When travelers think of Caribbean luxury, St. Barts often comes to mind. The tiny island has a reputation for see-and-be-seen parties, fine French dining and some of the most exclusive hotels in the region. Among the finest is the Hotel Christopher St. Barth, a waterfront boutique hotel that's one of the last family-owned properties on St. Barts.
"St. Barts is one of the most competitive luxury resort destinations in the world, and the owners take great pride in ensuring the resort leads by example when it comes to intuitive service, luxury and sustainable operation," said Olivier Leroy, the hotel's general manager.
This summer, I spent a week getting acquainted with St. Barts and the Hotel Christopher, where I had the opportunity to put my limited French to use, one "bonjour" at a time.
Tucked into the secluded cliffs of Point Milou, the Hotel Christopher is a serene sanctuary where the day's main event is the dramatic sunset, best viewed from the hotel's infinity pool. And with a new five-bedroom villa and a revamped restaurant, the resort is ready for a reintroduction to clients who want a sophisticated stay without crowds.
The Hotel Christopher exudes a chic, understated elegance that has made it an institution among those in the know. Named for Christopher Columbus, who landed on the island during his second voyage to the region in 1493, the hotel attracts a well-heeled crowd, ranging from young couples to multigenerational families who have been returning for years.
An Ocean Suite with pops of orange. Photo Credit: Hugo Allard for Hotel Christopher
Thoughtful design
My mornings here began with waking up in my spacious Ocean Suite to gorgeous ocean views, a stunning feature shared by every accommodation on the property. The resort has opted for a sleek, sophisticated decor that feels almost Bali-esque, a departure from the usual Caribbean playbook of soft, coastal hues.
The hotel's thoughtful architecture is courtesy of the French architectural firm De Yavorsky, and its clean, minimalist design features playful pops of orange on everything from sculptures around the property to throw pillows and window treatments in the guestrooms.
The guestrooms also feature open-concept bathrooms, large bathtubs and rainfall showerheads. Each unit also has a private front deck with a lounge bed, and select higher-category rooms feature separate living rooms, outdoor hot tubs or private pools.
The hotel's current state of chic is the result of seamless evolution over the years. The hotel has undergone several exciting additions since its 1993 opening that haven't detracted from its subtle allure. In 2019, three stand-alone, four-bedroom villas (aptly named the Nina, Pinta and Maria) were added to the property. Each villa accommodates up to eight guests and features a private pool, tailored concierge service and full access to the hotel's amenities.
Villa Saba, the latest addition to the property, is a secluded five-bedroom villa. Photo Credit: Hugo Allard for Hotel Christopher
New accommodations
This year, the Christopher's flagship accommodation, Villa Saba, joined the existing 42 guestrooms and villas. The five-bedroom, five-bathroom villa is the only property on the hotel's south end, and in addition to seclusion guests can enjoy a 52-foot-long infinity pool flanked by a massive teak deck. There's even an on-site manager who can arrange yoga classes, restaurant reservations and off-site excursions.
"The recent addition of Villa Saba was led personally by the owners and demonstrates their utmost dedication to luxury," Leroy said. "It's perfect for families and groups who desire the attention and service of a resort but desire the privacy of a dedicated villa and pool."
Of course, a true luxury escape is incomplete without an exceptional dining experience to match.
La Plage du Christo restaurant serves a Caribbean-French menu and offers views of St. Jean Beach. Photo Credit: Hugo Allard for Hotel Christopher
The hotel's main restaurant, La Plage du Christo, offers French cuisine with a twist. Breakfast is a generous affair, featuring a traditional Western buffet complemented by authentic French baguettes and perfectly flaky croissants. For lunch and dinner, the menus reflect the seasonal availability of ingredients. Among the standout dishes are the lobster carpaccio and foie gras, but it's the tender filet of mahi-mahi in coconut milk that I'm still dreaming about.
Service at the alfresco restaurant was prompt, the bar staff was friendly and knowledgeable (their Lemon Pie sour cocktail recommendation became my favorite) and room service is also available 24 hours a day.
If there's one thing you shouldn't miss at the Christopher, it's the sunset. One of the best places to witness this daily spectacle is from the hotel's expansive infinity pool deck. Twice a week, the poolside pre-dusk cocktail hour, known as Orange Vibe, showcases the incredible views for guests and visitors.
The Hotel Christopher St. Barth's Sisley Spa has five treatment rooms, each with its own outside seating area. Photo Credit: Hugo Allard for Hotel Christopher
A standout spa
Another hotel gem? The Sisley Spa, a World Spa Awards-winning wellness sanctuary. The spa exclusively partners with the prestigious French beauty brand Sisley, and with five treatment rooms (including a double room), clients won't feel rushed or crowded.
The spa menu takes guests on a global wellness journey, with treatments including the Japanese kobido facial and the Hawaiian lomi lomi massage. The spa cabins also feature outdoor seating areas that overlook the water, and the waves were the perfect soundtrack to my massage.
In a destination saturated with luxury, the Hotel Christopher distinguishes itself. It's not just the attentive service or the impeccable property that impressed me, but the overarching sense of tranquility.