Hotel Manapany Cottages - St. Barts

Located on the beautiful, white 600-foot Anse des Cayes, this hotel is made up of a collection of lovely West Indian-style cottages arranged on a hillside overlooking the sea. In the last two years, it's undergone a $1.5 million renovation.

Though laid-back and located in a quiet part of the island, Manapany has a wide variety of services that will suit most travelers, such as a 24-hour lighted tennis court and fitness room.

The Club Suites are the largest units, individual bungalows, four of them are directly on the beach and one of them is on the hillside (ocean view) with private Jacuzzi. They have marble bathrooms, large furnished terraces with dining and sitting areas. The most private are suites 301, 220, 308, 205 and 215. Each unit has air-conditioning, ceiling fans, a direct line phone, TV (satellite cable) and a VCR.

Beside the exquisite beach, the hotel boasts the largest fresh water pool on the island. There are thatched canopies on the beach for shade.

The restaurant Ouanaloo serves French, Italian and Creole cuisine on the terrace by the pool. Specialties include gourmet pastas, light vegetables and fruit salads. On Sunday there's a brunch with fresh seafood, light salads and wonderful desserts; on Friday evenings, a festive rock lobster barbecue; Wednesday there's a Creole menu and a manager's cocktail party for guests. The atmosphere is relaxed, friendly, and seems like one big family.