You’re standing on a cliff in Pointe Milou, and the wind is doing that thing where it messes up your hair but you don't actually care. Below you, the Atlantic is churning against volcanic rocks. It’s loud. It’s dramatic. It’s also exactly why the Christopher Hotel St Barth is a bit of a polarizing subject for first-timers on the island.
Most people come to St. Barth for the white sand of St. Jean or the "see and be seen" vibe of Gustavia. They want to step out of their room and sink their toes into a powdery beach. If that’s your absolute deal-breaker, you’re going to be disappointed here. Honestly. The Christopher doesn't have a swimmable beach. It’s a rocky shoreline. But here’s the kicker: once you spend an hour by that infinity pool—the largest on the island, by the way—you realize that "beach access" is a small price to pay for the sheer privacy and the sunset views that make everything else look like a screensaver.
The Pointe Milou Vibe is Just Different
Pointe Milou is the "quiet" part of the island. It’s where the wind is a constant companion and the views are panoramic. Because the Christopher Hotel St Barth is tucked away here, it escapes the frantic energy of the harbor. You aren't fighting for a parking spot. You aren't hearing the thump of a beach club at 10:00 AM.
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It feels more like a private estate than a resort.
The architecture is low-slung, with those iconic red roofs that practically define the Caribbean skyline. Inside, it’s all "Parisian chic meets island loft." Think light woods, Sisley products everywhere, and high vaulted ceilings that let the air circulate naturally. It’s not stuffy. It’s the kind of place where you wear a $400 linen shirt but you’re also probably barefoot half the time.
Why the Infinity Pool is the Real Center of Gravity
Since there’s no swimming in the ocean directly in front of the hotel, the pool has to be perfect. And it is.
It’s a massive freshwater expanse that seems to spill directly into the Caribbean Sea. The loungers are thick, the service is "discreetly attentive" (meaning they find you when you need a drink, but leave you alone when you’re napping), and the soundtrack is just the waves. Most guests spend the entire day here. You’ll see surfers out on the break further down the coast, which provides a bit of free entertainment while you’re working through a plate of mahi-mahi ceviche.
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Eating at RIVYERA: More Than Just a Hotel Restaurant
A lot of hotel restaurants in the Caribbean are, well, fine. They do the job. But RIVYERA is actually a destination for people not even staying at the hotel.
Chef Arnaud Faye, who holds two Michelin stars back in France, designed the menu to bridge the gap between the French Riviera and the West Indies. It’s a smart move. You get the sophistication of Mediterranean cooking—lots of lemon, olive oil, and fresh herbs—but with local ingredients.
- Lunch (RIVYERA Plage): It’s toes-in-the-sand (on a man-made stretch of sand near the pool) with things like truffle pizza or local lobster.
- Dinner: This is when it gets a bit more formal, but still relaxed. The "Loach fillet with gingerbread" sounds weird on paper, but it works.
- The Breakfast Buffet: It’s legendary. Usually included in the room rate, which is a huge plus because eating out on this island can bankrupt you by Tuesday.
The Sisley Spa: Voted Best for a Reason
The spa at the Christopher Hotel St Barth is consistently ranked as the best in the Caribbean. That’s a big claim, but they back it up.
The treatment rooms open directly onto the ocean. You aren't listening to a CD of "Ocean Sounds Vol. 4." You are literally hearing the spray of the Atlantic hitting the rocks below the floorboards. It’s immersive. They use Sisley’s Phyto-Aromatic treatments, which are basically high-end botanical science. If you’ve spent too much time in the sun at Saline Beach the day before, their after-sun facials are basically a religious experience for your skin.
Room Realities: What to Actually Book
There are 42 rooms and suites, plus a few four-bedroom villas (Villa Niña, Pinta, and Maria) for the high-rollers or families.
- Ocean Terrace Rooms: These are the "entry-level" rooms. They’re 327 square feet, which isn't massive, but they have these cool adjustable shutters that let you modulate the light.
- Ocean Junior Suites: Better if you need a bit more breathing room. The vaulted ceilings make them feel twice as large as they actually are.
- The Ocean Panoramic Suite: If you’re on a honeymoon or just want to feel like a Bond villain, this is the one. It’s at the end of the property, overlooking everything.
One thing to note: the bathrooms are often "partially open." If you’re traveling with someone you aren't that comfortable with yet, just a heads-up. The design is sleek—lots of granite and rainfall showers—but privacy can be a bit minimal in the name of "open-air living."
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Is the Christopher Actually Eco-Friendly?
"Sustainability" is a buzzword that hotels love to throw around, but the Christopher was the first on the island to hit Green Globe Gold status. They actually do the work. They have their own desalination plant and an "AquaChiara" system to produce drinking water on-site, which cuts down on those thousands of plastic Evian bottles that usually litter island resorts.
They also work with the Biorock project to restore coral reefs in Lorient Bay. It’s a nice touch that makes you feel slightly less guilty about the carbon footprint of your flight over.
The Practicalities: How to Make it Work
St. Barth is expensive. There’s no way around that. But the Christopher Hotel St Barth often offers better value than the "Big Three" on the island (Eden Rock, Cheval Blanc, and Le Toiny) while maintaining the same level of luxury.
- Transport: The hotel does a free airport/ferry transfer on arrival and departure. Take them up on it. The roads are narrow and terrifying if you’ve never driven there before.
- Car Rental: You need a car. Even though the hotel is self-contained, you’ll want to visit Gouverneur Beach or do some shopping in Gustavia. The hotel can arrange a rental (usually a Mini Cooper or a Moke) to be waiting for you.
- Timing: February is peak "scene" time. If you want the views without the crowds, try May or June. The hotel closes from mid-August to mid-October for hurricane season.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re planning a trip, don't just book the first room you see on a travel site.
- Email the concierge directly to ask about "Preferred Partner" perks. Many luxury travel advisors can get you $100 credits or room upgrades that aren't listed on public booking engines.
- Check the surf report. If the waves are high, the noise at the Christopher is intense. Some people love it (it’s like a white noise machine on steroids), but if you need total silence, ask for a room further back from the cliff edge.
- Book dinner at RIVYERA for sunset. Even if you aren't staying here, the bar at the Christopher is arguably the best spot on the island to watch the sun drop into the sea. Get there by 5:30 PM to snag a front-row seat.
At the end of the day, the Christopher is for the traveler who wants the "real" St. Barth—the one that’s rugged, windy, and impossibly beautiful—rather than just a manicured beach club experience. It’s a place that rewards you for trading a sandy walk for a clifftop view.