Each new day at the Tropical Hotel begins with a classical French breakfast that includes freshly baked croissants, pain au chocolat, juices, coffee, and assorted breads, jams, and jellies.

As you sip your coffee, you must decide to go to the beach, only 40 yards away, or visit the shops in town, or charter a boat for sailing or fishing, or climb to the top of Mt. Vitet, or simply settle by the pool with a good book.

The facade of this small, unpretentious hotel looks like a picture-postcard Caribbean colonial inn. Originally built in 1981, and restored in 1997, it's perched on a hillside about 50 yards (46m) above spectacular St-Jean Beach.

This charming, intimate retreat has a lush tropical garden as its centerpiece and an inviting pool. Each of the 21 rooms includes a private terrace, private shower-only bathroom, a king-size bed, tile floors, A/C, ceiling fan, phone, TV, hairdryer and mini-fridge. Nine units have sea views and balconies; no. 11 has a porch that opens onto a garden that's so lush it looks like a miniature jungle. Guests will find swimming, snorkeling and windsurfing as well as fascinating boutiques and restaurants within easy walking distance.

The hotel has a hospitality center where guests read, listen to music, or order drinks at a paneled bar surrounded by antiques. Watersports are available on the beach. Tropical Hotel has privacy, comfort, and a doorway to the elegance and natural beauty of St. Barthélemy.