17 Best Hotels in St. Barthélemy

Even on an island known for gourmet cuisine and luxury hotels, this iconic hotel stands out thanks to top-tier Jean-Georges Vongerichten eateries, spacious rooms, stunning bay views, and cosseting service. Opened in the 1950s, it was the first hotel in St. Barth, nestled right on the rocky promontory that divides Baie de St-Jean. Since then, it has not only kept up with the times but evolved into one of the island's top properties (and a favorite with celebs who'd rather relax than make the papers). With 200 employees watching over 37 rooms, the service is unparalleled. Each of the rooms, suites, and villas is tastefully decorated and luxuriously appointed, with high-end TVs and high-speed Internet. Large bathrooms have either deep soaking tubs or walk-in showers; all have loads of fluffy towels, Bulgari, Ligne St. Barths, and Dr. Barbara Sturm amenities. The magnificent beachfront villas sleep up to eight, with full kitchens and beautifully appointed modern living areas. The two ultraluxe beachfront villas, Rockstar, which features six beds, and Nina, which features three beds, each come with a private pool, private butler, and chef service. A mega-suite, the Christopher Columbus, is at the very top of the rock, so you can enjoy the best 180-degree view on the island. There is a well-equipped gym and more than a dozen spa and wellness services that can be brought to your room. The terrific breakfast buffet, included in the rate, is for hotel guests only.

Nestled along a pristine white-sand beach, in tropical gardens, or on a hillside, the spacious suites and villas of this intimate, casual resort are private and luxurious. Vintage French decor with touches of the signature Cheval Blanc rose and taupe, marble baths (some with freestanding tubs), and understated glamour are in tune with the gorgeous surroundings. Service is attentive and detail-oriented; there's even a custom Guerlain fragrance that wafts through the resort. Dining options include the renowned La Case by chef Jean Imbert, which highlights local ingredients and French culinary techniques, and La Cabane, a beachside haven for relaxed meals with breathtaking ocean views. A serene spa features treatments and products by Guerlain, the state-of-the-art Technogym has gorgeous sea views and personal trainers, and there's a little boutique that carries great beachwear. The resort is now owned by LVMH, the massive luxury goods holding company.

The island's largest resort has luxurious suites, most with ocean views and many with private swimming pools—plus impeccable service. A bonus for families, it has one of the island's only children's programs, Rosewood Explorers. Access to nonmotorized water sports, a lighted artificial turf tennis court, and relaxing treatments at the serene Sense, A Rosewood Spa, ensure there's always something to do on the landscaped beach peninsula. The spa features treatment rooms, a hammam, a gym, a wellness boutique, a beauty salon, an adults-only pool, a relaxation area, and oodles of fantastic services. Suites—with private terraces and large bathrooms—are part of a vigorous upgrading project that places the hotel firmly in the luxurious category, with sophisticated modern-tropical decor and thoughtful comforts. Besides flat-screen smart TVs and resort-wide Wi-Fi, tech touches include outlets compatible with U.S. electronics and desks with charging stations nearby. There's Mediterranean-inspired cuisine at Beach House St. Barth with three different seating areas to choose from throughout the day. You can even shop on-site at La Boutique, a curated shopping space with one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories. Nonhotel guests are welcome to make reservations at the restaurant or spa, or they can book a day pass to experience the full resort facilities (day passes are subject to availability). Units vary in price, privacy, view, and distance from activities.

The only hotel on the island with panoramic views of the port of Gustavia, this sophisticated hillside retreat epitomizes luxury and French charm. The rooms, suites, and bungalows are each designed with Caribbean-inspired decor, rich wood accents, and tropical colors, with some accommodations boasting private terraces and outdoor showers. Dining options include the chic Beefbar (which features a meat-forward menu) and Shellona (a private beach restaurant on the shore of Shell Beach with fish-focused offerings). Spa Diane Barrière offers tailored treatments and a Zen-inspired ambience. Guests can also enjoy wellness activities like yoga classes and aqua biking, as well as explore the island with electric bikes.

