Assessment: Cheval Blanc St-Barth – the Luxurious Journey Professional

June 12, 2025

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Wednesday newsletters at all times function a resort or flight assessment.

I lately loved an exquisite vacation in St Barts, the Caribbean’s most unique island vacation spot. You’ll be able to learn my journey stories right here:

At the moment: Assessment of Cheval Blanc St-Barth

Set on Flamands Bay, one of many island’s most interesting seashores, Cheval Blanc St-Barth is house to 61 fantastically appointed rooms, suites, and villas hidden in lush gardens or with panoramic sea views. All Ocean and Seaside Rooms and Suites unveil a Caribbean aptitude imagined by French designer Jacques Grange. La Case restaurant serves a regionally impressed delicacies for a culinary journey to the carefree rhythm of the Caribbean, whereas La Cabane is the proper setting for a relaxed meal a number of steps away from the ocean. The Cheval Blanc Spa affords Guerlain rituals, unique to the Caribbean, for a well-being interlude. Operated below the celebrated LVMH model, the property guarantees an environment of barefoot magnificence, culinary excellence, and serene wellness.

Have you ever ever stayed at Cheval Blanc St-Barth? In that case, what was your expertise? Go away a remark.

On this assessment of Cheval Blanc St-Barth (extra information and pictures beneath my YouTube video):

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

Cheval Blanc St-Barth is without doubt one of the high accommodations in St Barts (or Saint-Barthélemy), a Caribbean island identified for its gorgeous seashores, vibrant tradition, and unique vibe. This small French-speaking island effortlessly blends European sophistication with laid-back island appeal. Famend as a playground for the rich and well-known, St Barts affords crystal-clear turquoise waters, gourmand eating, stylish boutiques, and an intimate ambiance that feels each luxurious and welcoming. Whether or not you’re searching for leisure on powdery white sands or exploring picturesque harbors and hidden coves, St. Barts stays a high vacation spot for discerning vacationers in search of a refined but unpretentious escape. Its distinctive mix of pure magnificence and upscale facilities creates an unparalleled ambiance that captivates guests year-round.

Cheval Blanc St-Barth enjoys a major location on the southern finish of Flamands Seaside, extensively thought to be some of the lovely seashores in St Barths — and arguably your entire Caribbean. Surrounded by inexperienced hills and a few of the world’s most unique actual property, Flamands Seaside options large stretches of sentimental, gently sloping sand and clear turquoise waters. The seaside is right for body-surfing and boarding, however swimmers ought to be ready for a robust present that may really feel like being caught in a whirlpool. For security, the resort at all times has a lifeguard on responsibility to look at over friends courageous sufficient to take a dip. Flamands can be one of many longest seashores on the island, making it good for a peaceable stroll with a cherished one or journey companion. On the northern finish of the seaside, you’ll discover the place to begin for a scenic 30-minute hike to the secluded and gorgeous Colombier Seaside — a must-visit spot throughout your keep at Cheval Blanc St-Barth.

Cheval Blanc St-Barth has a novel structure, ensuing from the fusion of two former properties. The unique resort, Isle de France, opened in 1991 and have become a part of the LVMH household in 2013. It formally joined the Cheval Blanc assortment when it reopened in October 2014. Three years later, the resort expanded by buying its neighboring property, Taïwana. This enlargement made Cheval Blanc St-Barth the one luxurious resort on Flamands Seaside, surrounded solely by scattered properties, forested hills, and the glowing ocean. Visitors enter by means of the principle pavilion of the unique Isle de France, which encompasses a small foyer, a captivating pool deck, a bar, and the signature restaurant, La Case. Adjoining to La Case is an idea retailer designed solely for males. On the fringe of Flamands Seaside and related by a boardwalk by means of lush jungle, you’ll discover the amenities initially a part of the Taïwana property. These embrace a second pool, a beachside restaurant known as La Cabane, and a vibrant boutique devoted to girls’s vogue.

