St Barths takes the warmth and disposition of French country living and drops it into a Caribbean setting of dazzling blue-green waters, miles of beaches, and streets lined with flowering bushes. It’s a truly cosmopolitan Caribbean experience, and it’s easy to see why so many visitors come to enjoy the beauty and the lifestyle here year after year.
The island is also a gourmet paradise, and it attracts some of the world’s finest chefs to work here. Indulge your tastebuds by booking a meal at one of the top restaurants in St Barths, such as Bonito for creative French-Latin fusion or L’Isola for refined Italian dishes. You can also try out the island’s signature Creole cuisine, which is a wonderful mix of classic French flavors with spicier Caribbean influences.
There is a wealth of natural beauty to explore on the island, and boat days are a great way to take it all in. Visit the pristine coastline for a day of snorkeling and swimming, or head out to sea to spot the tidal pools, the dramatic coves, and the glimmering white cliffs of the Petite Côte. You’ll also find plenty of wildlife, including land and marine turtles, exotic birds, and beautiful tropical flowers, like the hibiscus and bougainvillea.
It might surprise you to learn that St Barts has a long and tumultuous history, and that it was first inhabited by Amerindian and Caribbean communities before being colonized by European settlers. Christopher Columbus stumbled upon the island in 1493 and named it after his brother Bartolomeo, but it remained a wild island until 1648 when Huguenots from Normandy founded their first successful settlement here. Later, it was a popular stop for French buccaneers who plundered Spanish galleons.
As a result of this varied heritage, the island has developed an inimitable cultural identity. Many of the best hotels and luxury villas in St Barths reflect these diverse roots, and offer a unique blend of both traditional French and Caribbean charm.
Whether you’re looking for a fun and lively party scene or a tranquil retreat, you’ll find the perfect atmosphere to meet your needs in St Barths. You’ll also discover an abundance of world-class restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options to keep you busy.
St Barths is famous for its celebrity guests, but you’ll also find plenty of locals who are equally as fashionable and stylish. The island is full of fashion boutiques and luxury shopping outlets, and it’s easy to spot celebrities walking the streets or partying at the hippest bars and clubs.
If you’re lucky, you might even get to see a few stars during your stay! St Barths is a popular vacation spot for Hollywood celebrities, and the locals are used to seeing them around. Don’t be afraid to ask your concierge if you can see some of your favorite actors, musicians, or athletes. They’ll be happy to tell you where and when to go. Then you’ll have a chance to snap some photos and maybe even meet some of them!