Located on the island’s northern coast overlooking the sparkling waters of Pointe Milou, the Christopher hotel has some of the most breathtaking views of the sea and neighboring islands. Its huge infinity pool brings the liquid horizon up to your toes; its shallow side is a dream for small kids (it has an alarm at night for safety). The 42 spacious rooms and suites (including three villas with four bedrooms) are stylishly appointed, with expansive views of the ocean or lush gardens. Dining is a highlight here, with the newly opened Christopher Coutanceau and La Plage de Chris---a collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Christopher Coutanceau. With a world-class Sisley Spa and the absolute best viewpoints for sunsets, Christopher is the epitome of effortless Caribbean luxury.

The privacy, serenity, and personalized service at this effortlessly chic, secluded hotel will leave you wishing to stay forever. Despite its peaceful ambiance, the hotel offers a vibrant social scene with cozy lounge areas and an outdoor bar perfect for gathering. The spacious rooms feel like a home away from home, featuring large bathrooms with soaking tubs, fully equipped kitchenettes, and high-tech amenities such as flat-screen TVs, stereos, and espresso machines. Each suite also has an outdoor shower, a patio hammock, and a heated private pool. The hotel's signature restaurant, La Table, is perfect for dinner thanks to a big selection of tapas. For lunch, a scenic walking trail or Jeep ride leads to a private beach club, complete with a casual seaside restaurant and sun loungers under the palms.

On a private beach of Anse des Cayes, this breezy yet luxurious B Signature resort (the first outside of mainland France) is an eco-friendly paradise, with solar panels and electric cars on the property. The resort gets its relaxed, sophisticated nature from Parisian architect François Champsaur, who redesigned the property to evoke the spirit of St. Barth. Hotel Manapany follows an optimal water treatment protocol that does not use any chemicals, even in its spa, where its line of products is 100% natural. The on-site restaurant is fabulous, the pool is a great spot to hangout (both day and night), and the staff is extremely thoughtful. 

Perched on a crescent bay, this beachfront hotel exudes Parisian chic with Caribbean flair. There are 44 rooms and suites; 16 of them connect and are ideal for families. Here, it's easy to have it your way, especially with the concierge that customizes your stay. Even before you arrive, you can get assistance to help find the best flights to St. Barth. If you want privacy, go all out with a luxurious villa, such as Villa Aqua and Villa Blue, which have six bedrooms, full kitchens, and 55-foot swimming pools. Villa perks include an arrival and departure chauffeur, 24-hour access to fitness center Le Fitness, plus dedicated beach lounge chairs. Le Barthélemy is the only Caribbean hotel with the La Mer luxury brand at their spa, Le Spa, which has vitality pools, a sauna, a hammam, and a gym where you can take yoga classes. Personal training is also available. On-site dining is a treat: Abyss is a must-try fine-dining destination. For more ambiance, head up to Rooftop, a cool bar and lounge with creative craft cocktails, Asian-inspired bites with a focus on wok-cooked dishes, and views of the sea.

Those seeking a restorative, sensuous escape discover nirvana at the quietly elegant, aptly named Le Sereno, set on a beachy cove of turquoise sea between the island's highest mountain and the foamy waves. Aside from its guest rooms and waterfront suites, the property has a relaxing beach restaurant, a retail concept store, a newly expanded spa featuring exclusively curated Valmont products and treatments, and elevated fitness offerings. As always, the hotel still achieves a luxurious Zen-like calm. Its suites are huge by St. Barth standards and have spacious living areas and private sundecks. Large bathrooms, some with steeping tubs, have roomy showers and vessel sinks of solid black granite. Other perks include cloud-soft linens and robes, Internet, and flat-screen TVs. Smaller units are set in the garden, larger ones have amazing sea views, and the three-bedroom hilltop superluxe villas will thrill even the most particular clientele. For privacy, choose units with higher numbers. Follow a short trail of bamboo and agave to some of the island's best spa treatments offered in a private open-air beachfront pavilion or right in your room. Kayak, paddleboard, and snorkeling equipment are available complimentary to hotel guests.

For over two generations, the Charneau family has offered friendly hotel service, villa advantages, and reasonable rates, making guests feel like a part of the family. Handsome, spacious, and comfortable, with a cheery modern flair, the updated airy stone-and-redwood cottages have high ceilings, nice furniture, newly renovated baths, and lovely terraces with hammocks or lounge chairs; one has a Jacuzzi, and a couple feature indoor-outdoor rain showers. There's a wide variety of layouts, prices, and sizes; some units have living areas with pull-out beds, and one has a Murphy bed. Standard rooms have refrigerators and espresso machines, but the rest have full modern kitchens, open to private terraces that feel like outdoor living rooms. In addition, there are three lovely villas. Art lovers should check out Villa Catherine. See if rooms perched on the edge of the hillside are available. The location is great; you can walk to the beach and town, though you may be equally happy lounging around the stylish little waterfall pool. A lovely mahogany massage room, where you can enjoy a variety of spa treatments, and a well-equipped gym with a panoramic view are here, as is a small conference room.

