Review: Cheval Blanc St-Barth

Luxury Travel Expert

8 months ago

Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel or flight review.

I recently enjoyed a wonderful holiday in St Barts, the Caribbean’s most exclusive island destination. You can read my trip reports here:

Review: Air France Business Class Airbus A330 from Paris to St Martin
Review: Winair Twin Otter flight from St Martin to St Barts
Review: Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth
Review: Le Sereno St Barths
Review: Cheval Blanc St-Barths (today)
Review: Air France Business Class Airbus A330 from Sint Maarten to Paris

Today: Review of Cheval Blanc St-Barth

Hotel website: Cheval Blanc St-Barth
Location: Google maps
Tips: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso

Set on Flamands Bay, one of the island’s finest beaches, Cheval Blanc St-Barth is home to 61 beautifully appointed rooms, suites, and villas hidden in lush gardens or with panoramic sea views. All Ocean and Beach Rooms and Suites unveil a Caribbean flair imagined by French designer Jacques Grange. La Case restaurant serves a locally inspired cuisine for a culinary journey to the carefree rhythm of the Caribbean, while La Cabane is the perfect setting for a relaxed meal a few steps away from the sea. The Cheval Blanc Spa offers Guerlain rituals, exclusive to the Caribbean, for a well-being interlude. Operated under the prestigious LVMH brand, the property promises an atmosphere of barefoot elegance, culinary excellence, and serene wellness.

Have you ever stayed at Cheval Blanc St-Barth? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

In this review of Cheval Blanc St-Barth (more info and photos below my YouTube video):

Pros & things I like
Cons & things to know
My verdict
Tips for future guests & save money
Best time to visit
How to get there
Photos

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

Cheval Blanc St-Barth is one of the top hotels in St Barts (or Saint-Barthélemy), a Caribbean island known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and exclusive vibe. This small French-speaking island effortlessly blends European sophistication with laid-back island charm. Renowned as a playground for the wealthy and famous, St Barts offers crystal-clear turquoise waters, gourmet dining, chic boutiques, and an intimate atmosphere that feels both luxurious and welcoming. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on powdery white sands or exploring picturesque harbors and hidden coves, St. Barts remains a top destination for discerning travelers looking for a refined yet unpretentious escape. Its unique blend of natural beauty and upscale amenities creates an unparalleled ambiance that captivates visitors year-round.

Cheval Blanc St-Barth enjoys a prime location at the southern end of Flamands Beach, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in St Barths — and arguably the entire Caribbean. Surrounded by green hills and some of the world’s most exclusive real estate, Flamands Beach features wide stretches of soft, gently sloping sand and clear turquoise waters. The beach is ideal for body-surfing and boarding, but swimmers should be prepared for a strong current that can feel like being caught in a whirlpool. For safety, the hotel always has a lifeguard on duty to watch over guests brave enough to take a dip. Flamands is also one of the longest beaches on the island, making it perfect for a peaceful stroll with a loved one or travel companion. At the northern end of the beach, you’ll find the starting point for a scenic 30-minute hike to the secluded and stunning Colombier Beach — a must-visit spot during your stay at Cheval Blanc St-Barth.

Cheval Blanc St-Barth has a unique layout, resulting from the fusion of two former properties. The original hotel, Isle de France, opened in 1991 and became part of the LVMH family in 2013. It officially joined the Cheval Blanc collection when it reopened in October 2014. Three years later, the resort expanded by acquiring its neighboring property, Taïwana. This expansion made Cheval Blanc St-Barth the only luxury hotel on Flamands Beach, surrounded only by scattered homes, forested hills, and the sparkling ocean. Guests enter through the main pavilion of the original Isle de France, which features a small lobby, a charming pool deck, a bar, and the signature restaurant, La Case. Adjacent to La Case is a concept store designed exclusively for men. At the edge of Flamands Beach and connected by a boardwalk through lush jungle, you’ll find the facilities originally part of the Taïwana property. These include a second pool, a beachside restaurant called La Cabane, and a vibrant boutique dedicated to women’s fashion.

After the devastating impact of Hurricane Irma, Cheval Blanc St-Barth reopened in 2018 following an extensive refurbishment. To enrich the property with a distinctive artistic touch, three renowned artists from different fields were invited to contribute their expertise. Madison Cox, a celebrated landscape designer known for creating extraordinary private gardens; Jacques Grange, a renowned interior designer famous for infusing European resorts and vacation homes with soul and style; and Jean-Michel Othoniel, an acclaimed artist and sculptor who works with blown-glass spheres and has been commissioned for prestigious projects worldwide—all collaborated to shape the resort’s renewed identity. Like the island’s lush flora that intertwines and mingles, their creations blend seamlessly to capture the spirit of St Barts and the sophisticated elegance of the Cheval Blanc brand. Together, their work creates a unique charm that invites travelers to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and luxury of the resort.

