At a Glance
This nine-room retreat, with a lovely garden and pool, is a perfect choice for travelers who want to be based in St.-Martin, but enjoy hiding out instead of being part of the scene.
Indagare Loves
- Having an apéritif in the garden before going out for dinner in St.-Martin
- The spacious, minimalist-chic rooms: a rare design choice on the island
- The complimentary guest bikes
Review
The sister hotel of the Toiras could not be more different in character: Tucked away from the bustle of the port, the former convent has an exquisite garden with a small pool and sitting nooks, surrounded by planters with flowers and fragrant herbs.
Serenity continues in the nine spacious rooms and suites, which owner Olivia Le Calvez designed in collaboration with French star-architect Jean-Yves Rochon. They come with stone fireplaces, parquet floors and contemporary décor, like furniture designed by Knoll and Eicholtz (a departure from the Toiras’ old-world antiques).
There’s a sense of space, thanks to the garden, where guests can have breakfast and an afternoon glass of wine (Villa Clarisse doesn’t have a restaurant). The small heated pool adds to the resort vibe, and a two-room spa is underway with an expected opening in 2023. St.-Martin’s restaurants and shops are just steps beyond the property, but what’s best about Villa Clarisse is the sense of hiding out.
Written by Simone Girner