After the devastating affect of Hurricane Irma, Cheval Blanc St-Barth reopened in 2018 following an in depth refurbishment. To complement the property with a particular inventive contact, three famend artists from totally different fields have been invited to contribute their experience. Madison Cox, a celebrated panorama designer identified for creating extraordinary personal gardens; Jacques Grange, a famend inside designer well-known for infusing European resorts and trip properties with soul and magnificence; and Jean-Michel Othoniel, an acclaimed artist and sculptor who works with blown-glass spheres and has been commissioned for prestigious tasks worldwide—all collaborated to form the resort’s renewed id. Just like the island’s lush flora that intertwines and mingles, their creations mix seamlessly to seize the spirit of St Barts and the subtle magnificence of the Cheval Blanc model. Collectively, their work creates a novel appeal that invitations vacationers to totally immerse themselves within the magnificence and luxurious of the resort.

From the general public areas to the rooms and suites, Cheval Blanc St-Barth showcases a modern design infused with components impressed by the island’s relaxed life-style. Pure supplies like rattan furnishings, sand-blasted wooden with a sun-bleached look, and white materials create a light-weight, ethereal ambiance. Heat Caribbean touches – similar to braided straw rugs and earthy colours – replicate the normal structure and design of the French West Indies. The primary pavilion’s beams, furnishings, and construction echo the fashion of Creole buildings, mixing influences from Sixteenth-century Portugal with the long-lasting picket screens generally seen throughout Saint-Barthélemy. Including a contemporary inventive aptitude, famend artist Jean-Michel Othoniel put in The Constellation of Pegasus proper in entrance of the pavilion. This charming sculpture, made from rotating blown-glass spheres, mimics the night time sky, shifting gently to reflect the celestial dome above and creating a stunning show for friends to admire.

Cheval Blanc St-Barth affords 61 rooms and suites, thoughtfully unfold all through the plush gardens or alongside the pristine Flamands Seaside. There are 14 totally different room classes, half of that are suites, and every encompasses a personal balcony or outside house. Some lodging even embrace 24-hour butler service for a very indulgent keep. French designer Jacques Grange styled the rooms with vibrant patterns, rattan furnishings, heat woods, and ethereal cotton materials, making a vivid and alluring ambiance. Throughout my keep, I skilled the Backyard Bungalow, nestled within the coronary heart of the resort’s tropical gardens. The spacious bed room featured a king-size mattress that might be transformed into two twins, a rest room with a standalone bathtub and rain bathe, and a peaceable terrace – good for unwinding after a sun-filled day. The minibar was nicely stocked with quite a lot of drinks, together with complimentary non-alcoholic choices.
Nestled inside the tropical gardens of Cheval Blanc St-Barth, the spa affords 5 remedy rooms, together with a VIP double suite, an outside leisure pavilion, and a conventional hammam. In 2024, the spa underwent a whole redesign by Guerlain, with famend architect Isabelle Stanislas main the venture. The refreshed interiors draw inspiration from the colourful Caribbean atmosphere, that includes Guerlain’s signature sandy beige and golden tones, tender white partitions, and accents of unique wooden. Pure supplies like bleached larch, brass, and raffia have been fastidiously chosen to create a seamless connection between the spa’s inside and the encompassing panorama. Signature therapies embrace the Antilles Serenity, a soothing vanilla-infused therapeutic massage; Caribbean Idyll, a ritual designed for 2; and St-Barth Form, a sculpting facial that rejuvenates the pores and skin. The wellness expertise is rounded out by a hammam and a sports activities heart, which affords a totally geared up health club together with devoted yoga and Pilates studios.

Cheval Blanc St Barth options two eating places mixing French savour-fair with flavorful native inspirations. Each eating places have been designed by Jacques Grange.
- The signature restaurant, La Case de l’Isle, open for dinner solely, is without doubt one of the island’s most sought-after eating experiences. Chef Jean Imber crafts beautiful French delicacies impressed by native elements and balanced with touches from the Riviera. The menu affords elegant, mild, and colourful dishes completely paired with a formidable number of wines and champagnes. Visitors get pleasure from this refined fare in a heat, convivial ambiance with attentive and customized service.
- Simply steps from the ocean, La Cabane affords a extra informal eating expertise with gorgeous views of Flamands Bay. Open for lunch and breakfast, the menu highlights flavors from the Atlantic Ocean with influences spanning Europe to the Caribbean, all served al fresco. Breakfast encompasses a thoughtfully curated buffet alongside à la carte scorching dishes, making it the proper technique to begin the day by the seaside.

