Evaluate: Cheval Blanc St-Barth – the Luxurious Journey Knowledgeable

Wednesday newsletters all the time characteristic a resort or flight overview.

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

Immediately: Evaluate of Cheval Blanc St-Barth

Set on Flamands Bay, one of many island’s most interesting seashores, Cheval Blanc St-Barth is residence to 61 superbly appointed rooms, suites, and villas hidden in lush gardens or with panoramic sea views. All Ocean and Seashore Rooms and Suites unveil a Caribbean aptitude imagined by French designer Jacques Grange. La Case restaurant serves a domestically 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 number of steps away from the ocean. The Cheval Blanc Spa affords Guerlain rituals, unique to the Caribbean, for a well-being interlude. Operated underneath 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? In that case, what was your expertise? Depart a remark.

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

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

Cheval Blanc St-Barth is likely one of the prime resorts in St Barts (or Saint-Barthélemy), a Caribbean island recognized for its beautiful seashores, vibrant tradition, and unique vibe. This small French-speaking island effortlessly blends European sophistication with laid-back island allure. Famend as a playground for the rich and well-known, St Barts affords 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 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 first-rate location on the southern finish of Flamands Seashore, extensively thought to be one of the stunning seashores in St Barths — and arguably your complete Caribbean. Surrounded by inexperienced hills and among the world’s most unique actual property, Flamands Seashore options extensive stretches of soppy, gently sloping sand and clear turquoise waters. The seashore is right for body-surfing and boarding, however swimmers needs to be ready for a powerful present that may really feel like being caught in a whirlpool. For security, the resort all the time has a lifeguard on obligation to look at over company courageous sufficient to take a dip. Flamands can also be one of many longest seashores on the island, making it good for a peaceable stroll with a liked one or journey companion. On the northern finish of the seashore, you’ll discover the place to begin for a scenic 30-minute hike to the secluded and beautiful Colombier Seashore — 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 Seashore, surrounded solely by scattered houses, forested hills, and the glowing ocean. Company enter by way of the primary pavilion of the unique Isle de France, which incorporates 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 Seashore and related by a boardwalk by way of lush jungle, you’ll discover the amenities initially a part of the Taïwana property. These embrace a second pool, a beachside restaurant referred to 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 counterpoint 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 elegance; 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 identification. Just like the island’s lush flora that intertwines and mingles, their creations mix seamlessly to seize the spirit of St Barts and the delicate class of the Cheval Blanc model. Collectively, their work creates a novel allure 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 lightweight, ethereal environment. Heat Caribbean touches – equivalent to braided straw rugs and earthy colours – replicate the standard structure and design of the French West Indies. The principle pavilion’s beams, furnishings, and construction echo the model of Creole buildings, mixing influences from Sixteenth-century Portugal with the long-lasting 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, product of rotating blown-glass spheres, mimics the evening sky, shifting gently to reflect the celestial dome above and creating a blinding show for company to admire.

Cheval Blanc St-Barth affords 61 oceanfront and beachfront rooms and suites, thoughtfully unfold all through the plush gardens or alongside the pristine Flamands Seashore. There are 14 completely different room classes, half of that are suites, and every incorporates a personal balcony or out of doors area. 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 brilliant and welcoming 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 may very well 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 properly 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 out of doors rest pavilion, and a conventional hammam. In 2024, the spa underwent an entire redesign by Guerlain, with famend architect Isabelle Stanislas main the undertaking. The refreshed interiors draw inspiration from the colourful Caribbean atmosphere, that includes Guerlain’s signature sandy beige and golden tones, comfortable white partitions, and accents of unique wooden. Pure supplies like bleached larch, brass, and raffia had been rigorously chosen to create a seamless connection between the spa’s inside and the encompassing panorama. Signature remedies 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 completely 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 likely one of the island’s most sought-after eating experiences. Chef Jean Imber crafts beautiful French delicacies impressed by native components and balanced with touches from the Riviera. The menu affords elegant, mild, and colourful dishes completely paired with a powerful collection of wines and champagnes. Company take pleasure in this subtle fare in a heat, convivial environment with attentive and personalised service.
- Simply steps from the ocean, La Cabane affords a extra informal eating expertise with beautiful 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 incorporates a thoughtfully curated buffet alongside à la carte sizzling dishes, making it the right approach to begin the day by the seashore.

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 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 just lately 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”) often begin at over $2,000 USD per evening 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 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 identify 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 typically required to contact the reservations division immediately (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 could need 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 Seashore – on which Cheval Blanc St-Barth set – is undeniably picturesque, with extensive golden sand and dramatic ocean views. However one main downside that always goes unmentioned in opinions of the resort is the persistent wind. As a result of its orientation, this a part of the island steadily experiences robust gusts – significantly throughout the (drier) winter and early spring months. The resort has dozens of loungers on the seashore, however they’ll turn out to be uncomfortable attributable to blowing sand and the solar publicity (umbrellas cannot be opened when the wind is just too robust). Whereas some could discover the breezy situations refreshing, others anticipating a tranquil seashore 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 rest slightly 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 rapidly. Should you’re not the sort to spend all day basking in stillness, this might turn out to be monotonous after a number of days.

Cheval Blanc’s service philosophy is clearly impressed by French class and discretion, with a extremely attentive workers who typically 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 could 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 evening, together with a change from a king mattress to 2 twin beds. The reception staff promptly acknowledged and assured this request. Nevertheless, once 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 evening introduced one other disruption. At 10:30 pm, properly 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, despite the fact 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 pal’s arrival and believed I used to be touring alone. They blamed my journey agent for the confusion, which wasn’t true. The truth is, the resort had contacted me every week earlier than our arrival to substantiate my pal’s identify and to rearrange separate transfers for us. They even confirmed receipt of this info through 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 an enormous deal general, the breakfast workers – although very pleasant – persistently acquired 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 affords a ravishing 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 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

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 most effective 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), 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 potential of tropical storms and hurricanes. The most effective time to go to the island is April and Could, a candy spot that includes decrease costs and fewer crowds.

HOW TO GET THERE

The principle approach 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 offers complimentary street transfers to and from the airport.

PHOTOS

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