The Ultimate Guide to St. Barths

The glitzy Caribbean island of St. Barths has been known as the ultimate destination for the jetset crowd since the 1970s, though it has remained roughly under the radar until the past decade. Known for its raucous parties, gourmet restaurants, pristine beaches, and fabulous hotels, the French-speaking hotspot’s peak season is around the holiday season and New Years. Many consider it to be the St. Tropez of the Caribbean for its fun-filled restaurants and beach clubs and glamorous crowd. Planning a trip? Read on for our ultimate guide to the beautiful island.

Stay

Eden Rock

The island’s most illustrious hotel, Eden Rock is perched on a rocky outcrop in St. Jean. Aesthetically one of the most memorable hotels from the outside, it also is home to a phenomenal Dr. Barbara Sturm spa, a glitzy bar, and a beachfront restaurant, Sand Bar. The hotel has luxe rooms that overlook the ocean, as well as sprawling villas fit for royalty.

Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf

Perched above Gustavia, the island’s bustling capital, Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf has some of the island’s best views from its well-designed guest rooms (many of which have private pools) and its signature restaurant, Fouquet’s. The hotel is conveniently located on Shell Beach, which has some of the best sunset views on the island.

Le Sereno

Tucked in a quiet enclave, Le Sereno offers complete relaxation and tranquility. It’s located beachside on Grand Cul De Sac, known for its swimmable lagoon, watersports and sea life–-it’s common to see sea turtles wading near the rocks. Here there are villas and spacious suites ideal for a romantic getaway or a family affair.

Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France

Cheval Blanc, owned by LVMH, oozes sophistication, and the hotel brand’s St. Barth’s outpost is no different. Located on Flamands Beach, this see-and-be-seen hotel is built into the cliffside with tiered rooms and villas overlooking the ocean. There are sumptuous rooms, designer pop-ups, a chic spa, and a fabulous beachside restaurant.

Rosewood Le Guanahani

Rosewood Hotels recently took over operations at this iconic St. Barths resort and gave it an ultra-luxe facelift for today’s discerning traveler. With a phenomenal spa, individual villa-like accommodations and a beachfront restaurant perfect for lounging all day, the hotel is one of the best on the island. 

Villa Embrace in St. Barths

Lacure Villas

Lacure Villas has some of the Caribbean’s finest villas, and with our special partnership, booking through Maison Benjamin gives you access to our bespoke services, as well as Lacure’s top concierge offerings. There are a variety of luxe villas whether you’re looking for a hilltop escape or a beachside sanctuary. 

Drink & Dine

Gyp Sea Beach Club

Perched on the picturesque St. Jean beach, Gyp Sea Beach Club is a restaurant and chill boho-style beach club in one. It has a no-frills, toes-in-the-sand vibe with a delectable seafood-centric menu. Pair these bites with a premier rosé and ocean views and you have yourself a perfect day.

Bonito 

You can’t visit St. Barths without a dinner at Bonito, a seaside-inspired restaurant with stark white interiors and iconic views of the yacht-filled harbor. The creative cocktails are remarkable and pair well with the gourmet menu. Be sure to try the truffle ceviche, among other delicacies.

Shellona

This Mediterranean restaurant on Shell Beach is the ideal lunch-turned-sunset spot. Shellona, just off the port of Gustavia, is an upscale breezy beach bar with Greek-inspired bites and an upbeat, buzzy atmosphere. 

L’Isola

Italian restaurant L’Isola is fine dining in the heart of the island. The restaurant imports the finest ingredients directly from Italy for its authentic Italian dishes. Ambient, dimly lit, and romantic, L’Isola is a gastronomic journey in one of the most romantic settings.

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Beaches

There’s no shortage of pristine, white-sand beaches to enjoy while on the island–11 to be exact. St. Jean is known for its watersports, while Saline Beach and Gouverneur Beach are known for untouched beauty. Many beaches are accessed only via a hiking trail or boat, like Colombier, which makes for a fun and active beach experience.

Shopping in Gustavia

St. Barths’ shopping rivals Fifth Avenue and Rodeo Drive, with boutiques like Prada, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Hermès. There are several upscale boutiques that have global designer offerings, as well as St. Barths and Caribbean brands for one-of-a-kind pieces. There’s a burgeoning art scene here, with both local and global artists showcasing their art in Gustavia’s many galleries.