When you want to escape harsh winter weather, there are many warm climate islands you can consider. If you have a desire to visit a Caribbean island, few can match the elegance and allure of Saint Barthélemy. While the island doesn't need much introduction among the jet set and tastemakers, others seeking an ideal tropical island should take a close look at what this island offers.
Once a quiet little island with very little going on with its economy, it became a luxury travel favorite in the mid-20th century after its opened its landing strip.
David Rockefeller, who owned a large home on the island, was one of the early developers, along with the Rothschild family. Soon after, frequent visitors included Howard Hughes, Benjamin de Rothschild, and Greta Garbo.
Today, it remains popular among the jet set, and you'll often hear it referred to as Saint Barth or St. Barts. The island is an administrative division of France, and people draw parallels between it and the French Riviera. Renowned for its pristine beaches, upscale resorts, and vibrant culinary scene, St. Barths blends French chic with tropical allure.
Living up to its nickname of 'the billionaires' playground', the island draws many ultra-wealthy people. A-listers like Beyoncé and Jay-Z have been spotted sailing on yachts and dining at the island's finest eateries. Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez have also been spotted dining and shopping on the island.
Unique Appeal
St. Barts spans a modest 24 square km, yet offers plenty of natural beauty and refined experiences. Its capital, Gustavia, exudes European charm with boutique-lined streets and a scenic harbor. You won't find a long list of things to do here, but that's part of the allure. This is the place to go when you want a calm place to help you recharge for life's next big challenge.
The island's effort to preserve its serene nature ensures an intimate atmosphere, free from the typical trappings of mass tourism. With cruise ships barred from docking on the island, you won't see the kind of large-scale tourism often seen in other Caribbean islands.
Beaches
St. Barts' coastline is dotted with more than a dozen beaches, each with its own appeal. From the turquoise tranquility of Saline Beach to the celebrity-favored Shell Beach in Gustavia, these shores offer postcard-perfect beauty with a refined ambiance.
Shell Beach
A short stroll from Gustavia's harbor, Shell Beach offers a distinct charm, with its shoreline lined with delicate seashells. Gentle waves make for relaxed swimming, while the beachside restaurant and bar provide a perch for cocktails at sunset. It's an ideal spot to linger after a day of shopping in the town's boutiques.
St. Jean Beach
One of the island's most iconic stretches, St. Jean Beach delivers clear, inviting waters and a view of planes gliding into the nearby airstrip (which ends right at the beach). The bay is split by a rocky overhang on one side and chic beach clubs and fine dining on the other.
Saline Beach
If you're up for a secluded beach experience, the unmarked Saline Beach on the southern part of the island rewards the curious with a quiet haven framed by dunes and sea. You'll have to commit to walking a short distance to get to the waterfront. It's the perfect beach for anyone who prefers a quiet waterfront area.
Nikki Beach
They say you can't write a guide for a visit to St. Barths without mentioning Nikki Beach. For those who may not be aware, Nikki Beach is a beach club brand with a presence in many resort towns, like St. Tropez and Ibiza. Nikki Beach St. Barths is located just east of Eden Rock on St Jean Beach. It is a favorite among jet-setters seeking oceanfront dining and curated cocktails and perfect for enjoying views of the surrounding mountain peaks
Exquisite Stay
With an island known as an exotic getaway for the super-rich, you'd expect the hotels to be world-class, and the island doesn't disappoint. Top luxury hotels here include:
Eden Rock
One in the Oetker Hotels Collection, the iconic Eden Rock St Barths is one of the Caribbean's best luxury resorts. Built on a rocky overhang overlooking turquoise waters, Eden Rock offers a unique location and a heritage of glamour.
The resort features unique suites, a vast art collection, and cuisine overseen by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The renowned chef who has opened restaurants from Tokyo to Chicago is famous for his special culinary experiences.
Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa
Perhaps the best hotel on the island, Le Barthélemy is on the calm shores of Grand Cul-de-Sac. The 5-star hotel features 44 elegantly appointed rooms and suites. With interiors by designer Sybille de Margerie, the hotel seeks to charm its patrons and deliver a one-of-a-kind experience.
Guests can indulge in the on-site spa, savor gourmet dining at Amis St. Barth, and enjoy kayaking and snorkeling in the calm bay waters. If you prefer to do nothing during your visit, Le Barthélemy, you can simply indulge in the comfort and pampering on offer.
