Located a short flight away from St Maarten, the French Caribbean island of St Barths (St Barthelemy) is legendary for its high-class restaurants, relaxed atmosphere and stunning beaches. A coveted retreat for the rich and famous, it’s home to over 100 gourmet eateries, a dozen five-star hotels including Eden Rock-St Barths, and more than 800 luxury villas that regularly attract the likes of Jay-Z and Beyonce, Leo DiCaprio, Cindy Crawford and Dua Lipa.
St Barths is a small, easy-to-navigate island that’s best explored on foot or by car. Start your journey with a visit to the colourful fish market in Gustavia and then grab some fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants. The island also hosts a handful of events throughout the year that are not to be missed.
If you’re looking for a night of dancing and cabaret, head to Le Ti for a glamorous evening in a dreamy setting. Or, take in the view of the yacht-filled harbour from a rooftop terrace at L’isola or Bonito. You can even dine beneath the stars in a centuries-old tamarind tree at La Casa de L’Isle.
When it comes to St Barts restaurants, look no further than the Michelin-starred spots like L’Esprit, La Cave and La Toinette. For a more relaxed experience, you can’t go wrong with a beach picnic. Many hotels on the island will prepare everything for you, all you need to do is pick your spot and enjoy!
Shopping is a must in St Barths, as the island is duty-free. The island is overflowing with luxury fashion, jewellery, perfume and decoration boutiques that carry the world’s most renowned brands. However, you can also find many locally-designed boutiques offering a touch of personality to your wardrobe.
There is also a great selection of luxury spas on the island. Pure Altitude spa in Saint Jean has two treatment rooms and offers a range of personalised treatments. Try the toxin-draining Perfect Body package or the hydrating Pure Coconut Ritual, perfect for repairing sunburned skin.
The best way to shop in St Barths is by renting a car. The island is small and it’s easy to get around with the help of a GPS or an app that will point you in the right direction.
A day spent exploring St Barths is essential to really appreciate this little piece of paradise. St Barths is home to a variety of public and private beaches, so make sure you take some time out from the hustle and bustle to enjoy the crystal blue waters, lush green hills and beautiful white sandy beaches.