From the public areas to the rooms and suites, Cheval Blanc St-Barth showcases a contemporary design infused with elements inspired by the island’s relaxed lifestyle. Natural materials like rattan furniture, sand-blasted wood with a sun-bleached look, and white fabrics create a light, airy atmosphere. Warm Caribbean touches – such as braided straw rugs and earthy colors – reflect the traditional architecture and design of the French West Indies. The main pavilion’s beams, furniture, and structure echo the style of Creole buildings, blending influences from 16th-century Portugal with the iconic wooden screens commonly seen across Saint-Barthélemy. Adding a modern artistic flair, renowned artist Jean-Michel Othoniel installed The Constellation of Pegasus right in front of the pavilion. This captivating sculpture, made of rotating blown-glass spheres, mimics the night sky, shifting gently to mirror the celestial dome above and creating a dazzling display for guests to admire.

Cheval Blanc St-Barth offers 61 rooms and suites, thoughtfully spread throughout the lush gardens or along the pristine Flamands Beach. There are 14 different room categories, half of which are suites, and each features a private balcony or outdoor space. Some accommodations even include 24-hour butler service for a truly indulgent stay. French designer Jacques Grange styled the rooms with vibrant patterns, rattan furniture, warm woods, and airy cotton fabrics, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. During my stay, I experienced the Garden Bungalow, nestled in the heart of the resort’s tropical gardens. The spacious bedroom featured a king-size bed that could be converted into two twins, a bathroom with a standalone bathtub and rain shower, and a peaceful terrace – perfect for unwinding after a sun-filled day. The minibar was well stocked with a variety of drinks, including complimentary non-alcoholic options.
Nestled within the tropical gardens of Cheval Blanc St-Barth, the spa offers five treatment rooms, including a VIP double suite, an outdoor relaxation pavilion, and a traditional hammam. In 2024, the spa underwent a complete redesign by Guerlain, with renowned architect Isabelle Stanislas leading the project. The refreshed interiors draw inspiration from the vibrant Caribbean environment, featuring Guerlain’s signature sandy beige and golden tones, soft white walls, and accents of exotic wood. Natural materials like bleached larch, brass, and raffia were carefully chosen to create a seamless connection between the spa’s interior and the surrounding landscape. Signature treatments include the Antilles Serenity, a soothing vanilla-infused massage; Caribbean Idyll, a ritual designed for two; and St-Barth Shape, a sculpting facial that rejuvenates the skin. The wellness experience is rounded out by a hammam and a sports center, which offers a fully equipped gym along with dedicated yoga and Pilates studios.

Cheval Blanc St Barth features two restaurants blending French savour-fair with flavorful local inspirations. Both restaurants have been designed by Jacques Grange.
- The signature restaurant, La Case de l’Isle, open for dinner only, is one of the island’s most sought-after dining experiences. Chef Jean Imber crafts exquisite French cuisine inspired by local ingredients and balanced with touches from the Riviera. The menu offers elegant, light, and colorful dishes perfectly paired with an impressive selection of wines and champagnes. Guests enjoy this sophisticated fare in a warm, convivial atmosphere with attentive and personalized service.
- Just steps from the sea, La Cabane offers a more casual dining experience with stunning 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 features a thoughtfully curated buffet alongside à la carte hot dishes, making it the perfect way to start the day by the beach.

Cheval Blanc St-Barth is part of Cheval Blanc, an ultra-luxury hotel brand owned by LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy). The brand began with Cheval Blanc Courchevel, which opened in 2006, followed by Cheval Blanc Randheli in the Maldives in 2013. The Caribbean welcomed Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France in October 2014, marking the brand’s continued global expansion. In 2019, La Résidence de la Pinède joined the collection as Cheval Blanc St-Tropez, and in 2021, Cheval Blanc Paris opened its doors in the iconic Samaritaine building along the Seine. The brand has also recently launched a luxury resort in the Seychelles, with future projects planned for Beverly Hills (USA) and Porto Cervo (Italy). True to its ultra-luxurious French heritage, Cheval Blanc places a strong emphasis on exceptional design and gourmet dining, hallmarks reflected throughout each of its prestigious 5-star properties.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Cheval Blanc St-Barth is extraordinarily expensive – even by luxury Caribbean standards. Entry-level rooms (the “Tropical Room”) regularly start at over $2,000 USD per night in high season, which is more than the cost of a large suite with a private pool at the Rosewood Le Guanahani, another top-tier resort on the island. With these insane room rates come sky-high expectations. Yet, some guests may feel the pricing outpaces the tangible value delivered. While the setting and design are exquisite, there are moments where it feels as though you’re paying for the LVMH name more than for unmatched innovation or uniqueness in the hospitality experience.

