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An island known for drawing a discerning crowd, St Barths 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 Barths is teeming with rainbow-hued doll-sized houses, sheltered coves, and world-class dining. From its impeccable hotels to the 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 Barths hot spots.
How to Get to St Barths
While there are no direct flights to get there, you know what they say about the best places on earth, don’t you? Our favorite way is flying into San Juan (SJU) and taking a Tradewind Aviation shuttle flight straight into St Barths. Tradewind operates Swiss-built Pilatus PC-12 jet prop aircraft and has hubs in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Antigua, and the U.S. Virgin Island of St. Thomas, so, passengers can easily connect with virtually all major airlines from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and South America.
St Barths 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 three-minute hike or by boat, Colombier is easily one of the island’s best beachesand 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.
Shell Beach: Located right in front of Shellona, this is the perfect spot to spend the afternoon and linger after lunch, grab a spot, and stay awhile. It makes for an ideal spot to watch the sun go down on a perfect day.
St Barths Lunch Hot-Spots
Fish Corner: One of the newest additions to the island in downtown Gustavia, everything here is fresh and delicious, perfect for when you want a low-key spot to go between shopping.
Gyp Sea: A Beach Club and restaurant located in the bustling Saint Jean Bay, Gyp Sea is your spot to soak up the festive yet laid back St Barths charm. Here, the DJ mixes family-friendly beats and locals gather for relaxing afternoons on the beach.
ITA: If you’re looking for a disco jungle in Saint Barths, this outpost by the Bagatelle family of restaurants has you covered with one of the island’s freshest new hotspots.
NAO BEACH: Located in the heart of Saint-Jean Bay, this new beach club has sunbeds, a restaurant, bar, and daily DJ sets.
Nikki Beach: On Saturdays and Sundays, the posh beach club turns into a table-dancing day party complete with bottle service, model-esque waiters, and oversized 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 are top-notch.
Le Toiny: Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, don’t miss the hidden paradise on Toiny Bay. The menu rotates regularly and offers dishes based on fish, grilled meat, and refreshing salads. Enjoy a truly relaxing feet-in-the-sand lunch under the Paillottes.
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, and it’s especially festive on weekends.
Must-Do Dinner Reservations
Beefbar: Fans of the Monte-Carlo original will appreciate this gem in Hotel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf where surf and turf (heavy on the turf) reigns supreme.
Bonito: Book early—like right after your travel consultant tickets 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.
Kinugawa: The group’s first address in the West Indies, at Kinugawa, Japanese gastronomy meets French art de vivre with a menu full of some of your sushi spot favorites.
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.
La Petite Plage: Best on Fridays, this Saint Tropez staple has made its way onto the Saint Barths scene with feet-in-the-sand authenticity. Here, you can expect a chic, French-inspired menu perfect for the whole family.
Le Café: A newcomer to the island, Le Café is known in Courchevel, Megève, and Saint Tropez for its genuine approach to French hospitality.
Le Guerite: This local gem transports you to St Tropez. Make a reservation for Saturday night, you can thank us later.
After Hours Spots in St Barths
Bagatelle: An offshoot of the original in New York, gets similarly rowdy, minus the costumes.
Le Select: This no-frills, cash-only bar is your spot for a chill night that ends with dancing.
Sella Saint-Barth: A newly minted Israeli spot on the island, this concept restaurant has already made a splash. We love it for dining, but also post-dinner dancing.
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.
Your Daily Cheat Sheet
Ultimately, we know you want to be in the right place on the day of the party! Here’s our cheat sheet for the best days of the week to be where.
Wednesdays: La Guérite Gustavia
Thursdays: Sella, Petite Plage, Bagatelle
Fridays: Le Ti St Barth, La Petite Plage, Bagatelle, Sella
Saturdays: Nikki Beach, NAO BEACH, La Guérite Beach, Le Ti St Barth, Bagatelle, La Petite Plage, Sella
Sundays: Nikki Beach, La Guérite Beach, NAO BEACH (all for lunch)
Where to Stay on St Barths
Whether you’re looking for a hillside romantic hideaway or a chic party scene, St Barths has it all. We’ve put together a comprehensive list of our favorite hotels on the island here, but consider 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 – St Barths: This island mainstay is perfect for couples and families alike who lean towards splashy rockstar villas and lively vibes just down the beach from their rooms.
Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf Saint-Barth: The renowned French brand has its Saint Barths outpost nestled on a hillside in Gustavia where Gilles & Boisser interiors shine almost as much as their perfect pastries.
Hotel Manapany: One of the newest additions on the island, the eco-resort located in the mellow Anse de Cayes, you can feel the French-Caribbean vibes the moment you step through the doors and greeted with the enviable views of the Caribbean blues.
Le Barthélemy: 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 Barths setting
Hôtel 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, understated, and completely unpretentious.
Le Sereno: Virtually all suites and villas have a view of the turquoise lagoon, the newly rebuilt hotel is stunning in its simplicity, and the design of the hotel only highlights the beauty of nature around it.
Villa Marie: Villa Marie Saint Barth is one of those destinations where the feeling of romance and quality of life are matched only by the beautiful setting of the unspoiled countryside.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth: A stunning haven perched atop a private peninsula, Le Guanahani provides the ultimate St Barth stay while still allowing for utter serenity.
