Guillaume Rolland headshot by Mark Seelen
A trip to St. Barts covers business and pleasure for Guillaume Rolland, principal of the Liaigre Design Studio. For the passionate sailor, who has headed Liaigre’s yacht design department since 2014, a trip to the Caribbean with friends and family is a perfect opportunity to connect with clients while also engaging with one of his favorite pastimes.
Below, Guillaume details his most recent trip to the idyllic island.
Destination: Saint-Barthelemy
Month traveled: March
Duration of stay: One week
Temperature range: Warm and pleasant — arguably the best time of year to visit St. Barts. A little hot at times, but overall perfectly manageable.
Solo adventure or vacation with family/friends? It was a vacation with my wife and friends. We sailed aboard Rosehearty, a yacht Studio Liaigre designed several years ago, during the annual Bucket Regatta. The trip centered around the regatta, joining friends on board.
First visit here or repeat destination? It’s a repeat destination, both professionally and personally. Professionally, I visit for projects and client meetings that Studio Liaige is working on, and personally, I enjoy sailing and the sea with friends and family.
Photos by Mark Seelen
What drew you to this locale?
Liaigre has deep roots in Saint-Barts; our brand is connected with the history of the island. Christian Liaigre, our founder, owned a home there and had a strong affection for the island. (Pictured above are images from Christian Liaigre’s home.)
Photo by Mark Seelen
We’ve completed several significant projects, including Larry Gagosian’s private residence (pictured above) and The Sereno Hotel on the island.
Photo by Jean-Philippe Piter
Lodgings…
The Sereno Hotel is a cozy, family-owned beachfront spot with crisp, clean lines and plenty of natural woods and stones — it really feels like home the moment you arrive. Inside, a neutral palette of bleached wood, rattan and linen is warmed by hand-woven rugs and driftwood accents. Vaulted pavilions with glass walls frame the postcard-perfect views, and a central pool courtyard gives it a village-like feel. Christian Liaigre’s streamlined furniture — plush sofas, low-profile tables and sleek cabinetry — invites you to lounge all day, while subtle, indirect lighting highlights the handcrafted details. During the Bucket Regatta, I stayed aboard the sailing yacht, Rosehearty.
Postcard moment…
Grand Fond, at the far northeast of the island, is unforgettable. Its wild Atlantic coast — sculpted orange rock formations and hidden natural pools reached by a scenic clifftop path — offers a serene, untamed beauty that stands in contrast to the island’s Caribbean shores. It’s the kind of place that invites quiet reflection and sparks fresh inspiration.
Photo by Jean-Philippe Piter
Must-sees for design and architecture enthusiasts…
The Sereno Hotel is a must. Saint-Barthélemy’s hotels set the standard for discreet luxury and privacy. Wandering through their lobbies and lounges is like a masterclass in high-end, minimalist design. Also, visit the beach restaurants as they embody this effortless, barefoot sophistication unique to Saint-Barts. If you have the time, you can take a drive through Gustavia to admire whitewashed villas and sleek private residences perched above the harbor — a living showcase of modernism in an island setting.
Souvenirs…
I always bring back my favorite T-shirts from The Select and Bar de l’Oubli—two iconic local bars. It’s a small ritual that ties me to the island.
Lasting influence…
While it doesn’t directly influence my design work, it does sharpen my understanding of the hospitality world — what makes a resort feel truly exceptional.
Greatest takeaway…
The Lorient cemetery left a lasting impression. Every grave is covered with fresh flowers, creating a joyful, colorful tribute. It’s a beautiful reminder to celebrate life fully, every day.
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