Cheval Blanc St Barths

It takes some time to get to this small, impossibly chic island in the Caribbean. Still, the dramatic arrival via Tradewind Aviation on one of the smallest runways in the world is something you will remember forever.

Once you arrive, you instantly feel at home even if you are not a superyacht billionaire or Herms toting heiress. The locals are friendly, the beaches are stunning, and while it is one of the most expensive islands in the world, it is not intimidating to visit.

Aircraft landing at St-Barthelemy Airport

I have been visiting St Barths for decades, and its seductive charm makes you feel like you are a local. There are no golf courses or high rises with casinos, and even the well-heeled families that visit are polished as they prepare for winter skiing in Courchevel. The people are beautiful, and the island remains authentic with its narrow roads cutting through hills and cliffs surrounding magical quiet coves for snorkeling.

Aerial view of St. Barths

The small French-speaking island, located a short flight from San Juan or St Maarten, is one of the most celebrity-studded retreats in the world and is looking even better than it did prior to the devastating Hurricane in 2017. Development and construction is booming, and you can see new villas popping up everywhere.

Interior beachfront suite at Cheval Blanc

I chose to make the newly revamped Cheval Blanc St Barth my base for a quick escape. It is not only one of the most welcoming resorts on the island, but also a place where you can unwind and not feel the pressure of dressing up or showing off. Positioned directly on Flamands beach, a quarter-mile of ivory sand with its warm, swimmable water and away from the maddening crowds of St Jean, this is a truly luxurious retreat.

Beachfront suite at Cheval Blanc

Cheval Blanc is the luxury hotel brand of LVMH, and its iconic St Barths property offers 61 suites and villas, including 20 new rooms and suites created by designer Jacques Grange, as well as a second beachfront pool. With a new 7,000 sf Villa de France, a five-bedroom stunner with an infinity pool, private spa, fitness room, dining room, and kitchen, it is a game-changer on the island. Add on your personal Majordome (butler), and two private Mini Coopers, and you can really experience the lifestyles of the rich and famous.

Garden villa at Cheval Blanc

All of the suites have large, contemporary style bathrooms, and beds that are so comfortable it is easy to drift off to sleep. The decor is calming with soft pastels and expensive fabrics, making you feel instantly at ease. The Cheval Blanc also leaves pillow gifts like beach bags, scarfs, or candles every night, which is a lovely touch to make you feel special.

Poolside at the Cheval Blanc St Barths

The new additions converted the former Hotel Tawanasite adjacent to Cheval Blanc, and the transformation is glorious. A gorgeous new beach restaurant La Cabane also opened as a casual outdoor dining experience perfect for families or beachgoers. They serve one of the best hamburger and fries I have ever had, naturally accompanied by a bottle of ros. Breakfast offers up the most decadent french toast I have ever tasted, resulting in learning how to make it myself in the kitchen with the charming pastry chef Philippe Tayac.

VIP beach service at its best with waiter George and Martin Lancray, head sommelier.

The hotels gourmet-style La Case Restaurant is a bit more elegant and serves up dishes of the region, fresh fish, meats inspired by celebrity chef Jean Imbert (winner of Top Chef France.) You can also dine on the beach with your feet in the sand while models stroll past your table wearing the latest beach fashion. The lunch crowd here is filled with the most fabulous people on the island and can become the ultimate meeting place for billionaires escaping their superyachts for the day.

The kitchen brigade is run by Chef Antony Clmot (back center) and pastry Chef Philippe Tayac (back ... [+] left)

Guests are provided with the custom service of the Cheval Blancs famed Majordome (butler) that cater to your every need. From shopping excursions to special requests for a romantic beach BBQ dinner. The Maison's Alchemists (concierge) are also on-hand to design family activities and experiences to keep the little ones entertained.

The staff at Cheval Blanc are all young and attractive, dressed impeccably in seersucker pants and crisp cotton shirts. They address you by your name, and their personal connection is what makes you feel like you have been coming for years.

The best butler service in St Barths with Majordome team of Clment, Alexis, Clara Giganti ... [+] (marketing), Thibault and Dorian

Leave it to Cheval Blanc to create a stunning intimate spa located within the Maisons very lush and tropical gardens. Unique Guerlain treatments are available in the spas four treatment rooms as well as an outdoor spa pavilion. My therapist was the amazing Jean-Edmond who worked magic, especially after the long flight.

Garden suite at Cheval Blanc

There are many activities to chose from, including taking a sublime sunset cruise on a 45-foot catamaran accompanied by your personal Majordome. With flowing champagne and appetizers, you can sail past the showstopping superyachts in Gustavia and watch the sunset from the tranquil Colombier beach. Any chance to get out on the open water in St Barths is always the perfect way to experience this beautiful island, and more importantly, away from the often hectic gridlock traffic in town.

Sunset cruise aboard the Cheval Blanc catamaran with Majordome Clment.

I loved waking in the morning with a private hike with the best guide on the island, Elisa White. We hiked to nearby Colombier Bay, spotting enormous turtles along the way, returning for fresh juices and yoga in the Maisons tropical pavilion. The perfect way to ready yourself for a day of sunbathing on the Cheval Blancs glorious beach.

Main entrance to Cheval Blanc

While you may never want to leave the comfort of Cheval Blanc, it is fun to explore the dining options on the island, including my favorites; Bonito, run by the fabulous Nicolas Gicquel in a hillside spot perfectly positioned overlooking Gustavia Harbor. Spend hours after a seriously creative meal dancing on tables to their house DJ, and watching their eclectic bartenders make flaming cocktails; LIsola featuring upscale and very authentic Italian cuisine on a hill in Gustavia Harbor; La Langouste for amazing lobster, located on the same beach as Cheval Blanc; and finally Orega where you can dine under the stars and experience some of the best French-Japanese cuisine in the world. Your butler at Cheval Blanc will arrange the perfect evenings out for you and arrange car service by request.

The amazing crew at Cheval Blanc includes Paul Lannes, (bartender), Yann Vinsot, (f&b ... [+] director),Christelle Hilpron, (General Manager), Manon Carre, (front office manager), Martin Lancray, (sommelier), Clara Giganti, (marketing), and Vianney, (alchemist).

My advice is to visit in the late Spring, early Summer, when the massive holiday crowds are gone, and you can enjoy stunning warm weather. I want to return next time to explore the hidden sides of the island, to relive some part of my past when life was simpler and less rushed, and to enjoy the beauty of the island and its locals that I have come to love.

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The Best Of St. Barths: Inside The Beachfront Cheval Blanc Hotel - Forbes