Airy bungalows with views of the Bay of Flanders paint a picture of understated luxury at this boutique hotel in Colombier. The 22 bungalows and villas, decorated in tropical, colonial styles, feature gorgeous sea views. Enjoy a bite next to the pool or at the indoor lounge—both menus feature fresh seafood, mouthwatering pizzas, and a great selection of wine. Guests can also take a free shuttle to the lively Gyp Sea Beach Club, located in St-Jean. Although this stay isn't beachside, it's a 10-minute walk from the top of the Colombier Beach trail, which can take you right down to the quiet, secluded shores.

Everyone is treated like family at this charming boutique hotel located on the shores of Anse des Flamands, complete with 10 spacious units (two of which are modern two-bedroom oceanfront suites). This intimate hotel has a breezy, beachy style that highlights the natural beauty of the island. Spacious modern baths with rainfall showers, kitchenettes, private terraces, American-style outlets, and sofa beds are nice extras. Guests can enjoy easy access to the sandy, turquoise beach right outside their doors, along with a lovely pool area for lounging. The food at La Langouste, the hotel's restaurant, is tasty and reasonably priced. The lovely manager, Annie, whose family came to St. Barth centuries ago, keeps everything in top shape

Right on the beach, this reasonably priced, intimate gem comprises modern, comfortable apartments with room to spread out. Three one-bedroom and two two-bedroom units overlook the waves, and another one-bedroom unit is near the small pool. The hotel also has a hillside two-bedroom villa with a private pool and Jacuzzi nearby. Guests love having all the comforts of home, full kitchens, big baths with tubs, satellite TV, and the daily breakfast service, as well as the paddleboards and kayaks for guest use. The warmest raves, however, are for the helpful and pleasant management. You can walk to several restaurants, and excellent water sports are right at your sandy doorstep.

On the far side of the airport and the far corner of Baie de St-Jean, these well-priced, island-style one-, two-, and three-bedroom bungalows are nestled either on the beach itself or among lush tropical gardens on the hillside with stunning views of the Bay. Each of the 12 colorful units has small kitchens, open-air sitting areas, and comfortable bathrooms. This is a good choice for those who want to be right on the beach and enjoy the space and convenience of a villa but the feel of a small resort. Crisp white linens and upholstery, lovely verandahs, and daily deliveries of fresh pastries from a nearby bakery add to the pleasantness of the surroundings.

This chic but casual boutique property on busy St-Jean beach is fun for social types; the nonstop house party may well spill onto the terraces and last into the wee hours. The entryway gallery usually features exhibitions that change each fortnight. A path winds past suites set in a garden to the hopping, open-air restaurant—a must-visit while you're here. Stylish white rooms have high ceilings, some have four-poster beds, nicely updated baths, TVs, and patios. Oceanfront suites are the most expensive. Rooms are done in St. Barth white and taupe. Various packages provide perks such as VIP transfer assistance from St. Maarten and car rentals. Continental breakfast is included.

A small and quiet retreat in the hills of Colombier, this property features 15 fully furnished studios, each with its own private terrace. Each one comes equipped with a small kitchenette, perfect for preparing picnic lunches and light meals. Guests can also enjoy breakfast at the on-site snack bar. Though relatively secluded and a 10-minute drive from the beach, the friendly and attentive management is always there to help. By this island's standards, it's a real bargain.

Budget-conscious beach lovers who don't require a lot of coddling need look no further than these petite garden cottages, a short stroll from St. Barth's best beach. Each of the five studios is named for the owners' favorite places: Essaouira, Pavones, Padang Padang, Cap Ferret, and Waikiki. There's a small but pleasant pool in the garden, and each studio unit has a private terrace. Three cottages (the most expensive) have full kitchenettes. A crib is available on request. You can join the impromptu house party or keep to yourself. The management also rents a luxury villa in Lurin, near Gustavia. You'll be happier if you pick a unit with a kitchen, as you are pretty remote here.