"When Cap Juluca opened on a mile-long white crescent here in 1988, it was widely considered—to quote its sanguine American-born owners—“the best hotel on the best beach in the Caribbean.” The domed villas, a few with then-scarce plunge pools, brought worldly glamour to a squiggle of an island that had only recently acquired roads and drew discretion-seeking jet setters from chockablock St. Martin. Families flew to Cap J year after year, while major handshake deals would go down on Maundays Bay, and legendary parties would keep the drinks flowing at Pimms restaurant. Eventually, of course, the crowd moved on, and the owners sold the property to Belmond in 2017—just before Hurricane Irma barreled in. No matter: In a $130 million refurb, Rottet Studio added five new villas and recast the interiors, replacing the Moroccan carpets and lanterns with soft linens, rattan, and seagrass." - CNT Editors
