Francophile, oui- whisk me away to France any day, invite me to the French Island of St. Barths, deux oui. Many of us on the left coast roll our eyes at a cross-country flight to a white sandy beach and warm seas. Accepting an unplanned December invitation to the island, I shrugged and uttered Oui. Despite what some may think, I do decline travel invitations.  My predictable pattern in a new locale: scurry around visiting the best hotels, investigate restaurants, interview guides and map out museums and local sites. My objective was to enjoy the sunshine, finish a book, relish the warm surf and prepare for the New Year in unplugged quiet.

My New York to San Juan seat mate, a napping Frenchman, on awakening, mentioned he too was taking the Tradewind flight to St. Barth. Met at wing for my VIP transfer, he tagged along – his deep slumber a result of his late night to dawn gig as a New York Club DJ. We chatted and he mentioned his wife was the General Manager at Cheval Blanc, was I visiting? I hedged and said I might. I was quite successful in my intention to unplug but when my St. Barth driver asked why wasn’t I going to visit Cheval Blanc, I returned the email invitation of the GM and the sales director – Oui, I would love to lunch.

The property has been known as St-Barth Isle de France, but last year joined the prestigious luxury LVMH family, which owns additional properties in Courcheval and the Maldives. Located on Flamands Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in Saint Barthelemy, the recently renamed, Cheval Blanc St. Barth Isle de France is also surrounded by lush landscaped gardens. Consisting of a total of 40 rooms, bungalows and suites. Four one-bedroom beach suites, and two Villas directly on the beach.Arrive at the gently curved driveway and alight below the whitewashed colonial building, pass the splashing fountain to be greeted by reception staff, all attired in pale white and pink seersucker outfits. First impression: you have arrived at a lavish, yet understated elegant beach resort. Seated on comfy taupe upholstered chair on the wrap around plantation porch, really an al fresco sitting room, and relax with an elegant art book; I felt my heartbeat slow in this tranquil environment. Tropical verandah leads to the breezeway access to the gorgeous pale blue seas and the heart of the seashore area of the property.

Beach wing hosts four lavishly large suites, the crown jewel is the pair of gorgeous three bedroom Flamands Villas. Infinity pools dot the large terraces, home cinema, fitness center and your own dedicated Majordomo butler. Steps away lay the white sandy beach and the sapphire seas. The rooms are gorgeously decorated in pale restful tones, country French furniture and accented with the palest of salmon accent detail, very glamorous and chic yet subtle. Enormous marble bathrooms are sumptuous and stocked with bountiful product, beach bags and flip-flops. The attention to detail is beyond description.Bungalow rooms across from reception are situated in a lush tropical garden park, planted to assure ultimate privacy, rooms and suites are nestled under enormous banana trees, blooming bougainvillea and colossal silver leaf palm fronds. Several have their own private pools.

Lighted tennis courts, well equipped gym, and if desired, a personal coach; full Guerlain salon and spa, an oasis of indulgence; yes, mani-pedi’s can be arranged in your villa, all services are transportable. Will a hammam and outdoor massage pavilion, satisfy your hedonistic longings?

Dining: The casually chic al fresco restaurant La Case de l’Isle overlooks the swimming pool and faces the ocean. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant prepares Caribbean-influenced French cuisine and a selection of over 150 French wines and Champagnes.La Cabane de l’Isle – beachfront cabana is ideal for a feet-in-the-sand lunch or a sunset cocktail. The White Bar is located poolside and is open all day for chilled refreshments.

Surprise your sweetie with a secluded romantic dinner under a starlit sky on the sandy beach. Afternoon fashion show around the pool takes place every afternoon. Need a private cocktail party with your own pool mermaid, it can be arranged!

As previously mentioned in every location, there is a perfect hotel for each and every client. Cheval Blanc is a must for the pure Francophile, someone seeking privacy, a sandy swimmable beach and someone who loves to lap in luxury. Discreet sumptuous, subtle luxury; Cheval Blanc is not at all ostentatious; it is calm and quiet oasis with every essential desire satisfied.Chatting with the delightful  Elodie Miyet, Director of Sales and Marketing, I peppered her with a long list of questions …she who uttered Oui, of course we can do this, that, etc…

I love a positive pleasing response, the guest is our utmost importance.

Activities

• Snorkeling
• Kayak rental off-site
• Windsurfing off-site
• Boat tours and rental off-site
• Deep sea fishing off-site
• Scuba off-site
• Water skiing off-site