St Barth is an island without an analog, an impossible Caribbean alchemy of the French Riviera.

And now one of the island’s most devoted Riviera inspirations is back.

The Tropical Hotel in St Jean, which had been shuttered since Hurricane Irma, has officially reopened with a brand-new look that’s the essence of French Caribbean chic. 

The 23-room hotel is set in the heart of St Jean, just up the hill from Nikki Beach, in a lush garden setting with some spectacular views of the St Jean Beach. 

It’s a decidedly colorful place to stay, with a bit of a Caribbean-meets-the Riviera ambience. 

And that extends to the menu, which has a mix of Caribbean and South of France influences: think fresh pasta, mahi-mahi in a lime coriander sauce, squid paillard and a decadent fresh egg-topped Caesar salad. 

The property is home to a small, very beautiful pool deck (with spectacular vistas of the Caribbean Sea) and a lovely restaurant and bar, the latter home to the island’s only Tequila Old Fashioned. 

Each of the rooms and suites is unique, with a focus on pastel colors and vintage furniture. 

The aesthetic is quirky, cool and playful, one that takes you to another age, with a lovely mix of inspirations that range from Palm Beach to Saint Tropez, timeless and fun. 

It’s one of the best-kept secrets in St Barth – and a major new addition to St Jean. 

For more, visit the Tropical.