St. Barth’s is an island notorious for drawing a discerning crowd, a destination with no shortage of glamour, white sandy beaches, luxury hotels, yachts, world-class dining and upscale boutiques. It is the reason that travelers return year after year. This past January, I flew to San Juan and boarded Tradewinds PC-12 plane and arrived back to my favorite island on the planet. The details of where I stayed, ate and cocktailed below—
STAY
For this holiday, I checked into the iconic Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France, home to 61 beautifully appointed rooms, suites and villas, with beach or lush garden views. The property offers guests two restaurants with locally-inspired French cuisine. La Cabane Beach Club is the perfect spot for rose and a long lazy toes in sand lunches or La Case, a new culinary journey designed by Jean Imbert offering weekend brunch and daily evening dinner. At any time of the day, their White Bar serves the most refreshing rum cocktails and light bites around one of their two swimming pools, surrounded by gorgeous panoramic views of the coveted Flamands Bay. During the year, Cheval Blanc Maison hosts exclusive events organized with the most prestigious champagne houses such as Veuve Cliquot and highly curated art exhibitions. The Cheval Blanc Spa offers Guerlain rituals, in exclusivity in the Caribbean and has 4 treatment rooms, 1 hammam and 1 outdoor pavilion nestled in the vegetation. Their team, known for their high touch, personalized service and tailor-made experiences delivered on every level.
MAPPS X CHEVAL BLANC: Special nightly rates, complimentary daily breakfast and resort credits.
EATS
LUNCH HOTSPOTS
GYPSEA: The all-new “Bohemian Beach Club” dropped anchor this past fall. The dress code is barefoot and salty hair. The restaurant, which is right on the beach, is adorned with shades of blue in homage to the Caribbean sea and Atlantic Ocean, with comfy benches and large mismatched cushions, untreated furniture and wood with a saltwater patina creating a chic, laid-back, end-of-the earth feel.
LE TOINY: Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, don’t miss the hidden paradise on Toiny Bay. The menu rotates regularly and offers dishes based on fish, grilled meat and refreshing salads. Enjoy a truly relaxing feet in the sand, lunch under the Paillottes.
NIKKI BEACH: On Sundays, the posh beach club turns into a table-dancing day party complete with bottle service, model-esque waiters, and oversize sushi boats. Stay through the weekend, you don’t want to miss this one.
SHELLONA: Watch the sunset with your feet in the sand at the revamp of beach bar Do Brazil, an island institution. The Shellona sunset is a little flashier than its former iteration, but that’s fine. Nature is the real star here.
THE SAND BAR: The Sand is the culinary heart and soul of Eden Rock Hotel. Signature Sand classics include… truffle pizza, crispy salmon and caramelized foie-gras, caviar and more.
DINNER HOTSPOTS
BONITO: Latin-French fare in the form of ceviche, tiraditos, and an abundance of truffle oil, plus an extensive menu of creative cocktails served alongside unbeatable views of Gustavia Harbor.
LA GUERITE: This local gem transports you to St Tropez. Make a reservation for Saturday night and be prepared to get up and dance.
L’ISOLA: Beloved by both locals and visitors, this Southern Italian favorite is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner. You won’t be sitting by the sea, but you’ll also get some of the best dishes on the island.
OREGA: A newcomer on the gourmet scene in Saint Barth, this restaurant quickly developed a stellar reputation for their Franco-Japanese fusion concept.
TAMARIN: Island favorite set in a magical garden under the shade of a 200-year-old tamarind tree with a distinct French-Thai vibe.
AFTER HOURS HOTSPOTS
BAGATELLE: An offshoot of the original in New York, the cocktails flow and the crowd gets similarly rowdy, minus the costumes.
LE TI: The raucous, kitschy nightclub is a rite of passage for first-timers. Waiters whisk you into a secret back room, set you up with costumes like you’re going to Coachella, and send you off onto the dance floor.
* Editor’s note: Due to Covid-19, Le Ti will not reopen until 11/2021.
