St. Barts draws a fashionable crowd of travelers with big expectations and even bigger budgets. The island paradise has a clutch of posh retreats to appeal to sybaritic devotees, however none capture the destination in all its glimmering glory quite like Cheval Blanc St-Barth.
Set along Flamands Beach, a picturesque stretch of soft sand and turquoise water, the property exudes French glamour and offers the sun-dappled, simple pleasures that life, and vacationing, in the Caribbean affords.
The only hotel in the region with the coveted “Palace” distinction—an honor bestowed upon only the most exceptional five-star stays that exceed the rating—Cheval Blanc St-Barth is the embodiment of barefoot luxury (a term that gets tossed around far too often, but, that in this case, very much applies). It’s a place that doesn’t require shoes, although Louboutin slides are certainly welcome. Printed Dior totes lay on the sand. Diamonds sparkle in the sunlight and the smell of sunscreen and saltwater mingles with bespoke fragrances from the Guerlain spa.
“La Constellation de Pégase”—a masterpiece of pink glass and stainless pearls created exclusively for Cheval Blanc St-Barth by sculptor Jean-Michel Othoniel—greets guests at the entrance. Follow the siren song of the sea and the majesty of the pool and, beyond that, the waves come into focus. The hardest choice you’ll have to make on a holiday is whether to choose a lounger by the piscine or on the serviced beach.
After a few hours of floating, sunning, and sipping homemade lemonade, traipse over to La Cabane for an elevated sand-in-your-toes experience. The iconic Flamands burger and some of the finest patisserie outside of Paris pairs perfectly with a chilled bottle of rosé. For dinner, La Case, the Jacques Grange-designed fine dining restaurant, trades formality for a beach house atmosphere complete by rattan furnishings, sea views, and gourmet fare (the signature Jean’s Avocado with lobster filling is not to be missed). Oh, and don’t leave without doing a rum tasting at the White Bar.
Foliage-shrouded paths wrap around the property. Madison Cox, the landscaper and botany genius behind the Jardin de Majorelle in Marrakech, hand-picked all the plants to create a lush, vegetal backdrop for relaxing—and spotting native wildlife such as turtles and iguanas. Accommodations, which range from hillside rooms to beach suites, provide ample privacy. It feels like staying in a breezy tropical hideaway that’s impeccably decorated with rattan furnishings, palmier mat desks, shell accents, and cushions made by Charles Jouffre. Among the most covetable amenities? The Maison’s signature scent—aptly named “Tropical Chic”—in trademark blush pink.
The refreshed spa is an oasis of pampering and olfactory pleasures. During the immersive Haute Parfumerie Experience, the Maison’s beauty experts help visitors select the perfect fragrance and customize the bottle as a display-worthy keepsake. Of course, the menu includes sculpting facials and tension-melting full-body massages, too, as well as seasonal post-treatment treats that are almost too pretty to eat.
Top Takeaways
Location: St. Barts
Rating: Five-Star
The Vibe: Très tropical chic.
Food + Drink: Beachside lunching at La Cabane is a must on any St. Barts getaway. Get into the island spirit with a rum tasting at the White Bar. For fine dining, make a reservation at La Case.
Amenities: Two restaurants; cocktail bar serviced beach; water sports; spa; fitness center; two swimming pools; boutique; spa; fitness center; in-room amenities from Guerlain; airport transfers
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The revamped spa is a heavenly-scented hideaway for facials and massages.
5 Nearby Attractions: Colombier Beach Trail; Corossol; shopping in Gustavia; chartering a yacht; snorkeling
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs? Cheval Blanc St-Barth is perched on a peaceful beach away from the hustle and bustle, but you can still reach Gustavia to shop local boutiques like Poupette St Barth and dine at La Petite Plage Saint-Barthélemy in just 10 minutes.
Rooms: 61 rooms, suites, and villas
Pricing: Rooms start at $750/night
Closest Airport: Gustaf III Airport (SBH)
