St-Martin-de-Ré is undoubtedly the smartest resort on this ultra-chic island. Like it or not, the narrow streets that lead down to the picturesque little harbour have spawned a glut of designer boutiques - a prerequisite, apparently, for the beau monde who hurtle down in their droves from Paris.
Some visitors bemoan the fact that accommodation within Vauban’s fortified walls can be hot and noisy, with insufficient amenities to justify the fashionably high prices. For them the Clos Saint-Martin, recently refurbished by a group of well-heeled investors, is the ideal compromise. Its quiet location inside the ramparts is only a short walk from the quayside restaurants. And the friendly staff compensate for any lack of family-owned ambience.
Clos Saint-Martin has an unusual amount of light, air and space. The interiors are tastefully designed in the modern idiom with restful colours, good linen and comfortable beds. Prices of rooms vary according to the size. Even the smallest accommodations are 14m2 while family rooms come with a mezzanine. 'In high season, hire bikes before arrival’ advises a one guest who transferred by taxi (allow 50€) from la Rochelle airport.
There's a spa (by Clarins) and one of the two heated swimming pools sports a bar with teak decking and a jacuzzi while the other is reserved for adults. Hence perhaps it’s not really the sort of place for those with free-range children.