Cheval Blanc St-Barth is a part of Cheval Blanc, an ultra-luxury resort model owned by LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy). The model started with Cheval Blanc Courchevel, which opened in 2006, adopted by Cheval Blanc Randheli within the Maldives in 2013. The Caribbean welcomed Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France in October 2014, marking the model’s continued international enlargement. In 2019, La Résidence de la Pinède joined the gathering as Cheval Blanc St-Tropez, and in 2021, Cheval Blanc Paris opened its doorways within the iconic Samaritaine constructing alongside the Seine. The model has additionally lately launched a luxurious resort within the Seychelles, with future tasks deliberate for Beverly Hills (USA) and Porto Cervo (Italy). True to its ultra-luxurious French heritage, Cheval Blanc locations a robust emphasis on distinctive design and gourmand eating, hallmarks mirrored all through every of its prestigious 5-star properties.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

Let’s handle the elephant within the room: Cheval Blanc St-Barth is terribly costly – even by luxurious Caribbean requirements. Entry-level rooms (the “Tropical Room”) commonly begin at over $2,000 USD per night time in excessive season, which is greater than the price of a big suite with a personal pool on the Rosewood Le Guanahani, one other top-tier resort on the island. With these insane room charges come sky-high expectations. But, some friends could really feel the pricing outpaces the tangible worth delivered. Whereas the setting and design are beautiful, there are moments the place it feels as if you’re paying for the LVMH title greater than for unmatched innovation or uniqueness within the hospitality expertise.

Past the pricing, the reserving expertise itself can really feel surprisingly outdated and unique – not within the flattering sense. Throughout excessive season, it’s almost inconceivable to ebook a room on-line. Availability isn’t proven on the web site (aside from final minute rooms), and also you’re usually required to contact the reservations division immediately (by way of e-mail or by way of a journey agent), which slows the method and makes fee comparisons unnecessarily opaque. Moreover, a minimal keep requirement is strictly enforced throughout peak dates, limiting flexibility for vacationers who could desire a shorter luxurious escape or are planning a multi-resort island itinerary. For a resort of this caliber, one would possibly count on a smoother, extra clear reservation course of befitting the trendy luxurious traveler.

Flamands Seaside – on which Cheval Blanc St-Barth set – is undeniably picturesque, with large golden sand and dramatic ocean views. However one main disadvantage that always goes unmentioned in opinions of the resort is the persistent wind. As a consequence of its orientation, this a part of the island incessantly experiences sturdy gusts – significantly through the (drier) winter and early spring months. The resort has dozens of loungers on the seaside, however they will change into uncomfortable resulting from blowing sand and the solar publicity (umbrellas cannot be opened when the wind is simply too sturdy). Whereas some could discover the breezy situations refreshing, others anticipating a tranquil seaside day would possibly discover the expertise irritating and disappointing, particularly contemplating the resort’s emphasis on beach-side leisure.

Cheval Blanc St-Barth is intentionally slow-paced – designed for leisure quite than high-energy exploration. Whereas that is good for some, others could discover the resort’s on-site exercise choices restricted. Water sports activities can be found, however excursions and programming really feel minimal until particularly requested. There’s no nightlife to talk of, and the spa is small and books shortly. When you’re not the kind to spend all day basking in stillness, this might change into monotonous after a number of days.

