St Barths is a paradise of picture-perfect beaches, world-class restaurants and exceptional luxury villa rentals. It is truly one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive islands.
Known for its pristine beaches, St Barths is a perfect vacation destination for the jet-setting set, but it also is very accessible to those who wish to explore it. There are three ways to get to the island: by plane, ferry or by private yacht charter.
The best way to start your trip is by booking your flights in advance on either Winair or St Barth Commuter. These airlines offer direct flights to St Barths from San Juan, Antigua and Saint Thomas.
It’s easy to arrive in St Barths by air, but you should note that the island’s airport is the second shortest commercial runway in the world and pilots will need to secure a permit for landing. This short runway also means that you won’t be able to land your aircraft at night and should plan to arrive during daylight hours.
Once you are on the island, you will want to spend as much time as possible enjoying the beautiful beaches and relaxing. There are a variety of excellent water sports and you can hire surfboards, snorkeling gear and windsurfers on the beach.
There are also several great beach bars to choose from and a number of top-rated beach clubs where you can dine and enjoy the sun. A few of our favourites are Eden Rock, Nikki Beach and Toiny Bay.
What makes St Barths unique is its enviable blend of French culture with the warmth and energy of the Caribbean. Its restaurants are some of the best in the world and its cuisine is incredibly delicious, with plenty of local fish and organic produce.
The island is also renowned for its incredible shopping, with designer brands to suit every taste and style. Gustavia, the capital, is full of designer boutiques and stores selling high-end fashion.
St Barths is a bargain hunter’s dream with no duties, import, export or sales taxes on most items and is therefore very affordable to shop for.
It is a very popular destination for fashion, film and music stars as well as top sportspeople who like to get away from it all and relax. It has been called the “Caribbean version of Monaco”.
In addition to its spectacular beaches, St Barths is a paradise for food and wine lovers. There are over a hundred restaurants, many of which have been awarded Michelin stars, and each has its own character.
There are also several artisanal markets, which are a great place to pick up locally made crafts and souvenirs. The town is very small, so it’s easy to shop and see everything you need.
St Barths is a great place to stay, but it’s important to make sure you book in advance as the demand for accommodation can be very high. Fortunately there are a number of hotels and resorts that will accommodate you, so it is not too difficult to find the perfect place to stay.