Back on the Forum

[davesmom]

Dear Forum Friends,
What a 6 months it has been...the DD and DM household has been working through some health problemsbut the skies are looking clear and I'm keeping fingers crossed that I get to come back to SBH! We expect to be making a cruise stop in January (a friend is treating us..another story) but I'm looking furtively around to see if I can wangle another trip as well. I had high hopes of meeting up with Jamie so I will work on that with her, too, as we live within sight of each other (I think!)
I have a lot of catching up to do with the beloved Forum but even with all of the problems, I did not miss many workout days as that is non-negotiable no matter what condition I am in, and I do not know where the time went, but fingers crossed there will be lots of old Bordeaux in my immediate future!

I only just glanced at a couple of posts, one being that Le Guanahani got sold (again) but I am familiar with Airelles and from what I understand, a spectacular chain of hotels that I would like to visit in Europe, so I wonder what iteration Le G will take now. (It was still the best when we first starting coming about 25 years ago, and Rosewood was OK, but pre-Irma, Le G was just amazing and low key with the best programs, chef Philippe Masseglia..great "friends" every year we would see again..so much more intimate but in hotels, depreciation seems to be the name of the game, as well as turnover.) I am interested to see what will become of my Le G this time...BUT, I'm ever closer to looking into small villas that might help me convince DD to go back twice in one year! (If you only have 1 day, you have to shop fast!)

I also read the saddest news about Tim..Tim was SOOOO special and he was a wonderful person; his bike-riding skills were pretty much unmatched in my book, and anybody that could ride a bike around SBH has my unending admiration as I am still too scared to even drive there, but have hopes that some day DD will let me behind the wheel again..(c.f. taking the curve into Gustavia before Public on 2 wheels when you actually have 4 to use..ok, maybe DD had a point..!)

I had read about the new restos coming to SBH in a very interesting article (I will try to find it and share) and of course, the world is sending their representatives of very "in" places, which is not going to bring back Santa Fe, I guess, but at least I can say that I went to Zuma in Miami and had a fantastic time and meal and Zuma just opened in San Diego as well, and I am ready to try it out. It is what it is, for sure..hoping that more small restos appear and do well, but some of the new ones should be good, too. Touche pas à mon L'Esprit, svp...

Well, it looks like Michigan's new coach is not doing the job this year (I had hopes..) but our Padres are making a splash, which has kept us busy so go Padres (until the Dodgers beat up on us again or somebody gets us before..)

Looking forward to catching up with everyone and good health to all..hope to see you around island!! xxoo from DM and DD

 

[elgreaux]

Hi - Glad to hear things are looking up and fingers crossed you make it back for more than a day this season. The Guanahani sale is quite something, rumored price in the stratosphere so I imagine prices will increase, perhaps after a renovation next year.

 

[davesmom]

Hi - Glad to hear things are looking up and fingers crossed you make it back for more than a day this season. The Guanahani sale is quite something, rumored price in the stratosphere so I imagine prices will increase, perhaps after a renovation next year.

I agree, I was quite surprised but it is understandable, as it seems that the children were not interested in the business, which is exactly what is happening up in Napa valley with a lot of friends selling their wineries. I really was trying to make a list of + and - on getting a little villa and what I would miss at Le G, so I am working on myself as I really like being at the little cottages and having a lot done for you in a hotel setting, as doing a villa is kind of like being at home...but who knows how much prices will rise? I would be very curious to know what the new people would do to the existing space; I did not love the restaurant redo when Rosewood came in, so no tears lost there if they redo it. The food was not up to Philippe's standard after he left. (Last I knew, he was a private chef for ER?) But the gym, although small, is nice, the Spa is very nice, and I can't imagine they would knock down the little cottages after they were redone not that long ago. I read on the website that they have new products unique to their Spa Airelles, so that is kind of interesting, but you do not have to stay there to check that out. (The best Spa products are at Villa Marie..I stock up when I am on the island.) I guess it remains to be seen but I wonder if they will close for the whole year?

 

[amyb]

Wonderful having you back..bubbly and full of life! God, you were missed. Here’s to many more island friendships and relationship renewals, kiddo!