Cheval Blanc’s service philosophy is clearly impressed by French magnificence and discretion, with a extremely attentive employees who usually anticipate your wants earlier than you articulate them. Nonetheless, throughout my keep, I did encounter a number of providers points throughout my keep. Whereas these is perhaps simply small particulars, within the realm of ultra-luxury, service consistency is king (particularly with the charges charged by Cheval Blanc St-Barth). Some examples:
- Upon arrival, I particularly requested turndown service at 7 pm on our first night time, together with a change from a king mattress to 2 twin beds. The reception group promptly acknowledged and assured this request. Nonetheless, after we returned at 9 pm from dinner – drained and jetlagged – the room had not been serviced. We needed to name reception, and housekeeping didn’t arrive till 10 pm, delaying our relaxation and inflicting pointless frustration.
- The second night time introduced one other disruption. At 10:30 pm, nicely over an hour after we had fallen asleep, somebody repeatedly knocked on our door, waking us up. After I opened it, a employees member was there, seemingly embarrassed for disturbing us. She defined she had come for turndown service, regardless that we hadn’t requested it that night. This surprising go to fully disrupted our sleep.
- Whereas I used to be already on the property, my journey companion knowledgeable me that his arrival flight to St Barts had been rescheduled to an earlier time. I instantly went to the reception to replace the switch particulars. To my shock, the employees was unaware of my pal’s arrival and believed I used to be touring alone. They blamed my journey agent for the confusion, which wasn’t true. In reality, the resort had contacted me per week earlier than our arrival to verify my pal’s title and to rearrange separate transfers for us. They even confirmed receipt of this info by way of e-mail. It left a poor impression that the resort selected to shift the blame as an alternative of proudly owning the error.
- Whereas a minor problem and never a giant deal general, the breakfast employees – although very pleasant – constantly bought our orders fallacious on two consecutive mornings. Once more, it’s a small element, however not fairly what you’d count on from a luxurious model like Cheval Blanc.

Whereas Cheval Blanc St-Barth affords a wonderful setting and plenty of hallmarks of luxurious, it doesn’t absolutely reside as much as the distinctive requirements set by different Cheval Blanc properties worldwide. Whether or not in comparison with the flagship Cheval Blanc Courchevel, the tropical magnificence of Cheval Blanc Randheli, or the city sophistication of Cheval Blanc Paris, St Barth’s service inconsistencies, reserving challenges, and restricted facilities stand out. For vacationers loyal to the Cheval Blanc model, this property could really feel like a step beneath the standard impeccable expertise they count on.

MY VERDICT

Location: 9/10
Design: 8/10
Pool: 7/10
Rooms: 8/10
Meals: 9/10
Breakfast: 8/10
Spa: 8/10
Service: 6/10
Wow issue: 7/10
Worth for cash: 6/10
General expertise: good – 7.6/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Get monetary savings: get complimentary VIP perks at Cheval Blanc St-Barth when reserving by way of Virtuoso:
- Improve on arrival, topic to availability
- Day by day breakfast for as much as two friends per bed room, served within the restaurant (already included in property charges)
- $100 USD equal resort credit score to be utilized throughout keep (not combinable, not legitimate on room fee, no money worth if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in / late check-out, topic to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi

Get monetary savings: learn right here my ideas for getting the very best deal at a luxurious resort like Cheval Blanc St-Barth (and/or obtain many free perks).

Learn my ideas for making ready your journey in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

St Barts has a nice tropical local weather with common highs that hover within the 80s °F (round 28 °C), normally tempered by cooling commerce winds. December to March are the preferred months to go to, characterised by heat, typically dry but additionally windy days, while the summer season months between June and November are usually extra humid, with common showers and the opportunity of tropical storms and hurricanes. The perfect time to go to the island is April and Might, a candy spot that includes decrease costs and fewer crowds.

HOW TO GET THERE

The primary technique to journey to St Barts is to fly to close by St Maarten Island, adopted by a 15-min flight to St Barts’ airstrip, which is situated a brief 10-minute drive from Cheval Blanc St-Barth. The resort supplies complimentary street transfers to and from the airport.

PHOTOS

Right here’s a number of my pictures of Cheval Blanc St-Barth. To view extra pictures (together with breakfast, lunch and dinner), click on right here.