Top St. Barths Hotels - The Insider's Guide

You’ll Love: The sophisticated European vibe, two beachfront restaurants, and beauty that surrounds  

What to Know: Arguably the most high-end of the hotels on island, it has many rooms and can have a busy feel

Insider Tips: Hotel guests absolutely come first. Your access to coveted chaise lounges and lunch reservations will be honored

Now part of the prestigious ranks of LVMH properties like those in Courchevel and the Maldives, Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France retained its beloved beachfront charm, while growing in size with the acquisition of the former Taiwana next door. It now boasts two restaurants: La Case, in the original location, offers gourmet, almost pristine dishes, whereas La Cabane offers a more traditional beach lunch experience.

Nuts & Bolts: 30 rooms, 30 suites, 1 villa; fitness studio, spa, 2 restaurants; $$$$  

You’ll Love: The see-and-be seen vibe and fabulous Jean-Georges restaurant 

What to Know: In the winter season, the relatively small stretch of beach can become quite crowded

Insider Tips: Opt for a room on the rock, the most desirable and private of the offerings

As part of the Oetker Collection, Eden Rock fits in nicely with the group’s other tony outposts in Courchevel and Cap d’Antibes. Despite the highest price point on the island, Eden Rock doesn’t take itself too seriously and instead imbues whimsy and humor nearly everywhere. Sandbar may be the coolest of Jean-Georges restaurants, especially when served at the idyllic St. Jean beach. Owner and artist Jane Matthews puts her personal touch on each room, giving each room a distinct design flair.

Nuts & Bolts: 35 rooms and suites, 2 villas; fitness studio; 1 restaurant; spa; $$$$ 

You’ll Love: The spectacular view and walking distance access to town!

What to Know: Guests have lounge chair access at nearby Shellona Beach, which is about a 10 minute walk or 2 minute drive. The newest hotel on St. Barths. 

Insider Tips: In the winter season, the access to the hotel affords a considerable advantage for restaurant reservations and parking. 

After a massive renovation by Parisian firm Gilles & Boissier, Carl Gustaf is set to open in the fall of 2020. With its sweeping harbor views and perfect in-town location, the hotel attracts guests who like to be in the action. As part of the Barriere group, the 23 key-hotel offers their own beach club at Shellona (a hot ticket in the high season), as well as prime seating at Paris-transplant Fouquet’s, featuring a menu by Pierre Gagnaire, a three Michelin star Chef.

Nuts & Bolts: 23 rooms and suites; fitness room; 2 restaurants (1 on property); spa; $$$$

You’ll Love: The sunset views and Sisley spa

What to Know: Although there is no beach, the hotel’s infinity pool stretches out to the ocean

Insider Tips: The lowest rates of all the high-end hotels. Runners and power walkers will love the hillside loop here. 

Situated on the coast of the island’s chic Pointe Milou neighborhood, The Christopher has a devoted clientele who return for great value, unbeatable sunsets, and friendly service. Arguably the best pool on the island, the day beds and chaise lounges are prime real estate, and a feet-in-the-sand lunch experience at Mango is right nearby. The hotel has a younger clientele and has become a popular spot for wedding room blocks.

Nuts & Bolts: 42 rooms, 19 suites, fitness room; 2 restaurants, spa; $$+

You’ll Love: The soulful feeling and commitment to the environment

What to Know: Although Anse de Cayes is not advised for swimming, this hotel is directly on the beach

Insider Tips: Lesser known than some of its peers, there is often availability for peak seasons even if booking last minute

Reopened in 2018 (after a long hiatus) with a fresh vision and spirit, the Manapany in Anse de Cayes is leading the green revolution on the island: electricity is partially solar-powered, zero-emission vehicles can whisk guests into town, and the hotel’s own vegetable garden provides the freshest ingredients for the restaurant’s Creole-inspired menu. Rooms here are vibrant and full of personality, and the hidden gem is their beautiful ocean-front spa.

Nuts & Bolts: 35 rooms, 7 suites,1 villa; fitness room; 1 restaurant; spa; $$+

You’ll Love: The interior furnishings, gourmet menu, and luxury for less

What to Know: This boutique hotel offers a great pool, but is not beachfront. 

Insider Tips: Off-season rates are highly desirable; service at this boutique hotel is warm and personal 

Once known as Francois Plantation, this storied spot in the hills of Colombier is a secret gem. Rooms here mix traditional West Indian style with a keen eye for design, and are uniquely named and decorated. Perfect for couples seeking an under-the-radar spot, it also works surprisingly well for families with young children.