Look out SBH, DM’S COMING BACK!

Amy

ahhh, St Barth

 

[davesmom]

Thanks, Amy! It's like getting the band back together!

 

[cec1]

So fantastic to hear again from our sweet friend, Gina! Your presence on the Forum always is missed . . . and a glass of champagne in an evening isn’t the same when it’s not shared with you! I hope that your health will return to full strength & that our paths will cross in the coming season.

As a bit of an unrelated aside, I’d like to offer comment — a question, for sure! — on the message of several Forum contributors about a “sale” of Le Guanahani. I wonder if there really has been a sale of ownership of the real estate interest, such as occurred (my understanding) when LVMH bought the Taiwana Hotel . . . or was it an acquisition of a leasehold interest in the property, such as occurred when Le Sereno bought a lease of the ”La Kala“ property?

 

[davesmom]

So fantastic to hear again from our sweet friend, Gina! Your presence on the Forum always is missed . . . and a glass of champagne in an evening isn’t the same when it’s not shared with you! I hope that your health will return to full strength & that our paths will cross in the coming season.

As a bit of an unrelated aside, I’d like to offer comment — a question, for sure! — on the message of several Forum contributors about a “sale” of Le Guanahani. I wonder if there really has been a sale of ownership of the real estate interest, such as occurred (my understanding) when LVMH bought the Taiwana Hotel . . . or was it an acquisition of a leasehold interest in the property, such as occurred when Le Sereno bought a lease of the ”La Kala“ property?

Thank you so much, Dennis! I really do not have any info on Le G as I learned of it just today. I know Airelles is a really high end hotel chain and with all of the various Euro incursions into SBH, I imagine something good will come out of it, at least aesthetically. Do you know who actually owns that property? Maybe the local government could supply that information? What is the story with La Kala at this point? When I was over at Le Sereno the last time, they told me that they were building housing for their workers. Not really sure if that occurred but it looks as though they cleared out some land at the top right off of the main road.

 

[cassidain]

DM, quel plaisir de te lire à nouveau

 

[elgreaux]

I think the sale includes the hotel and the land as a figure upwards of 200 million euros has been bandied about - from Le Journal de St Barth:

When it reopens on November 1, Le Guanahani will have a new name. Rosewood, which has operated the island’s largest hotel for the past six years, is handing over the reins to Airelles. The hotel’s new owner is French businessman Stéphane Courbit, who acquired it through his holding company, LOV Group. Le Guanahani will join the Airelles Collection, which already includes several luxury properties, primarily in France and, more recently, in Venice, Italy.
The amount of the transaction has not been officially disclosed. However, various real estate sources in Saint Barthélemy suggest a figure that could exceed 200 million euros—a record sum for the purchase of a hotel on the island. Nevertheless, the sale includes a site covering approximately 7.3 hectares, a hotel with 66 guest rooms—including standard rooms, suites, and signature suites—two swimming pools, a spa, a restaurant, and, of course, employee housing.

 

[davesmom]

Thank you, Ellen

I think the sale includes the hotel and the land as a figure upwards of 200 million euros has been bandied about - from Le Journal de St Barth:

When it reopens on November 1, Le Guanahani will have a new name. Rosewood, which has operated the island’s largest hotel for the past six years, is handing over the reins to Airelles. The hotel’s new owner is French businessman Stéphane Courbit, who acquired it through his holding company, LOV Group. Le Guanahani will join the Airelles Collection, which already includes several luxury properties, primarily in France and, more recently, in Venice, Italy.
The amount of the transaction has not been officially disclosed. However, various real estate sources in Saint Barthélemy suggest a figure that could exceed 200 million euros—a record sum for the purchase of a hotel on the island. Nevertheless, the sale includes a site covering approximately 7.3 hectares, a hotel with 66 guest rooms—including standard rooms, suites, and signature suites—two swimming pools, a spa, a restaurant, and, of course, employee housing.

