Let’s talk about St. Barth. Even if you’ve never been there, you’ve definitely heard of it. The glitz, the glamour, the mega yachts…And while the island’s reputation as a favorite of the rich and famous is well deserved, it’s also an incredible destination for families. With beautiful beaches, designer shopping, and some of the best food in the Caribbean, it’s a vacation that checks all the boxes for an indulgent family break. St. Barth also has more ultra luxury resorts than any island in the Caribbean. So if you’re seeking five-star service with a bit of French flair, then it’s time to plan a trip to St. Barth. Because who said VIP vacations were only for celebrities?
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Eden Rock
Iconic is a word often used to describe this resort perched on a rocky promontory in St. Jean Bay. Located just ten minutes from the island’s capital of Gustavia, Eden Rock is a five-star property known for its buzzy scene and celebrity sightings.
The hotel shares a beachfront with the renowned Nikki Beach Club, so if you are headed to St. Barth for the nightlife and people watching, this is the spot. If you’re expecting a calm and relaxed atmosphere, be aware that Eden Rock’s lively atmosphere is best for high energy families.
The 37 rooms and suites are all different, with some located on rocks jutting into the ocean, while others have discreet hillside locations. Accommodations range from entry level Eden Rooms to the ultraluxe 17,000-square-foot Villa Rock Star. It’s important to note for families that there is no pool at Eden Rock, but the resort is set on one of the calmest, most swimmable beaches on the island with a swimming platform and non-motorized water sports. There are two restaurants on-site and the food is exceptional; daily breakfast is included for every guest. There is no dedicated kids’ club but the resort has an Eden Kids program to arrange activities for kids. Eden Rock is best for families with older children, honeymooners or couples traveling together that are looking for action.
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Cheval Blanc
Owned by LVMH group, Cheval Blanc captures the essence of the island with its understated glamor and its impeccably chic surroundings. Occupying a sprawling stretch of Flamands Beach, Cheval Blanc has one of the best resort beaches anywhere, with a long stretch of sand and zero crowds. Accommodations are by renowned designer Jacques Grange, and if white minimalism is your thing, you’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven.
There is no kids’ club at Cheval Blanc, but the hotel has a full menu of on-site activities that can be booked for kids, such as cooking classes, crafting sessions and children’s yoga. Amenities like child-sized bathrobes, slippers and in-room teepee set ups are also available. There are two oceanfront pools and a Guerlain spa with a full menu of treatments. Accommodations are offered in 16 categories, ranging from the entry level Tropical Rooms to Oceanfront suites. The best rooms for families are the two-bedroom suites and the two-bedroom beach bungalows, some of which have private pools.
If you book your hotel through Luxe Recess, you will receive complimentary VIP perks like resort credits, a welcome amenity, daily breakfast for two per bedroom, and you will be placed in the highest priority category for upgrades. Learn about these perks.
Rosewood Le Guanahani
If you want a traditional full-service Caribbean resort that goes all out for kids, Rosewood Le Guanahani may be the perfect fit. Located on an 18-acre peninsula in the Grand-Cul-de-Sac area, the resort is about a 20-minute drive from Gustavia and a bit further removed from the nightlife of St. Barth. The 66 rooms and suites are located in a series of freestanding pastel cottages spread across the grounds, lending a sense of privacy. Suites come in 1-4 bedroom layouts ideal for families and pool suites come with private plunge pools with garden or ocean views.
The complimentary Rosewood Explorers Club welcomes kids up to age 12, while the resort’s extensive watersports, including kite surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking, offer plenty of entertainment for teens. Restaurants include Italian-inspired Bartolomeo restaurant, and casual all-day dining at the Beach House restaurant. There are two beachfront pools, with one limited to adults-only. The Sense Spa, the largest spa on the island, has an extensive menu of treatments, an enclosed meditation garden and its own spa pool. As the largest resort on St. Barth, Rosewood Le Guanahani is perfect for those seeking an expansive property with all the bells and whistles for an active family.
Hotel Christopher
The Hotel Christopher is a hidden gem resort that embodies the perfect combination of warm hospitality with incredible food and chic surroundings–it’s also one of the best values on the island. Located 15 minutes from Gustavia in close proximity to restaurants and nightlife, the resort has a serene environment perfect for older kids and teens.
The 42 rooms and suites feature contemporary neutral decor accented with pops of Hermés orange, and most have terraces or balconies. The four-bedroom villas are excellent options for families, with large infinity pools and oceanfront views. The new Villa Saba has 5 en-suite bedrooms, an on-site manager, and a 52-foot-long oceanfront pool.
