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Welcome to the second iteration of Vogue’s global spa guide, an index of the 100 best spas in the world, built from the expertise of our global editors and trusted contributors. There is a lot to choose from in the world of wellness, and no matter how far you’re planning to travel—from a subway ride to a trans-Atlantic flight—we want to make sure it’s worth the journey. Whatever your path, let us be your guide.
Why go here?
It would be difficult to find a spa enthusiast who needs convincing to visit a Cheval Blanc. With six properties around the world, the French luxury hotel group is known in part for its spas developed in collaboration with iconic beauty maisons like Guerlain and Dior (translation: world-class treatments are always on the menu).
But this outpost in dreamy St. Barth is especially alluring this year, thanks to a recent, five-month renovation completed in November 2024 in partnership with Guerlain and renowned Parisian architect Isabelle Stanislas. While the spa has always felt like a secluded tropical sanctuary, it’s now even more of an ode to the natural beauty of St. Barth, with a soothing new design that incorporates natural materials like raffia and bleached larch, and—perhaps most enticing for the treatment-obsessed—a range of new nature-inspired therapies that build on the spa’s existing selection. “Certain treatments have been specifically created and designed for Cheval Blanc St. Barth, drawing inspiration from the island’s surrounding nature,” says general manager Christelle Hilpron.
What’s the vibe?
Cheval Blanc St. Barth is a beachfront property, but the spa’s tropical garden location gives it a lush, tranquil feel. The walk there alone was enough to kickstart my relaxation, not least because I met some turtles on the palm-lined walkway that leads to the entrance—a metaphorical reminder to slow down if ever there was one.
The first thing you’ll likely notice when you walk into the spa itself is the lovely scent, though it’s difficult to pinpoint one fragrance in particular. Guerlain is celebrated for their fragrances (founder Pierre-François-Pascal Guerlain was the official perfumer to Napoleon III), and as part of the spa’s recent five-month renovation, they expanded perfume offerings. But in-your-face retail it is not. Though the boutique is a big part of the spa, it still looks and feels minimal and tasteful, with a gallery-like layout. The rest of the spa—which, in an effort to focus mostly on the treatments, does not include typical wellness amenities like saunas and steam rooms—is just as understated. The new boudoir and five treatment rooms, including one new one for couples, are designed with calming neutral palettes (think soft white and sand), but the gold-topped glass bottles on display add a subtle element of glamour.
The history?
The hotel was originally built in 1991 as the Hotel St-Barth Isle de France. Then, in 2013, LVMH acquired the property and relaunched it as Cheval Blanc St. Barth in 2014, introducing the exclusive Guerlain spa as part of the transformation.
What should you try?
Don’t miss the Caribbean Idyll massage, a new treatment that spotlights Guerlain’s flowery Idylle fragrance, a blend of white lilacs, jasmine, and peonies. At one point midway through my massage, my therapist asked me to sit up and inhale a sample of the scent. I was a bit annoyed at first (must I get up?), but the brief interlude somehow pushed me further into relaxation mode. Are you sensing a theme here?
All scents aside, my favorite spa offering actually took place outside in the tropical pavilion: The Yoga Reverie. The Parisian yoga instructor and masseuse Nicolas Legrez moved to St. Barth during the pandemic and has since become an in-demand teacher on the island. He created the relaxing session for the spa—a blend of yoga, meditation, massage, and facial treatments (at one point, a cooling face mask was involved). I can hardly tell you what magic he carried out, exactly, but I do know I woke up from a floaty haze feeling crystal clear and content, like the birds were chirping just for me.
How environmentally friendly is it?
Guerlain is especially invested in the conservation of bees. “The Abeille Royale line is made with ingredients and properties from the protected beehives and the bees,” explains Hilpron.
What else do we need to know?
Aside from flying private, the easiest way to get to St. Barth is via Tradewind, which operates flights to the island with VIP lounges from San Juan, Antigua, Anguilla, and St. Thomas. Also, because I am nothing if not devoted to the fragrance theme here, Cheval Blanc St. Barth’s signature scent, Tropical Chic—developed exclusively for the property by Guerlain—is delightful. Its main notes are ylang ylang, sandalwood, white flowers, and pineapple. Be sure to take some items home from your room! I’m burning a Tropical Chic candle right now, and it’s bringing me back.
Who can go?
Anyone. As the only place on St. Barth that offers Guerlain treatments, the spa is just as popular with locals and guests staying at other properties as it is with those at Cheval Blanc.
Booking details for Cheval Blanc Spa by Guerlain
Address: Baie des Flamands Saint-Barthélemy, 97133, St. Barthélemy
Read more from Vogue’s Global Spa Guide.
