An island notorious for drawing a discerning crowd, St Barts is a destination with no shortage of glamour. There’s a reason that travelers return year after year, after all. But for the first-timer, it can be difficult to know where to begin; and that’s where we come in!
With its white sand, turquoise water, and bougainvillea lined pathways, St Barts is teeming with rainbow-hued doll-sized houses, sheltered coves, and world-class dining. From its impeccable hotels to chic party scene that starts well before the sun goes down – did someone say daytime bottle service at Nikki Beach? – here’s a short list of our favorite St Barts hot spots.
ST BARTS BEACH-HOPPING
St Jean: Located in front of the iconic Eden Rock Hotel, we love this spot for its buzzy atmosphere and prime viewing point to watch the planes come and go. As a bonus, there are lots of shops within walking distance, and St Jean is kid-friendly.
Colombier: Accessible by a rugged 3- minute hike or by boat, Colombier is easily one of the island’s best beach, and our favorite swimming beach. If you’re planning on staying for a while, pack a picnic lunch and an umbrella.
Gouverneur: This is one of our favorite beaches for a picnic lunch and swimming. It’s a bit of a drive, but the seclusion and privacy make it worth it.
Petit Cul de Sac: We recommend going with a guide for the super Insta-worthy hike to the natural tide pools.
Saline: This is where the locals go; it is a bit of a walk from parking to get to the beach and clothing is optional.
ST. BARTS LUNCH HOT-SPOTS
Nikki Beach: On Sundays, the posh beach club turns into a table-dancing day party complete with bottle service, model-esque waiters, and oversize sushi boats. Stay through the weekend, you don’t want to miss this one.
L’Isoletta: For an easy Roman lunch, try this little Italian trattoria-style spot in the heart of Gustavia. L’Isoletta is the little sister of L’Isola, one of the most popular and renowned restaurants on the island, so you can bet that the pizza and pasta is top-notch.
Shellona: Watch the sunset with your feet in the sand at the revamp of beach bar Do Brazil, an island institution. The Shellona sunset is a little flashier than its former iteration, but that’s fine. Nature is the real star here.
MUST-DO DINNER RESERVATIONS
Bonito: Book early – like right after your travel consultant ticketed your flights early—for Latin-French fare in the form of ceviche, tiraditos, and an abundance of truffle oil, plus an extensive menu of creative cocktails served alongside unbeatable views of Gustavia Harbor.
Tamarin: Island favorite set in a magical garden under the shade of a 200-year-old tamarind tree. A local favorite with with a distinct French-Thai vibe.
L’Isola: Beloved by both locals and visitors, this Southern Italian favorite is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner. You won’t be sitting by the sea, but you’ll also get some of the best dishes on the island. Le Guerite: This local gem transports you to St Tropez. Make a reservation for Saturday night, you can thank us later.
AFTER HOURS SPOTS
Bagatelle: An offshoot of the original in New York, gets similarly rowdy, minus the costumes Le Ti: The raucous, kitschy nightclub is a rite of passage for first-timers. Waiters whisk you into a secret back room, set you up with costumes like you’re going to Coachella, and send you off onto the dance floor.
WHERE TO STAY ON ST BARTS
Whether you’re looking for a hillside romantic hideaway or a chic party scene, St Barts has it all. Consider this your Cliff’s Notes to the best places to stay on the island.
Cheval Blanc Isle de France: Isle de France is elegant, romantic, private, and perfect for both couples and chic families alike, not to mention that it’s located on Flamands beach, one of the island’s best.
Eden Rock Hotel: This island mainstay is perfect for couples and families alike who leans towards splashy rockstar villas and a lively vibes just down the beach from their rooms.
Le Barthelemy: Set on a perfect crescent bay, Le Barthélemy is refined and fresh, as elegant and restorative as its stunning beachfront location. Le Barthelemy truly embraces its chic Parisian pedigree while reveling in its relaxed St Barts setting
Le Toiny: Le Toiny is located on the most private and rugged side of the island, where the wind blows hard on the rocky shores, the hotel is quiet and understated, and completely unpretentious.
Ready to Explore the World?
We have partnered with SmartFlyer, a full-service travel agency catering to high-end customized itineraries for couples and families worldwide.
Elena Borrero, SmartFlyer Travel Consultant, is a lifelong globetrotter who has visited more than 40 countries. With an initial no fee consultation, Elena’s strengths lie in getting to know her clients and executing detail-oriented, completely customized itineraries for couples and families. She specializes in luxury hotels and resorts, and her extensive industry network allows her to negotiate amenities, upgrades and VIP status for her distinguished client base. Through her decades of testing out hotspots first-hand, her product knowledge of beach destinations, Europe and even African safaris, she is well-versed to take on creating a trip in practically any corner of the world. Learn more about the benefits of working with Elena via website or email: Elena@smartflyer.com.