Beyond the pricing, the booking experience itself can feel surprisingly outdated and exclusive – not in the flattering sense. During high season, it’s nearly impossible to book a room online. Availability isn’t shown on the website (except for last minute rooms), and you’re often required to contact the reservations department directly (via email or via a travel agent), which slows the process and makes rate comparisons unnecessarily opaque. Additionally, a minimum stay requirement is strictly enforced during peak dates, limiting flexibility for travelers who may want a shorter luxury escape or are planning a multi-resort island itinerary. For a hotel of this caliber, one might expect a smoother, more transparent reservation process befitting the modern luxury traveler.

Flamands Beach – on which Cheval Blanc St-Barth is set – is undeniably picturesque, with wide golden sand and dramatic ocean views. But one major drawback that often goes unmentioned in reviews of the hotel is the persistent wind. Due to its orientation, this part of the island frequently experiences strong gusts – particularly during the (drier) winter and early spring months. The hotel has dozens of loungers on the beach, but they can become uncomfortable due to blowing sand and the sun exposure (umbrellas can not be opened when the wind is too strong). While some may find the breezy conditions refreshing, others expecting a tranquil beach day might find the experience frustrating and disappointing, especially considering the resort’s emphasis on beach-side leisure.

Cheval Blanc St-Barth is deliberately slow-paced – designed for relaxation rather than high-energy exploration. While this is perfect for some, others may find the resort’s on-site activity offerings limited. Water sports are available, but excursions and programming feel minimal unless specifically requested. There’s no nightlife to speak of, and the spa is small and books quickly. If you’re not the type to spend all day basking in stillness, this could become monotonous after a few days.

Cheval Blanc’s service philosophy is clearly inspired by French elegance and discretion, with a highly attentive staff who often anticipate your needs before you articulate them. However, during my stay, I did encounter several service issues. While these might be just small details, in the realm of ultra-luxury, service consistency is king (especially with the rates charged by Cheval Blanc St-Barth). Some examples:
- Upon arrival, I specifically requested turndown service at 7 pm on our first night, along with a change from a king bed to two twin beds. The reception team promptly acknowledged and guaranteed this request. However, when we returned at 9 pm from dinner – tired and jetlagged – the room had not been serviced. We had to call reception, and housekeeping didn’t arrive until 10 pm, delaying our rest and causing unnecessary frustration.
- The second night brought another disruption. At 10:30 pm, well over an hour after we had fallen asleep, someone repeatedly knocked on our door, waking us up. When I opened it, a staff member was there, seemingly embarrassed for disturbing us. She explained she had come for turndown service, even though we hadn’t requested it that evening. This unexpected visit completely disrupted our sleep.
- While I was already at the property, my travel companion informed me that his arrival flight to St Barts had been rescheduled to an earlier time. I immediately went to the reception to update the transfer details. To my surprise, the staff was unaware of my friend’s arrival and believed I was traveling alone. They blamed my travel agent for the confusion, which wasn’t true. In fact, the resort had contacted me a week before our arrival to confirm my friend’s name and to arrange separate transfers for us. They even confirmed receipt of this information via email. It left a poor impression that the hotel chose to shift the blame instead of owning the mistake.
- While a minor issue and not a big deal overall, the breakfast staff – though very friendly – consistently got our orders wrong on two consecutive mornings. Again, it’s a small detail, but not quite what you’d expect from a luxury brand like Cheval Blanc.

While Cheval Blanc St-Barth offers a beautiful setting and many hallmarks of luxury, it doesn’t fully live up to the exceptional standards set by other Cheval Blanc properties worldwide. Whether compared to the flagship Cheval Blanc Courchevel, the tropical elegance of Cheval Blanc Randheli, or the urban sophistication of Cheval Blanc Paris, St Barth’s service inconsistencies, booking challenges, and limited amenities stand out. For travelers loyal to the Cheval Blanc brand, this property may feel like a step below the usual impeccable experience they expect.

MY VERDICT

Location: 9/10
Design: 8/10
Pool: 7/10
Rooms: 8/10
Food: 9/10
Breakfast: 8/10
Spa: 8/10
Service: 6/10
Wow factor: 7/10
Value for money: 6/10
Overall experience: good – 7.6/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Save money: get complimentary VIP perks at Cheval Blanc St-Barth when booking via Virtuoso:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant (already included in property rates)
- $100 USD equivalent hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in / late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi

Save money: read here my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like Cheval Blanc St-Barth (and/or receive many free perks).

Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

St Barts has a pleasant tropical climate with average highs that hover in the 80s °F (around 28 °C), usually tempered by cooling trade winds. December to March are the most popular months to visit, characterized by warm, generally dry but also windy days, whilst the summer months between June and November tend to be more humid, with regular showers and the possibility of tropical storms and hurricanes. The best time to visit the island is April and May, a sweet spot featuring lower prices and fewer crowds.

HOW TO GET THERE

The main way to travel to St Barts is to fly to nearby St Maarten Island, followed by a 15-min flight to St Barts’ airstrip, which is located a short 10-minute drive from Cheval Blanc St-Barth. The hotel provides complimentary road transfers to and from the airport.