I agree with cec1. That post prompts a reflective observation. Objectively, it feels like a further tipping point - especially replacing Pipri which was our first favorite a long time ago. The rise of restaurants and retail with a direct connection to mainland France and/or established resorts with an international reputation is undeniable. The transition from Do Brazil to Shellona further accelerated the trend and the evolution of the former Le Gustav burger joint to Petite Plage and the establishment of places like Gypsea - both with obvious connections to St. Tropez is further evidence.
All that said, this is not the point in the post where I condemn the changes and long for the days gone by. With 30 years of history with the place, I’ve enjoyed (mostly) the ongoing evolution. I gripe mildly from times to time at 30 dollar cocktails and 40 dollar appetizers, but its a choice and its pretty similar to what we would otherwise spend in the destinations that SBH is positioned with - Aspen, St. Tropez, Santorini, Positano etc. I don’t miss the less reliable internet, lack of a/c etc…. On balance, the collective travel/vacation experience is to a much higher standard than was the case in the past. Also agree that you can find vestiges of the latter - as you can in most international resort destinations.
Nothing is static and I respect the land owners and investors that have to make hard investment decisions. Right now, particularly in what is hopefully the back end of the pandemic, SBH is a great alternative to the places we might otherwise go in the Med without the long haul flight.
I love the place and its evaluation, but my overall investment/risk is pretty limited. While its worked great for a long time, if that’s ever not the case, I can go somewhere else. It’s up to those on the island to make their choices. So far so good and we can’t wait to come back.
To finish where this started, its a different experience than it was in the late 80s and 90s. Not worse, mostly better and just different. If you look at SBH through the same lens as other high end resort destinations, they have all evolved and will continue to. Keeps life interesting.
