In the year since Hurricane Irma struck St. Barth, the island has made an extraordinary recovery.
Beaches and hillsides once covered in debris now flourish amid restoration programs and the addition of more than 1,500 new trees and plants. Gustavia’s restaurants and shops were revitalized and reopened soon after the storm. And as St. Barth prepares to welcome visitors back for the high season, some of the island’s top hotels are ready to make their long-awaited debut.
Joining Manapany on Anse des Cayes bay and Villa Marie in the hills above Colombier (both of which opened earlier in the year after renovations), here are the hotels returning to St. Barth this season. All are easily accessible when you fly to the island on Tradewind’s scheduled and private flights.
Hotel Christopher
Reopening October 17
Photo: Piter Juin
Nestled along the northern coast of St. Barth, between the azure sea and Pointe Milou, Hotel Christopher is known for its intimate setting that feels both timeless and elegant.
With 70 percent of the hotel damaged during the storm – including the destruction of the beachfront restaurant – the team has spent the year renovating all 42 rooms and suites, updating Spa Sisley with a new fitness room and equipment, and relining the oceanfront infinity pool with eye-catching mosaics. Upon opening in the fall, revamped restaurants Taïno Lounge and Mango Beach Club will introduce new menus under the direction of Chef Nicolas Tissier.
Le Barthélemy Hotel
Reopening October 28
Photo: Laurent Benoit
Blending Parisian style with the laidback setting of St. Barth, Le Barthélemy Hotel is the newest luxury retreat on the island – having opened in 2016 on a pristine stretch of Grand Cul de Sac.
The bespoke hideaway has upgraded all accommodations since the storm (including the addition of a pillow menu for customized rest, signature scents, and distinct lighting options) and added new two- and three-bedroom beachfront suites. A late-night rooftop bar will offer live music and DJs on weekends, while the renowned Aux Amis plans to expand beyond the restaurant and onto the beach for lunch. Make sure to also check out the expanded Le Spa, where you can enjoy new hot and cold baths, a sauna, hammam, and a tea salon.
Cheval Blanc
Reopening Early December
Photo: Mango PR
On the edge of Flamands Bay, Cheval Blanc will once again invite you into a lush garden with spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea. Inspired by the rhythm of island life, French designer Jacques Grange is leading the incredible redesign, orchestrating colors and textures in perfect vivid harmony to restore the Maison and hillside bungalows.
Thirty-four rooms, four one-bedroom suites, and two beachfront villas bathed in sunlight will debut for a soft opening in December alongside the revitalized Cheval Blanc Spa, The White Bar, La Canane de l’Isle, and the signature al fresco La Case de l’Isle by Chef Yann Vinsot.
Hotel Le Toiny
Reopening October 15
Tucked among the trees on a verdant hillside in Côte Sauvage, Hotel Le Toiny affords stunning vistas of the water below. The private and exclusive resort reopens next month with enhanced facilities and eight all-new suites designed by the acclaimed Bee Osborn.
Known for her residential designs in the United Kingdom and beyond, Osborn draws inspiration from classic interiors while infusing her work with modern energy and dynamic lighting. Her latest creations at Le Toiny include seven one-bedroom suites and a two-bedroom suite, each with a private terrace, ocean-view pool, and lush landscaping designed to offer guests a sense of quiet seclusion.
Le Sereno
Reopening December 1
Photo: Sereno Hotels
Simplicity meets style at Le Sereno, an intimate beachfront resort on Grand Cul de Sac that spans 600 feet of pristine white sand. When the property reopens this winter, guests can expect an innovative new restaurant, completely redesigned rooms including new family suites with private pools, a new fitness facility, and an enhanced spa. Although most of the hotel will be new as a result of the storm, the spirit of Le Sereno – like the island – will remain the same.
Featured Photo: Sereno Hotels