Image courtesy of Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf
Whether you call it St. Barths, St. Barts or St. Barthélemy — chances are, you’ve heard of the Caribbean island that has become synonymous with French glamour. If you’ve ever wondered what Paris would look like in a tropical setting, this island is the answer. Home to designer boutiques, impeccable 5-star hotels, screensaver-worthy beaches and Michelin-starred restaurants — if you’ve got money to spend, this is the place to go. Checking into a hotel on St. Barths can be tricky, with so many award-winning options to choose from. Some hotels are set on private peninsulas, while others are home to the Caribbean’s best spas. Some hotels offer secluded beaches, while others tout menus designed by Michelin-star chefs. Here, I’ve compiled a list of the island’s best hotels that promise to capture the chic luxury of St. Barths.
Cheval Blanc
Image courtesy of Cheval Blanc
Found on the pristine sands of Flamands Beach, Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France is a luxurious hotel that oozes French glamour and sophistication at every turn. This 5-star hotel is one of the few in the Caribbean to receive the prestigious "Distinction Palace" designation granted by the French Ministry of Tourism. This distinction awards the hotel’s outstanding excellence and ability to represent France’s hospitality beyond the country’s borders. This should tell you everything you need to know about staying at Cheval Blanc, the beachfront property boasting dazzling white rooms, impeccable service and lush tropical gardens. For the fashionistas among you, Cheval Blanc hosts a monthly fashion show and displays the enviable clothing at its on-site boutiques.
Fora Perks:
$100 food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Eden Rock – St Barths
Image courtesy of Eden Rock – St Barths
Originally founded in the 1950s, Eden Rock – St Barths sits on the rocky shores jutting into St Jean Bay. This 5-star beach hotel overlooks shimmering clear waters from where it stands, making it one of the most beautiful hotels on the island, if not the whole Caribbean. If you’re a self-proclaimed foodie, Eden Rock’s on-site dining is unparalleled on St Barths. Reservations are especially coveted at the Sand Bar restaurant and Rémy Bar & Salon, where esteemed Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten (of numerous Michelin-star restaurants, from New York to Tokyo) oversees the menu.
Fora Perks:
Breakfast daily.
Complimentary roundtrip private airport transfers (minimum $100 value).
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hotel Christopher
Image courtesy of Hotel Christopher
At Hotel Christopher, it might be impossible to get a bad room. With 48 rooms and villas overlooking the bay, all accommodations seemingly come equipped with jaw-dropping ocean views. There is something worth noting about Hotel Christopher, though. Compared to the many beach hotels on this list, Hotel Christopher does not have a private beach for guests to enjoy. Before you guffaw at the idea of checking into a St. Barths hotel without beach access, know that Hotel Christopher is home to one of the largest infinity pools on the island. Perched just above the sea, the infinity pool practically looks like an extension of the Caribbean sea itself, and offers stellar sea views without any white sand sticking to your feet. If that’s not enough, the on-site Sisley Spa has been named the Caribbean’s best hotel spa by the World Spa Awards.
Fora Perks:
$100 resort / hotel credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Le Toiny
Image courtesy of Le Toiny
5-star Le Toiny is a bit more rugged and wild compared to some other hotels on this list. But to mistake rugged for rustic would be a mistake, because Le Toiny is a true beauty set atop 42 acres of beaches, tropical landscape and rolling hills. Idyllic is the word that comes to mind when staying in one of the luxurious one or two-bedroom suites on offer, each with modern amenities, stellar views and a private swimming pool. Now, because this is the Caribbean, don’t skip having a meal at the hotel’s Beach Club. While many restaurants on St. Barths will tempt you to dress to impress in high heels, this Beach Club offers the quintessential island experience of dining with your feet in the sand.