The hotel’s two restaurants are helmed by Michelin-starred chef Christopher Coutanceau and they feature fresh seafood, small plates and imaginative mains. An on-site Sisley Spa is perched on a bluff with ocean views, and has a full range of treatments. There is no kids’ club, but the resort can arrange for childcare and family activities.
While the Hotel Christopher is not located on a swimmable beach, it does have the largest pool on the island, with spectacular Western-facing views, making it a popular local spot for sunset cocktails. During our stay, the staff was happy to pack our car (they maintain a fleet of rental cars on property) with beach chairs, a cooler, and snacks for days when we ventured to one of the island’s 22 beaches.
This property is one of our preferred partner hotels with exclusive travel advisor rates (and we’re a Virtuoso agency in addition to publishing this magazine). Our clients get complimentary daily breakfasts, resort credits, and—based on availability—upgrades, early check-in, and late check-out. Don’t leave vacation money on the table!
If you would like to book this property with these VIP amenities at no cost to you, we invite you to become a Luxe Recess Insider and have access to our hotel booking tool.
Le Barthélemy Hotel and Spa
As one of the most luxurious resorts on the island, Le Barthélemy Hotel and Spa is a sprawling recently built resort (2016) known for its ideal beachfront location and large rooms. Located on Grand Cul de Sac between a lagoon and protected ocean reefs, the beach is one of the calmest and most swimmable for children, and is frequented by a family of sea turtles. There are two oceanfront pools, and an expansive stretch of sand with non-motorized watersports.
Amis St. Barth is the casual beachfront restaurant serving breakfast and lunch, while Abyss is a contemporary spot for dinner with some of the chicest restaurant decor on the island. The La Mer spa is known for its skincare treatments, but also has a full range of services, plus nordic baths, a hammam, saunas, and a private yoga studio.
For families, the hotel can arrange private babysitting, kid-friendly excursions, and during the summer months, there is a complimentary kids club for children ages 4-12. The best rooms for families are the connecting suites, many with jacuzzis and private pools; for an all-out splurge, the 6-bedroom beachfront villas have private pools, multiple master suites, and are located steps from the sand.
Hotel Le Toiny
Located on a hillside above Anse de Toiny, Hotel Le Toiny is a boutique resort with 22 suites, each with its own private pool. The all white decor is the first thing you’ll notice at this impeccably chic minimalist resort. Everything here is tranquil and understated, and the property is a favorite of French families who value style and discretion. Every suite at Le Toiny has its own pool, and sizes range from junior suites, to two-bedroom layouts. The family style suite has a spacious living area that can accommodate extra beds, a kitchenette and a private parking space adjacent to the room.
La Table is the cliffside signature restaurant serving Japanese and Latin-inspired fare, while the Beach Club restaurant is a relaxed Mediterranean-inspired restaurant serving lunch and dinner in the sand. On Thursday nights, the Beach Club hosts its popular ‘Full Moon’ parties, with live music and fire artists.
For larger accommodations, the hotel also maintains a portfolio of villas across the island that have access to Le Toiny amenities. The views from this hillside property are unmatched, but be aware that getting to the beach requires a quick jeep ride. There is no kids club at the resort, but service is extremely personalized and the staff can arrange for babysitting and a host of family-focused activities.
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fouquet’s saint-barth hotel (formerly hotel le carl gustaf)
When you want to be right in the heart of the action in Gustavia, Fouquet’s Saint-Barth Hotel (formerly Hotel Le Carl Gustaf) is the perfect choice. The hotel has 21 rooms in the main lodging, and a series of hillside bungalows. Villa Diane is a 5-bedroom villa with a private pool located further up the hill from the main lodge.
Decor at Fouquet’s Saint-Barth’s is perfectly Parisian with Caribbean flair; think soft pastel colors, dark wood, luxurious linens and marble bathrooms. There is no kids’ club, but service is very personal and the proximity to Gustavia’s attractions is a big draw for families.
Fouquet’s Saint-Barth Hotel is home to two of the best restaurants on the island: Beefbar St. Barth and LouLou. Beefbar has locations across the world, and is known for its international street food menu. Loulou is a beachfront restaurant serving authentic grills and fusion creations, including vegetarian and pescatarian options. Both restaurants offer chic surroundings and exceptional dining.
The hotel’s location, convenient to designer shopping, restaurants and the yacht marinas, make it a great choice for families who prefer an in-town getaway or wish to combine their stay with a yacht charter.
Planning a trip to St. Barth? Let us help you choose the right accommodations, arrange transportation to the island, and VIP your hotel or villa stay.