“Discreetly located in a quiet street away from the bustling harbour, yet within strolling distance, this villa with its Dulux-white colour scheme, natural materials and luxuriously spacious rooms is all about calm, privacy and kicking back. Chic and laid back, ideal for a weekend. ”
“Discreetly located in a quiet street away from the bustling harbour, yet within strolling distance, this villa with its Dulux-white colour scheme, natural materials and luxuriously spacious rooms is all about calm, privacy and kicking back. Chic and laid back, ideal for a weekend. ”
Hotel Review
Away from the bustle of St Martin’s harbour, and behind an unassuming door, Villa Clarisse is as discreet as it is luxuriously sleek. Inside, the 18th-century villa is surprisingly large, stretching back through a courtyard and garden to a pool. Just nine rooms are spread between the main house and courtyard buildings; it feels like staying in a friend’s rather grand villa as opposed to a hotel.
Everywhere, from public rooms to bedrooms, is startlingly white: walls, raftered ceilings, staircases and soft furnishings giving the impression of perpetual sunshine. Bold monochrome-patterned rugs, bed-throws and seat covers add drama. Nothing is overdone, and there’s an emphasis on natural materials: linen curtains, pale-wood floors, white painted bedheads and the occasional antique as well as some interesting artwork or sculpture. Spacious bathrooms have a separate bath and shower. The overall feel is an expensive but simple elegance, and very calming.
Breakfast in the all-white dining room is very French and very refined – delicate fruit salad, yogurt, Viennoiserie, perfect golden-yellow omelettes. There’s an honesty bar, too. Dinner options are numerous; sister hotel, Le Toiras, a five-minute walk, offers fine dining, or there are numerous harbourside restaurants.
Guests - some of whom arrive by private jet – are often happy just to relax by the heated pool or take a treatment in the small spa discreetly tucked by the pool. They might saunter around St Martin’s shops, or hire a bike to have lunch at an oyster shack. Life at Villa Clarisse is about switching off, getting the shoulders to relax, and allowing yourself to be looked after by one of the team of friendly but discreet staff.
Written by Helen Pickles
Recommended For
- Hideaway
- 17th century house offers real seclusion, whilst pottering from the beach, to the outdoor pool and down to the Marina for dinner
- Golf
- The golf course in Trousse-Chemise is 15 km away The golf course in Trousse-Chemise is 15 km away.
- Cycling
- Dozens of bike rental stores; hotel can help
- Sailing
- Club des Dauphins-Antoine Albea
- Great walks
- Down to St-Martin Harbor
- Learning
- Ernest Cognacq Museum
- Surfing
- Watersports
- Beach nearby
- 60 metres from the beaches and Saint-Martin marina
- No restaurant
- Breakfast is available and lunch on request
- On an island
- Sit-out Terrace
- Country House
- Quiet
- Free wifi
- Child friendly
- Chic
- Boutique
Facilities
- No restaurant
- Breakfast is available and lunch on request
- Sit-out Terrace
- No pets
- Massage
- Parking
- Safe
- Free wifi
- Wifi
- Air conditioning
- Child friendly
- Garden
- Swimming Pool
Activities
- Golf
- The golf course in Trousse-Chemise is 15 km away The golf course in Trousse-Chemise is 15 km away.
- Cycling
- Dozens of bike rental stores; hotel can help
- Sailing
- Club des Dauphins-Antoine Albea
- Great walks
- Down to St-Martin Harbor
- Learning
- Ernest Cognacq Museum
- Surfing
- Watersports
Map & Location
What's Nearby
Other Reviews
VILLA CLARISSE, ILE DE RÉ
The villa, as well as being a haven of tranquility, is perfectly situated to enjoy the restaurants lining the port or hiring bikes for a day’s adventure around the island. The staff are undoubtedly the highlight. Impeccably polite, discreetly attentive and extremely friendly, they gladly offered recommendations of things to do that always fulfilled expectations.
Originally published by Harper's Bazaar (view article)
