Elite Traveler May-June 2016

elite traveler MAY/JUNE 2016 101

Cheval Blanc ST-BARTH ISLE DE FRANCE

The Cheval Blanc hotels represent the hospitality arm of the LVMH group. The St Barths outpost is a 40-villa seaside escape on an exclusive enclave that attracts the likes of Beyoncé and Jay Z. Designer kids' equipment (Bugaboo strollers and Baudou cribs) match the pristinely pared-down, but grown-up, spaces. Thoughtful touches – from pirate-themed bathing lines to mini flip-flops – show the resort’s child-friendly side. Standout service Child ”alchemists“ can cater to any whim, such as sourcing a ride in a yellow submarine. The mermaid hunt is really special, on which kids snorkel and identify fish before a ”mermaid“ encounter. Special amenities Spa, fitness center (with tailor-made programs) and four restaurants. Everything is unshowy, but with just the right amount of pizazz. Room to book A Flamands Villa, which comes with a butler, is directly on the beach and has 4,300 sq ft of space housing a private fitness room, home cinema, infinity plunge pool and private beach access. Contact Laurence Garret, reservations manager, +590 590 27 56 66, l.garret@chevalblanc.com, stbarthisledefrance.chevalblanc.com Price From $7,300

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort VANCOUVER, CANADA Owned by venture capitalist Richard Genovese, Clayoquot provides a memorable wilderness experience in an appealingly hard-to-reach setting. Accommodation is in just 20 atmospheric tents with thick duvets, antiques and en suites, dotted in a landscape that’s home to giant cedars and waters teeming with fish. The area is a biosphere reserve, mostly only accessible by the guests here. Sommeliers, kitchen staff and environmental experts are on hand to ensure an outdoorsy eco family break that is not lacking in creature comforts. Standout service The children of a royal family recently witnessed the birth of a foal from the resort’s own herd of horses – an example of how Clayoquot integrates and inspires families with the natural events of the area. Special amenities These are experiential rather than practical – a private floatplane is on hand to whisk parties off for remote fly fishing, while guests can book heli tours that can take in anything from aerial animal photography to a sunset dinner on a private island. Room to book Tent 12, at the end of a long path through the remains of an ancient temperate rainforest, which makes for beauty and privacy as well as educational opportunity. Contact Gary Bedell, general manager, +1 888 333 540, gary@wildretreat.com, wildretreat.com Price From $3,900 per person