St. Barth’s Hotel Guanahani & Spa Gets a Makeover

News from St. Barth's in the French West Indies: the Hotel Guanahani & Spa-- famously open year-round-- has closed its doors for a few months to undergo major renovations. Nested on a private 16-acre peninsula surrounded by the sparkling Caribbean, the luxurious resort has an unparalleled location unlike any other on the island-- boasting two private beaches: one facing the Atlantic and one facing a quiet lagoon perfect for windsurfing on Marigot Bay. Set to reopen on December 15 just in time for the winter season, Hotel Guanahani will be refurbishing its guest rooms, all housed in private bungalows. Some bathrooms will be remodeled to open onto private outdoor gardens, and the terraces/decks of more than 20 rooms will be enlarged and decked out with plush new lounge chairs. Overseen by architect David Schwarz, interior designer Luis Pons and local architect Nicolas Lossent from Lotus Architectes, the renovation will also include the addition of one new, luxury suite that resembles a villa and has exclusive access to a private beach. This Admiral Suite is named for Christopher Columbus, who received the title "Admiral" from the King of Spain after his first expedition to the Americas; he discovered the island of St Barth's during his second expedition in 1493.