Why: Hôtel Guanahani isn’t a hotel in the traditional sense — think plush multi-colored bungalows united by a private beach and restaurants like L’Indigo, with lobsters so huge, other diners gasp when your plate arrives. St. Barts is no place for thrift, so pony up for a suite with a private pool, and end your nights stargazing from the water.

What else: Pry yourself away from your ­modern-but-airy digs and the turquoise ocean to visit the Clarins Spa.

How much/How fast: Rooms start at $850; leguanahani.com. Flights are an adventure — there’s the direct flight to St. Maarten and a short leg on a twin-prop — but well worth it if you can stay a while.