The DNA: Le Sereno St. Barth, bordering the enchanting lagoon of Anse de Grand Cul de Sac, is a smartly dressed five-star beach resort designed by Christian Liaigre. Many of its calm and cosseting rooms face the sea and there is a chic pool, Mediterranean fusion restaurant and one of only a few Valmont Switzerland spas in the world. Rebuilt after Hurricane Irma struck in 2017, Le Sereno has a curve of low-rise, beach-facing buildings set in landscaped grounds with gardens so varied and colourful you have to stop to take a photo. Everything has been thought about, from the palm trees deliberately chosen for their lack of straightness to swimming pool tiles designed to match the colour of the lagoon. The result is an harmonious fusion of contemporary architecture, flamboyant nature and a stress-free holiday atmosphere. Influences from Italy are apparent thanks to its sister property, Il Sereno, on Lake Como.

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 39 rooms & suites (70-650m2) (750-7,000 sq ft) • hotel opened: 2018 • interior design: Christian Liaigre ✅ free on-site parking • pets allowed on request • 24-hour front desk