When it comes to exotic Caribbean getaways, St Barths is a star. The island is a foodie paradise with a wide range of first-class restaurants offering French cuisine flecked with Caribbean influences. Some dishes come with premium French price tags, but there are also many fine dining spots where the menu is surprisingly affordable.
The top hotels in St Barths are luxurious, intimate retreats ranging from small, boutique properties to large luxury resorts. The smaller accommodations are usually less than 30 rooms and offer a more personal experience. In contrast, the larger resorts have a more spacious design and feature an array of luxe amenities, including private pools, gourmet restaurants and even a world-class spa.
Most of the best hotel in St Barths are situated along the stunning beaches or in the small towns on the island, including Gustavia and Lorient. The former is home to the prestigious Eden Rock, a legendary landmark that combines a rocky cliff-top location with a chic evocation of French Riviera style. The latter is a popular destination for luxury tourism, with the town boasting some of the island’s most exclusive villas and hotels.
St Barths is also known for its thriving nightlife scene. Despite its diminutive size, the island has a number of world-famous clubs and parties where you can dance to the beat of DJs spinning electronic music. Some of the more raucous spots include Nikki Beach, where guests wear nothing but bikinis and party without a care in the world.
The island’s history is a tale of changing fortunes, with the territory shifting hands between different European countries multiple times. It was inhabited by indigenous people when Christopher Columbus chanced upon it in 1493, but it wasn’t until the 18th century that it became officially part of France. Today, its architecture reflects the various influences that have shaped the culture of the island.
Aside from its stunning scenery, St Barths is also famous for its upscale shopping. Its boutiques are filled with designer fashions and accessories, and it is common to spot celebrities strolling the streets and sipping drinks at their favorite bars.
During its years as a Swedish colony, the island was a hub for the various factions fighting for control of the Caribbean. As a result, it became a mercantile center, with warehouses filled to capacity and a harbor packed with ships from different nations. It is this era that gave rise to legends like Red Rackham, Captain Hook and Monbars the Exterminator.
Nowadays, you can still see remnants of this era at the port of St Jean and on the streets of the capital, where street signs and the Swedish Cemetery are reminders of its past. While the shopping is high-end, there are some great deals to be found if you know where to look, such as at one of the island’s cigar shops or at the famous Rhum Room in the city of Gustavia, which has more than 700 types of rum.