Perched above the rocky shoreline on the beautiful bay of Pointe Milou in the French West Indies, Hotel Christopher St. Barth has long been a discreet refuge for travelers who appreciate authentic St. Barth charm. One of the island’s last family-owned properties, the hotel retains a warm, personal character that reflects its deep connection to the destination.
For the 2023 season, the Christopher draws on its ties to the French Riviera with culinary offerings from Arnaud Faye, a two-Michelin-starred chef and Meilleur Ouvrier de France, alongside enhanced on-site wellness at the Caribbean’s only Sisley Spa. The hotel’s focus on guest experience is matched by its environmental commitment: it is the island’s only Green Globe Certified hotel and an active supporter of coral reef preservation.
© Laura Payet
At RIVYERA restaurant, Chef Arnaud Faye brings the flavors and relaxed spirit of the Côte d’Azur to St. Barth with a Mediterranean-driven menu. For 2023 he introduced Mezzé & Mediterranée, a Friday-evening experience featuring live music and a special selection of small plates such as hummus, octopus with harissa and smoked eggplant. The menu emphasizes fresh, local seafood—like mahi mahi—herbs from nearby farms, and selected French-sourced ingredients including lamb and seabass. The restaurant’s artistic identity is reflected in hand-designed menu artwork by Nice-based artist Haydée Otero, and the dining experience is completed by a signature scent on hand towels and hand-painted plates presented at each table.
RIVYERA’s bar offers a signature cocktail list by Victor Delpierre, winner of the World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship. The menu guides guests through eight inspired cocktails meant to evoke eight memorable cities, using natural essences and infused spirits. These drinks are ideal for enjoying the island’s renowned sunset views; reservations are recommended to secure a spot.
New this year, the hotel’s Cinema Club hosts movie nights under the stars, allowing guests to enjoy films with the ocean breeze as a backdrop. The evenings are complemented by a range of elevated snacks and small plates, from homemade buns filled with confit lamb shoulder and croque-monsieur with black truffle to sweet treats like choux pastry with praline and caramelized cashews.
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Sisley Spa, named Caribbean’s Best Hotel Spa and St. Barth’s Best Hotel Spa by the World Spa Awards 2022, remains a favorite for both visitors and locals. With ocean views available from five treatment rooms, the spa uses premium Sisley products—renowned for botanical extracts and essential oils—to deliver personalized treatments. A standout signature offering is the hot shell massage, which uses warmed shells filled with oil to ease muscle tension and inflammation.
For 2023 the spa extended its hours for couples, offering late-night treatments from 8–10 p.m., including tropical baths under the stars. As the only spa on St. Barth with oceanfront treatment rooms, advance booking is advised. Early-morning wellness options include the new Core & Body program taught by Geoffrey Pain, along with private yoga sessions and deep-tissue massages designed to improve flexibility and relieve tension.
© Hugo Allard
The Christopher is also actively involved in ARTREEF, a local reef-restoration initiative dedicated to protecting the 38 coral species around Pointe Milou. Situated just offshore from the hotel, the project uses the Biorock process—metal structures energized by low-voltage currents—to accelerate coral growth. These structures, inspired by artistic forms, will serve both ecological and aesthetic purposes. By transplanting species native to the Lesser Antilles and controlling invasive exotics, ARTREEF aims to preserve the reef’s biodiversity and help regenerate the marine ecosystem.
St. Barth is accessible via Puerto Rico or St. Maarten. Hotel Christopher offers 48 oceanfront rooms and suites, with rates starting at $870 per night. For larger groups or families seeking private space, the property also features three four-bedroom villas by French designer Olivia Putnam, each with a private pool. Villas start at $4,400 per night with a minimum four-night stay.