Saint Barthélemy. Truly an island of dreams.

There’s nothing quite like it in the Caribbean. Perhaps not even in the entire world. This très petite island, spanning just 10 square miles, feels like the best of the South of France, but transported into a laidback Caribbean setting.

Here, bohemian beach clubs meet iconic hotels, crystal-clear waters play with white sand beaches, and beautiful cliffs are covered with decadent villas. St. Barths – or as the French call it, Saint-Barthélemy –  is a playground of contrasts. Laid-back yet glamorous, exclusive yet inviting. Your experience depends on your mood, the time of year, and, of course, on who you know.

You have likely heard of St.Barths by now. Every winter, the French island floods the Instagram feeds of models, celebrities, and anyone else willing to splurge on a lavish holiday. They all squeeze into a tiny plane to stay in this Caribbean paradise for New Years Eve. But besides the glitz and glam, one can find a unique island charm that makes St. Barths irresistible all year round.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or are already a seasoned island explorer, my insider’s guide has everything you need to know for a proper St.Barths vacation.

CC: Cheval Blanc St.Barths

Slow mornings in paradise

St. Barths always wakes up slowly, and that’s exactly what I love about the Caribbean compared to, for instance, the South of France. There’s no rush, no rigid itinerary and definitely no need for a fancy blow-dry or an hour of makeup before starting the day. The vibe here is chilled and relaxed, even when it comes to fashion style. Unlike St. Tropez or Monaco, where everyone is dressed up for lunch, in St. Barths, island time is the only time that matters. One of my favorite ways to start the day is with something active, usually an early island run, a swim at one of the natural beaches, or an adventurous hike.

Gouverneur Beach & Saline Beach: If you’re looking for untouched beauty, these are the beaches you need to visit. No beach bars, no loud music—just soft white sand and the waves breaking on the shore. I love coming here early in the morning, when the temperatures are still bearable, and the beaches are practically empty. Even during high season, they remain relatively quiet compared to other hotspots. But outside of peak months, you will be in for a true deserted island experience.

Hiking to Colombier Beach: A must for anyone who loves a bit of adventure. Colombier Beach is one of the most secluded spots on the island because it’s only accessible by boat or a scenic hike. The trail starts in Flamands and goes through rugged terrain, offering an adventurous experience and some of the most gorgeous coastal views. It’s a bit of a trek, but trust me, it’s worth it. When you finally come onto the beach, you can dive into the sea and enjoy your private bay. You’ll likely run into turtles and some baby goats on the way too.

Natural Pools & Cliffs: For a unique and lesser-known island experience, visit the natural pools at Grand Fond. The cliffs here give St. Barths a wilder and rougher edge, which is quite the contrast to all its polished beach clubs and elegant hotels. This area is also my favorite place to go running in the morning!

Hiking to Colombier beach

Eat and Lounge

Of course, there are plenty of options to eat and lounge during the day, but I’m making it easy for you by sharing my top three. Book these for lunch, and treat yourself to a sun lounger and a bottle of rosé for before and after. Now you’re all set for a very relaxed day of having to do absolutely nothing at all.

Cheval Blanch – La Cabane: My absolute favorite lunch spot this year. The atmosphere is chic yet completely chilled —exactly what you want when having lunch on the beach. Here you can drink fine wine while having a relaxed meal with your feet in the sand. What more does a girl want, right? Overlooking the stunning Flamands Beach, this is the beach club of the legendary Cheval Blanc hotel, known for its top-tier luxury. But don’t let that intimidate you—La Cabane has a bohemian, easygoing vibe, making it the perfect place to unwind and catch up with family and friends.

La Cabane – Cheval Blanc

Eden Rock – Sand Bar: Go here once, and you’ll immediately understand why it’s in my top three. Set on the iconic St.Jean beach, the Sand Bar at the Eden Rock hotel gives you front-row seats to watch the planes fly in over the turquoise bay before landing on St. Barths’ famously short runway. The lunch menu at the Sand Bar, curated by Jean-Georges Vongerichten, consists of fresh seafood, tasty meat, healthy salads and wood-oven truffle pizzas. And let’s not forget the cocktails. The newly opened bar serves some of the best on the island, whether you’re in the mood for a classic mojito or perhaps battle last night’s hangover with a dangerous bloody mary – they’ve got you covered.

If you’re visiting with kids, Eden Rock is one of the best spots to set up for the day. The water at St. Jean Beach is much calmer compared to other parts of the island, making it ideal for little ones to splash around while you kick back with a book and a glass of rosé.

CC: Eden Rock

Shellona: If you’re staying in Gustavia, Shellona is the perfect spot to visit nearby. Set on Shell Beach, you can roll in straight from a morning of shopping in town to the beach. I love coming here for lunch because the menu is all about sharing, plus the vibes are always great. Regarding the food, think Mediterranean flavors done right: fresh seafood, grilled octopus, burrata with juicy tomatoes, and fresh lobster pasta. Pair it with a chilled bottle of white wine, and you’ll have a great time for sure. Tip: the sunsets here are absolutely stunning!