Hotel Le Toiny
Perched on a hillside overlooking Toiny Bay, the Relais & Chateaux member, Hotel Le Toiny offers 22 private suites. Each one has its own terrace and pool with ocean views. The hotel's Beach Club provides a secluded spot to relax, first-class service and cuisine.
Cheval Blanc St-Barth
Set along the pristine sands of Baie des Flamands, LVMH-owned Cheval Blanc St-Barth draws guests to an escape defined by serenity and coastal chic. Whitewashed villas and suites open onto private terraces (many with sea views) and are designed with a warm blend of natural textures and soft island tones.
Culinary experiences are a highlight. La Case and La Cabane eateries offer a variety of sumptuous meals crafted by chef Jean Imbert. The hotel's signature Guerlain treatments, discreet service, and seamless beach access make Cheval Blanc the perfect place for anyone who values world-class service.
Villa Living
5-star hotels and resorts are all well and good, but if you need a bit more space (and perhaps utmost privacy), a villa is a better option. You'll find a variety of villas across different price points, with peak season prices often exceeding $100,000 a week. Wimco is a great source for getting a villa that meets your needs. Le Toiny also offers good villa options.
Gastronomic Delights
St. Barths' culinary landscape is as refined as its hotels and villas, with many dining venues that cater to the most discerning palates:
Bonito St Barth, Gustavia
Overlooking Gustavia Harbor, Bonito offers a fusion of French and Pan-American cuisine crafted by Chef Laurent Cantineaux. The restaurant's chic ambiance, combined with panoramic views and an innovative menu, makes it a must-visit eatery.
L'Isola, Gustavia
Renowned for bringing Italian flavors to the Caribbean, L'Isola sources the finest ingredients directly from Italy. The elegant setting and first-class service provide an experience to remember. You may have to go to Italy to find matching Italian cuisine.
Luxury Shopping
Beyond its sun-drenched beaches and gourmet dining, St. Barths is a haven for luxury shopping. The island offers a curated selection of fashion houses, fine jewelry, and bespoke island boutiques. The epicenter of retail elegance is Gustavia, where palm-lined streets invite visitors to browse at a leisurely pace.
Rue de la République and Rue du Général de Gaulle are home to many of the world's most coveted labels. Fashion heavyweights such as Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Cartier are all present here.
For timepieces and fine jewelry, Bijoux de la Mer and Diamond Genesis offer a diverse selection, ranging from rare South Sea pearls to Swiss watches and custom-crafted pieces. Meanwhile, boutiques like Poupette St. Barth deliver effortless island chic.
St. Barths' duty-free status also means you'll get more value for your 'shopping dollars' than in Europe or the U.S without compromise. The service is equally refined, with many stores offering private appointments, in-villa delivery, and exclusive pieces you won't find anywhere else.
Traveling to St. Barths
Before making plans, note that hurricanes are more likely to occur between August and October, so consider avoiding this period for peace of mind. Not to be alarmist, but previous hurricanes (particularly Hurricane Irma in 2017) almost brought the island to its knees, so exercise caution while planning.
Accessing St. Barths involves a brief connecting flight or ferry ride, adding to the island's exclusivity:
By Air: Travelers typically fly into Princess Juliana Airport (SXM) in St. Maarten. From there, regional carriers like St. Barth Commuter and Winair offer short flights to Gustaf III Airport in St. Barts.
Alternatively, flights are available from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Antigua. For a more chic option, Tradewind offers flights from Antigua, San Juan, Anguilla, and St Thomas airports. The flights are operated aboard their Pilatus PC-12 in an 8-person layout for scheduled flights and a more grand layout for the private service.
By Sea: If you've seen photos or videos of the St. Barts airport runway, you may be thinking it's not for you. There are ferry services from St. Maarten to St. Barths, which take about 45 minutes.
Private yacht charters are also a popular option, allowing for a more tailored journey. A bumpy turboprop ride isn't exactly the best way to start a luxury vacation.
Upon arrival, renting a car is recommended for exploring the island's diverse landscapes and hidden gems at your own pace. If you want to do things the 'St. Barts' way, rent one of the popular electric buggies made by Moke. These will make navigating the terrain easy.
