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

June 12, 2025

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Wednesday newsletters at all times characteristic a resort or flight evaluate.

I not too long ago loved a beautiful vacation in St Barts, the Caribbean’s most unique island vacation spot. You possibly can learn my journey reviews right here:

Immediately: Evaluation of Cheval Blanc St-Barth

Set on Flamands Bay, one of many island’s best seashores, Cheval Blanc St-Barth is dwelling to 61 superbly 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 right setting for a relaxed meal a couple of steps away from the ocean. The Cheval Blanc Spa provides Guerlain rituals, unique to the Caribbean, for a well-being interlude. Operated beneath the celebrated LVMH model, the property guarantees an environment of barefoot class, culinary excellence, and serene wellness.

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

On this evaluate of Cheval Blanc St-Barth (extra data and photographs beneath my YouTube video):

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

Cheval Blanc St-Barth is without doubt one of the prime motels in St Barts (or Saint-Barthélemy), a Caribbean island recognized 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 provides crystal-clear turquoise waters, gourmand eating, stylish boutiques, and an intimate environment that feels each luxurious and welcoming. Whether or not you’re searching for rest on powdery white sands or exploring picturesque harbors and hidden coves, St. Barts stays a prime vacation spot for discerning vacationers searching for 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 chief location on the southern finish of Flamands Seaside, broadly considered some of the stunning seashores in St Barths — and arguably the complete Caribbean. Surrounded by inexperienced hills and among the world’s most unique actual property, Flamands Seaside options broad stretches of soppy, gently sloping sand and clear turquoise waters. The seaside is good for body-surfing and boarding, however swimmers must be ready for a powerful 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 company 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 start line 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 format, 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 growth made Cheval Blanc St-Barth the one luxurious resort on Flamands Seaside, surrounded solely by scattered houses, forested hills, and the glowing ocean. Company enter by the principle pavilion of the unique Isle de France, which includes a small foyer, a captivating pool deck, a bar, and the signature restaurant, La Case. Adjoining to La Case is an idea retailer designed completely for males. On the fringe of Flamands Seaside and related by a boardwalk by 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 style.

After the devastating influence of Hurricane Irma, Cheval Blanc St-Barth reopened in 2018 following an in depth refurbishment. To complement the property with a particular creative contact, three famend artists from completely different fields had been invited to contribute their experience. Madison Cox, a celebrated panorama designer recognized for creating extraordinary personal gardens; Jacques Grange, a famend inside designer well-known for infusing European resorts and trip houses 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 initiatives 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 class of the Cheval Blanc model. Collectively, their work creates a novel appeal that invitations vacationers to completely 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 up to date design infused with components impressed by the island’s relaxed way of life. Pure supplies like rattan furnishings, sand-blasted wooden with a sun-bleached look, and white materials create a light-weight, ethereal environment. Heat Caribbean touches – resembling 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 enduring picket screens generally seen throughout Saint-Barthélemy. Including a contemporary creative 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 company to admire.

Cheval Blanc St-Barth provides 61 rooms and suites, thoughtfully unfold all through the plush gardens or alongside the pristine Flamands Seaside. There are 14 completely different room classes, half of that are suites, and every includes a personal balcony or outside area. Some lodging even embrace 24-hour butler service for a really indulgent keep. French designer Jacques Grange styled the rooms with vibrant patterns, rattan furnishings, heat woods, and ethereal cotton materials, making a vibrant and alluring environment. 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 toilet 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 throughout the tropical gardens of Cheval Blanc St-Barth, the spa provides 5 therapy rooms, together with a VIP double suite, an out of doors rest 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 surroundings, that includes Guerlain’s signature sandy beige and golden tones, mushy white partitions, and accents of unique wooden. Pure supplies like bleached larch, brass, and raffia had been fastidiously chosen to create a seamless connection between the spa’s inside and the encircling 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 middle, which provides a totally geared up gymnasium 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 provides elegant, mild, and colourful dishes completely paired with a powerful choice of wines and champagnes. Company take pleasure in this refined fare in a heat, convivial environment with attentive and personalised service.
- Simply steps from the ocean, La Cabane provides 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 includes a thoughtfully curated buffet alongside à la carte scorching dishes, making it the right 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 world growth. 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 not too long ago launched a luxurious resort within the Seychelles, with future initiatives deliberate for Beverly Hills (USA) and Porto Cervo (Italy). True to its ultra-luxurious French heritage, Cheval Blanc locations a powerful emphasis on distinctive design and gourmand eating, hallmarks mirrored all through every of its prestigious 5-star properties.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

Let’s deal with 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 company might 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 practically unattainable to e-book 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 instantly (through e mail or through 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 might desire a shorter luxurious escape or are planning a multi-resort island itinerary. For a resort of this caliber, one may 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 broad golden sand and dramatic ocean views. However one main downside that usually goes unmentioned in critiques of the resort is the persistent wind. As a result of its orientation, this a part of the island regularly experiences sturdy gusts – significantly in the course of the (drier) winter and early spring months. The resort has dozens of loungers on the seaside, however they will turn into uncomfortable because of blowing sand and the solar publicity (umbrellas cannot be opened when the wind is just too sturdy). Whereas some might discover the breezy circumstances refreshing, others anticipating a tranquil seaside day may 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 rest quite than high-energy exploration. Whereas that is good for some, others might 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. Should you’re not the kind to spend all day basking in stillness, this might turn into monotonous after a couple of days.

Cheval Blanc’s service philosophy is clearly impressed by French class and discretion, with a extremely attentive workers who usually anticipate your wants earlier than you articulate them. Nevertheless, throughout my keep, I did encounter a number of providers points throughout my keep. Whereas these is likely to be 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. Nevertheless, 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. Once I opened it, a workers 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 sudden 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 workers was unaware of my good friend’s arrival and believed I used to be touring alone. They blamed my journey agent for the confusion, which wasn’t true. Actually, the resort had contacted me per week earlier than our arrival to verify my good friend’s title and to rearrange separate transfers for us. They even confirmed receipt of this data through e mail. It left a poor impression that the resort selected to shift the blame as a substitute of proudly owning the error.
- Whereas a minor subject and never an enormous deal total, the breakfast workers – although very pleasant – persistently received our orders incorrect 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 provides a lovely setting and lots of hallmarks of luxurious, it doesn’t absolutely dwell 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 class 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 might 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

Lower your expenses: get complimentary VIP perks at Cheval Blanc St-Barth when reserving through Virtuoso:
- Improve on arrival, topic to availability
- Every day breakfast for as much as two company 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

Lower your expenses: learn right here my suggestions for getting the very best deal at a luxurious resort like Cheval Blanc St-Barth (and/or obtain many free perks).

Learn my suggestions for getting ready your journey in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

St Barts has a pleasing tropical local weather with common highs that hover within the 80s °F (round 28 °C), often tempered by cooling commerce winds. December to March are the most well-liked months to go to, characterised by heat, usually dry but additionally windy days, while the summer season months between June and November are typically extra humid, with common showers and the opportunity of tropical storms and hurricanes. The very best 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 positioned a brief 10-minute drive from Cheval Blanc St-Barth. The resort supplies complimentary highway transfers to and from the airport.

PHOTOS

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