Shellona

Post-lunch dancing

If you’re looking for a little daytime fun,  there are quite some options for lunch where things tend to get a little bit more crazy as the afternoon proceeds. I’d suggest checking out Gypsea, Nao Beach, or La Guérite. For years, Nikki Beach was the go-to for day dancing, which will always remain a classic. But with the opening of all the new kids on the block, there are many more options for you to try out. You can even hop from one to the other, as they are all positioned right next to each other.

If you love a rustic, Caribbean-style setting, head to Gypsea. The seafood here is fantastic—super fresh—and the atmosphere is always lively and fun. After lunch, the DJ turns up the music, and a lot of people just come here to enjoy a drink or two.

Gypsea Beach

For a sleeker, more polished vibe, Nao Beach is a great option. The interiors are chic, the food is excellent, and in high season, they bring in top DJs who will have you dancing well past sunset.

And finally, if you’re a fan of the original La Guérite in Cannes, you’ll love La Guérite St. Barths. It has that same high-energy, Riviera-meets-the-Caribbean feel, where a second shift lunch turns into a full-blown party with champagne and dancing on tables. The Mediterranean-inspired menu is delicious, but let’s be honest, most people come here for the party.

Where to Stay – Hotel or Villa?

If you’re planning a trip to St. Barths but can’t decide between a hotel or a villa, you need to keep in mind that it all depends on the kind of experience you want. For privacy and a home-away-from-home feel, a villa is the best choice. But if you prefer room service, direct beach access, and hotel facilities like a gym and spa, then a hotel might be more suited for your stay.

For groups, I always recommend a villa. Wimco Villas has a beautiful selection in different sizes and price ranges, plus their concierge service is excellent. They’ll pick you up from the airport, bring a welcome breakfast, and handle all the housekeeping—so you get the best of both worlds: comfort and service. Plus, staying in a villa feels more intimate, and you don’t have to go out if you don’t feel like it.

That said, if you’re traveling solo or as a couple and want a more social experience, a hotel can be a great option. I’ve mostly stayed in villas, but I do remember my stay at The Christopher Hotel, which was incredible. Their spa and gym are great, but what truly makes it special is the stunning infinity pool overlooking the cliffs and sea. The sunsets at The Christoper are beautiful, and the chic beach bar makes it a lovely spot for a relaxed afternoon drink. It’s one of my favorite hotels on the island—especially for couples.

Cheval Blanc

If you’re a beach lover, Cheval Blanc and Eden Rock are top choices. Cheval Blanc is simply stunning—pure aesthetics and luxury. The rooms are beautifully designed, many with private pools and views over Flamands Beach. The hotel has multiple dining options, from laid-back beachside meals to fine dining. Plus, it always attracts a stylish New York crowd, who usually can be found sipping tequila on the sunbeds. With two pools, top service, and a lively yet elegant atmosphere, you know you can’t go wrong when booking a stay here. 

CC: Cheval Blanc St.Barths

Eden Rock

Eden Rock will always have a special place in my heart. Set on the stunning shores of St. Jean Bay, it’s the definition of paradise—powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and that effortlessly glamorous St. Barths vibe. The Eden Rock hotel itself is iconic, located on the rocks (hence the name) and home to some of the most stylish rooms, suites, and villas on the island.

My personal favourites are the Waterlily Suite and the Eden Rock Star Villa, which are both set right on the beach for the ultimate luxury beach holiday experience. Eden Rock is also the perfect place to see and be seen, so if that’s what you’re into, definitely book a stay there. The Sand Bar is always buzzing, making it a great spot for an elegant dinner, a  pre-dinner cocktail—or a cheeky after-dinner one.

 

Where to eat at night

If you love gastronomy, you’re at the right island in the Caribbean. St. Barths is home to some truly spectacular dining spots where you can enjoy a splendid evening under the stars while enjoying excellent food. Three of my favorites are Isola, Sella, and Beefbar—each offering a different experience.

Isola, a longstanding Italian favorite in the heart of Gustavia, serves up exquisite Italian dishes with impeccable service. Its chic ambiance is complemented by a stylish bar in the middle of the restaurant.

For something more vibrant, Sella is a must-visit. This Israeli-inspired hotspot offers oceans views and a lively atmosphere. With music setting the tone and a menu bursting with bold flavors, Sella is perfect for a night filled with energy, great food, and beautiful scenery.

New to the island but internationally renowned, Beefbar brings its signature high-end cuts and sophisticated flair to St. Barths. The menu elevates steakhouse classics and is a nice option if you want to enjoy good food and company.

Finally, we need to talk about nightlife. Even though I personally love the daytime vibes at St.Barths, for some, the island only really comes alive at night. Especially during the high season, there is a lot going on in the evening.

If you’re in the mood to party, Bagatelle and La Petite Plage are the places to be. Both offer a lively atmosphere where you can book a table, enjoy great food, and dance until far past midnight.

That said, if you want to experience the real St. Barths party scene, you’ll need to score an invite to a yacht or a villa. Let’s just say… if you happen to be female, tall and skinny, your chances of getting in are pretty much guaranteed. 😉