Don't worry if your idea of high style is a pair of designer flip-flops. You'll fit right in at this boutique beachfront hotel, where the magical combination of laid-back simplicity and chic Parisian design by renowned Christian Liaigre creates a stylish sanctuary for the soul, and the perfect place to pause and refresh. Le Sereno has just 36 spacious suites—some of which connect to create an even larger, family-friendly escape—plus three huge, four-bedroom villas, also designed by Christian Liaigre and sequestered away in their own half-acre private gardens with "right-there" ocean views. Most suites are scattered along 600 feet of coveted sandy beach at Grand Cul de Sac, making this one of only a handful of St. Barth resorts that can lay claim to being truly beachfront. Best of all, the turquoise bay beyond is a natural, protected playground for swimming, snorkeling, kite surfing, and paddle-boarding, so you're just steps away from lazy, languid days of sun and fun.

Beyond the beach, you'll be spoiled by a spa experience that will come to your suite, if you choose not to simply mosey over to The Spa at Le Sereno. And the resort's sophisticated, open-air restaurant perfectly captures the essence of St. Barth with innovative French cuisine that plays off the vibrant local flavors and ingredients of the islands.

However, if the mood strikes to dress up a bit (not too much, mind you—this is the Caribbean, after all), you'll find that St. Barth has a lively dining and nightlife scene. More than 80 restaurants serve everything from classic French to spicy West Indian dishes (St. Barth is known as the "cuisine capital of the Caribbean"), and dozens of discos and nightclubs keep the party going until the early morning hours. If you're a shopaholic, St. Barth also boasts a duty-free port, and you'll find the designer flagship stores of Hermes, Cartier, Dior, and other upscale brands, for a little something to take home along with your tan.