Fora Perks:
$100 food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth
Image courtesy of Rosewood Le Guanahani
Suppose you want to pretend you’re on a private island. In that case, Rosewood Le Guanahani sits on 18 acres of tropical land on a secluded peninsula flanked by the soft sands of Marigot Bay and overlooking the Grand Cul-de-Sac lagoon. Each of the rooms offers a private terrace, with some rooms including a private swimming pool set against views of the surrounding bay. But, the true magic of Rosewood Le Guanahani is to be found in its coveted signature suites. The Marigot Suite accommodates up to five guests and features a private swimming pool, private lawn and ocean view; while the Lagoon Suite, up to five guests, is set directly on the beach with a breathtaking view of the lagoon. Rosewood Le Guanahani is ideal for couples looking for tranquility and a great family-friendly choice for space and activities, even offering the option of babysitting services.
Fora Perks:
$100 resort / hotel credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf
Image courtesy of Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf
While the other hotels on this list pride themselves on their secluded locations, Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf is smack dab in the action of St. Barths. If you’re less of a “lounge by the pool all day” traveler and are keen to explore the island, then Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf is for you. Beyond offering all the expected amenities (free WiFi, concierge service and on-site dining), a stay here puts you within walking distance of Shell Beach, Fort Karl and a slew of four-star restaurants found in the main part of town. A quick note about the eponymous Shell Beach: as the name suggests, this beach is covered in glittering shells that are a true beauty; just know to bring water shoes, to save your feet!
Fora Perks:
$100 food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Le Barthélemy
Image courtesy of Le Barthélemy
Set on the Grand Cul-de-Sac, Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa is all about tranquility and relaxation. Here, you’re encouraged to take it slow with a leisurely breakfast at one of its on-site restaurants, an afternoon dip in its glorious infinity pool and pampering at Le Spa at Le Barthélemy, where you can book everything from facials to massages. For those traveling with families, Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa is a stellar option as it offers a myriad of activities geared towards young children. These experiences run the gamut from aquatic activities to treasure hunts, beachfront playgrounds to kid-friendly cooking classes. After the kiddos go to bed, parents can unwind at the Amis St. Barth restaurant, which offers a fantastic wine bar with a dizzying number of “by the glass” selections.
Fora Perks:
$100 resort / hotel credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Le Sereno Hotel
Image courtesy of Le Sereno Hotel
Following a complete renovation, Le Sereno is practically a brand-new hotel. After Hurricane Irma devastated parts of the Caribbean, Le Sereno decided to give itself a facelift, introducing new waterfront suites, refreshed rooms, updated amenities, an expanded spa and a spanking new beachfront restaurant. As if that’s not enough, Le Sereno welcomed a new concept store selling curated products exclusively for its guests. This family-owned boutique hotel is found on Grand Cul de Sac and spans over 600 feet of white-sand beaches. Aside from suntanning on the beach, Le Sereno can arrange various activities, including snorkeling, kite surfing, kayaking or special excursions geared towards children.
Fora Perks:
$100 resort / hotel credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hotel Villa Marie Saint-Barth
Found on the Colombier coastline, perched on a hill overlooking Flamand Beach, you can’t go wrong with this boutique hotel. Because it’s a short drive from popular Gustavia and the island’s many bars and restaurants, Hotel Villa Marie Saint-Barth balances seclusion with access to the island’s notable shopping and dining. Hotel Villa Marie Saint-Barth is a colorful stay, too…literally. Many of the hotels on this list are painted white, as though to avoid distracting from the surrounding beauty. Hotel Villa Marie Saint-Barth, on the other hand, is about as bright as a parrot. Expect decor that offers pops of canary yellow, lobster red and Caribbean blues as though trying to accentuate the surrounding natural palette.
Fora Perks:
$100 resort / hotel credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hotel Manapany
Image courtesy of Hotel Manapany
The Manapany earns its place on this list due to the fact that the hotel celebrates its lush natural setting at every turn. At this boutique hotel of just over 40 rooms, guests spend their days sunning below thatched-roof cabanas on the beach, taking open-air yoga and Pilates classes and wandering the orchard and gardens, bursting with aromas of citrus and coconut. Warm, wood-paneled interiors and pops of patterned textiles give Manapany a true Caribbean feel, but sleek interiors and impeccable service remind you of the French sensibilities throughout. The Manapany wins extra points for its location – just a five-minute drive from both the capital Gustavia and the airport.
Fora Perks:
Two cocktails on arrival.