat trimmings into sauces or meatballs. Czaplicki, who is French-born and the first Michelin-starred chef on the island, also heads the kitchen at the resort’s signature restaurant, Amis St. Barth.
Guests can also participate in a coral restoration program run with a local nonprofit, which pairs snorkeling sessions with hands-on learning led by a professional conservationist. Participants practice replanting coral and gain insight into the delicate reef ecosystem and marine life that depends on it, from sea turtles to giant conch.
© Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa
Wellness is another key focus: the Complete Wellness Experience by La Mer includes a signature body massage and facial, a skin diagnostic using La Mer products, an energizing body wrap, and a La Mer facial massage. The package also provides a vegetarian wellness menu and a choice of sunrise or sunset yoga to complement the treatments.
“The people of St. Barts have a deep love for their island,” Czaplicki says. “At Amis St. Barth we serve both locals and visitors authentic cuisine that respects the environment and showcases the richness of French culinary tradition.”
© Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa
Amis St. Barth’s team curates thoughtful wine and champagne pairings, and guests can enjoy a custom Champagne trolley featuring selections from Champagne Leclerc Briant. The resort also offers the island’s only cheese trolley, bringing a traditional slice of France to St. Barts.
For summer 2024 stays, Le Barthélemy is promoting special offers, including Stay 7, Pay 5 and Stay 5, Pay 4 packages that add complimentary nights to select bookings. These promotions, combined with the resort’s sustainability initiatives and curated experiences, aim to provide an elevated and responsible island retreat.