St. Barths Hotel Guide: Seven Properties, Our Rankings

CE Team

Q: After seeing all six properties: which one would you rebook first, and which would you never send a client to without a very specific conversation first?

Catherine: I would rebook Cheval Blanc and easily Rosewood for a family. I would have a conversation about most of the others since they are each set up so uniquely.

Laura: Cheval Blanc first or Eden Roc depending on the client; I would have a conversation with a client about Le Toiny as it is further out and not directly on a beach.

Hannah: Cheval Blanc would book first and never send client to Hotel Christopher without a convo, or Fouquets

Q: If you could only send a client to one hotel on this list, which is the most ‘St. Barths’ experience: the one that captures what makes the island different?

Catherine: For me, Le Toiny, it has a little bit of everything that makes St. Barths special while still having some privacy, ruggedness, and pools!

Laura: Cheval Blanc for that feeling of France in the Caribbean.

Hannah: Eden Rock, it’s so 1 of 1 and unlike really any other hotel in the world. It’s so iconic St Barths.

Annie: Le Toiny felt very wild and the Landrover down to the beach club is such a fun experience however, Eden Rock wins on the most St Barths since it’s walking distance to the beach clubs and is engrained in the history. It’s a true icon.

Q: Which property surprised you most vs. your expectations going in?

Catherine: I did not have a lot of prior expectations going in – I was of course pleasantly surprised by the level of luxury and service at Cheval Blanc.

Laura: I was thinking Eden Rock would be too “hip and cool” for me and too much of a scene but I loved it, and I wouldn’t let that intimidate you even though it is somewhere to see and be seen, it’s still just a classic and fabulous hotel.

Annie: GYPSEA surprised me. I loved the maximalist design of the beach villas. Their beach club was one of my favorites and to be able to walk right from a multi-bed villa (with hotel service) to the ocean is great. I was surprised to like their hotel property as it’s not on the beach, but think it’s a great option for a softer price point on a more expensive island.

Q: How do you rank them overall — and what were your deciding criteria?

Catherine: Cheval Blanc, Rosewood, Eden Rock, Le Toiny, Fouquets, Gypsea – I just like a complete feeling resort personally, but it is hard to rank these since I would choose differently based on each client.

Laura: So hard to rank because they are all great for a different client, or even would be good combining on a split stay. Cheval Blanc was definitely my favorite (personally).

Q: For a client who’s never been to St. Barths: where do you start them?

Catherine: I probably choose Cheval Blanc every time if budget allows.

Laura: Agree that it depends on the client – if they are drawn to St. Barths for French luxury, Cheval Blanc. If they want more of a fun scene with iconic St. Barths feel, Eden Rock. If they want more of a Caribbean, barefoot luxury feel that is more relaxed but still with great food and service – Le Toiny. Rosewood also for a more Caribbean feel that is family friendly and probably the most American-feeling (TBD if that changes with the new Airelles takeover).

Hannah: It really depends on the client profile: what they want to do while they are here, the vibe they are looking for, their budget, etc. I think Le Toiny is a great option to start out if you’re craving something more low key and private but still easy access to the action. It feels like a good way to “dip your toe into st barths” but not be like in the thick of it.