Nuts & Bolts: 18 rooms, 3 villas; fitness studio; 1 restaurant; no spa; $$   

You’ll Love: The rooftop bar and rooms with generous square footage

What to Know: The most American in style, those expecting a traditional resort experience will feel at home here.

Insider Tips: The gentle tide makes it an ideal hotel for families with young children

Visitors seeking a resort-style experience will feel at home at one of the island’s newest hotels. With a spa featuring La Mer treatments and a fun rooftop bar, this newcomer is worth considering in Grand Cul de Sac. Water-sport enthusiasts will enjoy the easy access to paddle boarding and kite-surfing, while those who prefer all-day lounging will appreciate their crave-able pool menu.

Nuts & Bolts: 44 rooms and suites, 2 villas; fitness room; 1 restaurant; spa. $$$

You’ll Love: The seductive French vibe

What to Know: Unlike other hotels which boast a buzzy lunch scene, Le Sereno is a total hide-out, largely free from day visitors 

Insider Tips: Sereno has a ‘cool factor’ that’s unmatched. It also boasts the largest private event space of any hotel on the island. 

With a sister property in Lake Como, Le Sereno brings a European sensibility and style to Grand Cul de Sac. The Christian Liagre designed rooms and suites ooze sophistication, making this one of the best spots for couples. While neither lunch or dinner is much of a scene, the cuisine at Le Mare is simply exceptional traditional Italian.

Nuts & Bolts: 36 suites, 3 villas; fitness room; 1 restaurant; spa;  $$$

You’ll Love: The complete feeling of privacy at your villa within a hotel, and the generous square footage

What to Know: Guests access the beach via a Land Rover Defender escort. While the beach is beautiful, swimming here is considered risky and best suited to surfers. 

Insider Tips: The former owner of Isle de France took over Le Toiny, infusing it with charm and a hip beach club

A regular favorite among honeymooners, Le Toiny offers both suites and private villas with pools. Those who prefer total anonymity and privacy will be well suited here. Located on the most remote area of the island, the hotel feels simultaneously one with nature, and decidedly the most elegant of hotels on island. The hotel’s chef is award-winning and presents an upscale, inventive menu.

Nuts & Bolts: 22 private villa suites; fitness studio; spa, 2 restaurants; $$$$

You’ll Love: The feeling of being in the “old” St. Barths

What to Know: Although the hotel is beachfront, to swim you must go down a small set of stairs directly into the water

Insider Tips: Unlike other modestly priced hotels, rooms here are actually villas with their own kitchens, ideal for longer stays

As one of the only hotels to resist development, Les Ilets has retained its original charm, while being a cult-favorite to many. Located just to the west of the airport’s runway, the hotel offer’s front-row seats to the plane’s comings and goings. Accommodations here are simple in decoration but generous in both size and offerings. Those in the know book this hotel well in advance to take advantage of its hidden-gem status.

Nuts & Bolts: 12 cottages, between 1-3 bedrooms; $+

You’ll Love: The walkability and prime beachfront seating

What to Know: This hotel has a small footprint and is best for those who know the island 

Insider Tips: Devotees know this hotel books up quickly, but if you can get a room, it delivers great value

With iterations as Tom Beach Hotel and La Plage, Pearl Beach occupies some of the best real estate in St. Barths: St. Jean Beach. Its New Year parties were infamous, but it’s toned down the party reputation and is now known as a highly desirable spot for both couples and families alike. The property itself is quite small and speaks to those who crave walkability and convenience. Its eponymous restaurant quietly delivers some of the best service and classic St. Barths cuisine, in a jovial environment.

Nuts & Bolts: 14 rooms; fitness room; 2 restaurants (1 on property); massage room, no fitness studio; $$    

You’ll Love: The breadth of space at this 18 acre property

What to Know: Rosewood acquired the hotel in the summer of 2020 and reopened in late 2021 with great anticipation after 4 years of renovations.

Insider Tips: Guanahani is the only hotel on the island that can authentically call itself a true resort – with tennis, a world-class spa, and the most rooms on the island, its presence is unmatched 

While Rosewood will surely put its own stamp at Guanhani, this fabled resort with gingerbread-trimmed bungalows is a truly unique property. Occupying the best stretch of Grand Cul de Sac, its more protected from wind than its neighbors Sereno and Le Barthelemy. Equally suited for both couples and families, with a plethora of water-sports, this resort is an iconic destination on the island, for good reason.

Nuts & Bolts: TBD