Nestled above the rocky shoreline on the magnificent bay of Pointe Milou, in the Caribbean’s French West Indies, Hotel Christopher St. Barth has long been a refuge for those in the know on St. Barthelemy. One of the last remaining family-owned properties on the island, it continues to exude true St. Barth charm and personality.

For 2023, the Christopher, with its lasting connection to the French Riviera, prepares for another unforgettable season with new creations by France’s 2-Michelin-starred chef Arnaud Faye and elevated on-site wellness experiences at the Caribbean’s only Sisley Spa. The hotel’s commitment to guest excellence in 2023 is matched only by its sustainability efforts as the island’s only Green Globe Certified Hotel and its to preservation of its coral reef.

© Laura Payet

Arnaud Faye, also a Meilleur Ouvrier de France (the designation for France’s top craftsmen), shares his love for the Côte d’Azur through his Mediterranean menu and relaxed European vibe at RIVYERA restaurant. For the 2023 season, chef Faye designed a new experience, Mezzé & Mediterranée, offered every Friday at 7 p.m. with live music and a special menu including hummus, octopus harissa, smoked eggplant and more.

Chef Faye’s passion for the South of France as well as keeping things fresh can be found in the locally caught mahi mahi, herbs grown on a nearby farm and select items such as lamb and seabass from France. The menu itself was hand-designed by Nice-based artist Haydée Otero and features ingredients like figs, lemon, rose and bergamot. The restaurant has a signature scent enjoyed on hand towels arriving before your meal and adorned with hand-painted plates beautifully displayed on each table.

© Laurent Benoit

Meanwhile, RIVYERA’s bar offers a signature cocktail menu created by Victor Delpierre, winner of the World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship. Each cocktail is designed to take guests on a journey through eight magical cities in the form of eight inspired signature cocktails with natural essences and infused spirits. These cocktails pair perfectly with the island’s most popular sunset views, and reservations are highly recommended.

Also launching this year is the hotel’s Cinema Club, which hosts a movie night under the stars for guests to enjoy the ocean breeze and ambiance, as well as an array of elevated savory and sweet gourmet snacks such as homemade buns with confit lamb shoulder, croque monsieur with black truffle, and sweet desserts like puff pastry choux with pralines and caramelized cashew nuts.

© EmilyLab

Awarded the Caribbean’s Best Hotel Spa and St. Barth’s Best Hotel Spa by the renowned World Spa Awards 2022, Sisley Spa is a favorite of both locals and visitors on the island. Guests can listen to the sound of the waves and views of the sea in one of five treatment rooms. Sisley, one of the most prestigious French cosmetics brands, offers personalized care associated with the best natural extracts and essential oils. The Spa’s Signature Treatment is a hot shell massage utilizing real shells filled with hot oil to reduce muscle tension and inflammation.

New for 2023, couples can take advantage of the spa’s extended hours, 8–10 p.m., for late-night treatments like a tropical bath under the stars. As the only spa on St. Barth to offer oceanfront treatment rooms, guests are encouraged to book well in advance.

For early risers, the new Core & Body program, taught by instructor Geoffrey Pain, is a great way to start the day. Guests can also indulge in a private yoga class complemented by a deep tissue massage designed to release tension and add flexibility to muscular tissue.

© Hugo Allard

The hotel continues to contribute to the development of the ARTREEF project, which strives to protect the 38 different species of coral at Pointe Milou’s reef. Located just offshore from the Christopher, the project utilizes the Biorock Process, which uses metal structures with electric currents coming from the hotel to grow new coral life. This new coral growth will flourish into beautiful underwater artwork with structures designed after the likes of the Eiffel Tower and Egyptian pyramids. By planting species endemic to the Lesser Antilles and protecting the coral against invasive exotic species, they hope to preserve the biodiversity of the local flora.

The island of St. Barth is easy to reach via Puerto Rico or St. Maarten. Guests can choose from among 48 oceanfront rooms and suites, starting at $870 per night. For the comfort and space of private residences, guests can book one of the three four-bedroom villas with private swimming pools and interiors by French designer Olivia Putnam. Villas start at $4,400 per night with a four-night minimum.