Habitation Le Clerc Haitian Hideaway (Dark version)
Habitation Leclerc
“Just 3 hours from New York, experience a renaissance of sensuality with the one you love. Only 38 magnificent villas with private patios secluded within an exotic fifteen-acre tropical garden. Two maids and a butler are assigned especially to you. Enjoy drinks and lavish meals, at any time, in your own villa, or dine in the gourmet dining room. Swim in your semi-private pool or the Grand Swimming Pool. Tennis. Games. Dancing at Hippopotamus I, and — Daily rates include all food, liquor, and gratuities. For the ultimate in luxury, Habitation Le Clerc.” – Magazine Advertisement
In 1974, Port Au Prince, Haiti was buzzing with excitement as the grand opening of the Habitation Leclerc. “L’Habitation” was the brainchild of its eccentric owner, Olivier Coquelin, an energetic Frenchman who had made a name for himself in the New York nightlife scene by owning several successful discos, including Le Club, the first American, discothèque, and The Hippopotamus which many credit as the precursor to Studio 54.
Coquelin borrowed money from numerous investors including OPIC (The United States Overseas Private Investment Corporation) and invested almost half a million dollars of his own money. His vison was to create a one-of-a-kind exclusive Haitian hideaway for the glamourous jet set crowd that frequented his clubs. He had the perfect location for his hideaway. A 15 acre estate, which once belonged to Pauline Bonaparte Leclerc, the sister of Napoleon Bonaparte, was located on the outskirts of Port Au Prince, situated among clusters of palm and magnolia trees, was owned by the famed afrol-American dancer and choreographer, Katherine Dunham. Dunham agreed to lease the land to Coquelin for the hotel.
Habitation Leclerc was an all-inclusive resort that promised its guests a life of luxury and indulgence. The hotel was designed to cater to the wealthy and famous, with 44 opulent villas, each with their own pool. Coquelin brought in many friends to help run the hotel. The staff was well trained to cater to the whims of its guests, and no expense was spared to create an atmosphere of exclusivity and sophistication.
The hotel’s famous clientele included Mick and Bianca Jagger, Jackie Onasis and Lee Radizwell. New York socialites, fashion designers, and all flocked to the Habitation, eager to bask in its luxurious surroundings and rub shoulders with their peers. The atmosphere was electric, with guests lounging by the pool during the day and partying into the wee hours of the morning. The photographer Slim Aarons traveled to Haiti to take capture the Jet Set in Haiti.
The realities of maintaining a luxury hotel in Haiti would became extremely challenging for Coquelin. The country was constantly plagued by political unrest, extreme poverty, and natural disasters. The dream of creating a chic hideaway in Haiti became burdened by the realties its surroundings. Eventually Coquelin sold the hotel and moved to the beach village in the south of Haiti, where he opened a small hotel, L’Relais D’ L’Empereur.
Years later, Habitation Leclerc remains a distant memory, a nostalgic reminder of a time when life was a little bit more decadent and a little bit more fun. But for those who were there, it will always be remembered as a place where the sun shone brighter, the music was louder, and the drinks flowed.
Layover Goods
| S | M | L | XL | 2XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Width, in | 18.00 | 20.00 | 22.00 | 24.00 | 26.00 |
| Length, in | 28.00 | 29.00 | 30.00 | 31.00 | 32.00 |
| Sleeve length, in | 8.23 | 8.50 | 8.74 | 9.02 | 9.25 |
| Size tolerance, in | 1.50 | 1.50 | 1.50 | 1.50 | 1.50 |
The unisex soft-style t-shirt puts a new spin on casual comfort. Made from very soft materials, this tee is 100% cotton for solid colors. Heather colors and sports grey include polyester. The shoulders have twill tape for improved durability. There are no side seams. The collar is made with ribbed knitting to prevent curling damage.
.: 100% ring-spun cotton (fiber content may vary for different colors)
.: Light fabric (4.5 oz/yd² (153 g/m²))
.: Eurofit
.: Tear-away label
.: Runs true to size
GPSR information: HONSON VENTURES LIMITED, gpsr@honsonventures.com, 3, Gnaftis House flat 102, Limassol, Mesa Geitonia, 4003, CY
Product information: Gildan, 64000, 2 year warranty in EU and UK as per Directive 1999/44/EC
Care instructions: Machine wash: warm (max 40C or 105F), Do not bleach, Tumble dry: low heat, Iron, steam or dry: low heat, Do not dryclean
