Fodor's Expert Review Hotel Guanahani and Spa

St Barth's largest full-service resort has lovely rooms and suites (14 have private pools) and impeccable service, not to mention one of the island's only children's programs (actually more of a nursery). Endless water sports, lighted artificial-turf tennis courts, and a serene spa complement the landscaped beach peninsula. The devoted management continues to tweak the resort toward perfection. Suites—with private terraces and large bathrooms stuffed with Clarins toiletries—are part of a vigorous upgrading project, pushing ever more into the most luxurious category, complete with sophisticated modern-tropical decor, devoted butler service, and thoughtful creature comforts. Besides flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, on-demand movies, and resort-wide Wi-Fi, tech touches include outlets compatible with U.S. electronics and desks with charging stations for phones and PDAs. Readers rejoice at the effective reading lamps over beds and beside couches. The Clarins Spa and Frédéric Fekkai hair salon offer oodles of fantastic services. Also here are two well-regarded restaurants, poolside L'Indigo and sophisticated Bartolomeo; a first-rate boutique; and a beachside fitness pavilion. Half- and full-day guest passes that include a spa treatment and lunch are available to those staying elsewhere. Units vary in price, privacy, view, and distance from activities, so make your preferences known. The resort has instituted several eco-friendly initiatives as part of its Green Globe partnership.