For a taste of art de vivre on the French-intoned island of St. Barth, I immersed myself in the beach vogue vibe at Cheval Blanc, a hotel stunningly spread out on Flamands Bay. Acquired by the luxury brand Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy in 2014 as part of its boutique, upmarket hotel collection, the property has only become more captivating under new guardianship. In its slick transformation, the maison today remains the swank hideaway that welcomed myriad superstars in the past. But now, embracing a more refined air, the hotel recalls a private beach estate.

Uncomplicated and intimate, with an old-money-generated nonchalance, the hotel comprises beachside suites, hilltop villas and stand-alone garden rooms that reference the plantation era. My suite — anchored by a plush, princess-and-the-pea bed stacked with linens, and outfitted with a commodious marble bathtub — had a garden-side swimming pool long enough for laps. Sun dappled, sporting a Provençal-snug style, it had rose-wine pink accents throughout. The staff, donning fashionable seersucker uniforms, only enhanced the artistry of this interior design in human form.

Where art de vivre thrives, so flourishes its metaphorical bread and butter: food and wine. Cheval Blanc features two journey-worthy restaurants. Executive Chef Yann Vinsot oversees the alfresco restaurant La Case de l’Isle, bringing his Brittany-born love for the sea to play with light, fresh, French coastal fare. La Cabane de l’Isle is a swish interpretation of beach-hut dining with a feet-in-the-sand concept, ideal for sunset viewing. Guests are served dishes such as miso-marinated sea bass with sweet ginger purée.

With all the major hotels on St. Barth boasting world-class, French-savvy restaurants, visitors should nevertheless enjoy some stand-alone hot spots, such as Bonito, Le Tamarin and Pipiri Palace. On St. Barth, stellar bakeries turn out perfect croissants and baguettes, too, and grocery stores hand-make pâté and charcuterie, perfect for beach picnics. As far as wine goes, you can’t find a bad glass. Exclusive vintages, from both small and large wineries delivered from France, are plentiful — often for prices far less than you’d pay in the United States.

Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France

Baie des Flamands
97133 Saint-Barthélemy
French West Indies
tel 590 590 27 61 81