Thank you, Ellen, for the update. It is a big property, although the beach is nothing compared to all of the other SBH beaches. Having the beach, such as it is, right out the door, so to speak, is a real attraction as the lagoon offers so many activities when the winds aren't too crazy (except the windsurfers who put on a real GCdS show at those times. Not dragging all your beach stuff or kayak around is a real plus to me, too.) Looking forward to what is next. Some day, maybe I will get to stay at ER, which is on my bucket list, too...will have to have a "meeting" with DD about that ..the way things are going, prices will end up the same anyway

 

[cec1]

I think the sale includes the hotel and the land as a figure upwards of 200 million euros has been bandied about - from Le Journal de St Barth:

When it reopens on November 1, Le Guanahani will have a new name. Rosewood, which has operated the island’s largest hotel for the past six years, is handing over the reins to Airelles. The hotel’s new owner is French businessman Stéphane Courbit, who acquired it through his holding company, LOV Group. Le Guanahani will join the Airelles Collection, which already includes several luxury properties, primarily in France and, more recently, in Venice, Italy.
The amount of the transaction has not been officially disclosed. However, various real estate sources in Saint Barthélemy suggest a figure that could exceed 200 million euros—a record sum for the purchase of a hotel on the island. Nevertheless, the sale includes a site covering approximately 7.3 hectares, a hotel with 66 guest rooms—including standard rooms, suites, and signature suites—two swimming pools, a spa, a restaurant, and, of course, employee housing.

Amazin’!

 

[jamiem4]

Dear Forum Friends,
What a 6 months it has been...the DD and DM household has been working through some health problemsbut the skies are looking clear and I'm keeping fingers crossed that I get to come back to SBH! We expect to be making a cruise stop in January (a friend is treating us..another story) but I'm looking furtively around to see if I can wangle another trip as well. I had high hopes of meeting up with Jamie so I will work on that with her, too, as we live within sight of each other (I think!)
I have a lot of catching up to do with the beloved Forum but even with all of the problems, I did not miss many workout days as that is non-negotiable no matter what condition I am in, and I do not know where the time went, but fingers crossed there will be lots of old Bordeaux in my immediate future!

I only just glanced at a couple of posts, one being that Le Guanahani got sold (again) but I am familiar with Airelles and from what I understand, a spectacular chain of hotels that I would like to visit in Europe, so I wonder what iteration Le G will take now. (It was still the best when we first starting coming about 25 years ago, and Rosewood was OK, but pre-Irma, Le G was just amazing and low key with the best programs, chef Philippe Masseglia..great "friends" every year we would see again..so much more intimate but in hotels, depreciation seems to be the name of the game, as well as turnover.) I am interested to see what will become of my Le G this time...BUT, I'm ever closer to looking into small villas that might help me convince DD to go back twice in one year! (If you only have 1 day, you have to shop fast!)

I also read the saddest news about Tim..Tim was SOOOO special and he was a wonderful person; his bike-riding skills were pretty much unmatched in my book, and anybody that could ride a bike around SBH has my unending admiration as I am still too scared to even drive there, but have hopes that some day DD will let me behind the wheel again..(c.f. taking the curve into Gustavia before Public on 2 wheels when you actually have 4 to use..ok, maybe DD had a point..!)

I had read about the new restos coming to SBH in a very interesting article (I will try to find it and share) and of course, the world is sending their representatives of very "in" places, which is not going to bring back Santa Fe, I guess, but at least I can say that I went to Zuma in Miami and had a fantastic time and meal and Zuma just opened in San Diego as well, and I am ready to try it out. It is what it is, for sure..hoping that more small restos appear and do well, but some of the new ones should be good, too. Touche pas à mon L'Esprit, svp...

Well, it looks like Michigan's new coach is not doing the job this year (I had hopes..) but our Padres are making a splash, which has kept us busy so go Padres (until the Dodgers beat up on us again or somebody gets us before..)

Looking forward to catching up with everyone and good health to all..hope to see you around island!! xxoo from DM and DD

Hi Gina,
Welcome back!!!!!! Hopefully everyone is in good health and yes - I think we live about 10 min away so we will have to catch up in the ranch before we head back to the island! I sent you a PM! So nice to see you on the Forum and hopefully in town soon!