The Best of St. Bart’s Luxury Travel and Elite Hot Spots
Renowned as winter playground for the elite, St. Bart’s is one of the jet set’s and luxury superyacht owner’s favorite Caribbean island locales.
Often compared to the lavishness of St. Tropez, St. Bart’s has everything from beautiful, pristine white-sand beaches lapped by the cerulean sea to high-end boutiques that line the streets of Gustavia. Visit St. Bart’ss and you will learn why she’s a favorite destination amongst superyacht owners and Caribbean luxury yacht charters. Here’s what you won’t want to miss next time you visit.
Stay @ The Eden Rock
Eden Rock, one of the Oetker Collection hotels, is pegged as a “luxurious retreat in St. Bart’s built on a rocky promontory, surrounded by white, sandy beaches and turquoise sea; French art de vivre in the heart of the Caribbean.” You will be spoilt for choice when deciding where to stay at the Eden Rock — Beach Villas equipped with three plush bedrooms and your own private pool, the Legacy Suites, which boast panoramic views across the sea, or the Garden Cottages with private enclosed terraces, all are on offer. Enjoy breakfast and lunch with your toes in the sand at the Sand Bar, positioned directly on the beach in front of the crystal-clear waters. For dinner, see and be seen at the most glamorous spot, On the Rocks, where the Executive Chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten will delight your taste buds with his personally inspired menu.
Brunch @ Nikki Beach, Baie de St Jean
Arrive in time for brunch at St. Bart’s most popular daytime restaurant and beach club, Nikki Beach. Enjoy early afternoon cocktails and sample creative sushi rolls while watching the ultra-glamorous swim and dance. A true Nikki Beach experience is the famous resort-wear fashion show when restaurant aisles become the runway. The setting is relaxed and the atmosphere chic. Nikki Beach offers guests that touch of Ibiza-cool in the Caribbean.
Water sports @ Grand Cul-de-Sac
If you’re keen for adventurous water sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing, be sure to spend a day at Grand Culde- Sac, located on the east side of the island. This beach borders a shallow, well-protected bay and the sea is relatively calm and warm – no need for a wetsuit. Grand Cul-de-Sac is the most popular beach for both kite and windsurfers because of its glass-like turquoise waters. Several restaurants and hotels sit on this beach, as well as a windsurfing rental station.
Sunbathe @ Colombier Beach
Commonly known as Rockefeller’s Beach, Colombier Beach and the property surrounding it was owned by David Rockefeller for many years. Easily one of the best St. Bart’s beaches, Colombier Beach is well known for its pristine seclusion, but it is a popular Sunday spot for locals. The waters of Colombier Beach usually are calm, clear and warm — the perfect conditions for snorkeling. As there are no services or amenities at Colombier, many visitors bring their own food and beverages to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. Colombier Beach is accessible via a 30-minute walk from the harbor or by tender.
Relax @ Hotel Guanahani & Spa
A private 16-acre peninsula is home to the largest resort on St. Bart’s, Hotel Guanahani. Nestled within the hotel’s exquisite tropical gardens, you’ll find the spa overflowing in luxury. Inspired by Creole architechture, the resort pops with bright, fresh colors offering a lively, but relaxed feel. Products from the prestigious, esteemed Clarins line are used here, as highly trained therapists perform an array of face and body treatments, including hair removal and hair styling using Frederic Fekkai products. For the ultimate in relaxation, indulge in one of the multiple day spa packages.
Lunch @ La Case de l’Isle
You are rewarded with an exquisite view at La Case de l’Isle nestled within the Hotel Saint-Barth Isle de France, which overlooks the gorgeous Flamands beach. If alfresco dining is on your menu, you may wish to dine at La Cabane de l’Isle, which sits directly on the beach. Allow the sand to tickle your toes as you sit at your table in this sought-after spot to enjoy a culinary delight prepared by the Executive chef, Chef Yann Vinsot, and his team. Here clean, light and traditionally French is the theme to all dishes.
Dinner @ L’isola
An Italian gem on this French-Caribbean Island, L’isola is arguably one of the best restaurants in St. Bart’s. Dark wooden floors and white linens are lit by glowing candlelight, which provides the perfect setting for a romantic dinner in this chic and sophisticated dining environment. Enjoy favorites such as a veal chop with sage butter or risotto with wild boar. Sunset @ Shell Beach Only a short walk from Gustavia, take a front row seat at Do Brazil, a casual restaurant hangout on Shell Beach, and soak up the last of the sun’s rays before it blends into the horizon. The beautiful sunsets of St. Bart’s shouldn’t be missed, nor should the incredible cocktails served at Do Brazil. There are few better ways to end the day in St. Bart’s.
Party @ Le Ti
Le Ti St. Barts, or Le Ti — as the “in crowd” knows it — is a venue where impressive restaurant meets chic cabaret. With ornate décor, featuring a great deal of red velvet and feathered chandeliers, this restaurant offers hot action after midnight. Masquerade-masked showgirls dressed in fetish-inspired costumes dance on top of the dinner tables… and so will you. The crowd parties late into the wee hours to the tunes of the resident DJ spinning top Euro hits.
Shop @ Gustavia
The capital of St. Bart’s, Gustavia, is home to Port de Gustavia, considered the world over as one of the most exclusive marinas to berth a superyacht. Here luxe and lavishness abound as you spend a full day exploring the winding streets, getting your dose of retail therapy. Above the narrow cobblestone roads sit a plethora of new and classic high-end designers such as Roberto Cavalli, Rolex, and Hermès, to name a few. One of the perks of shopping in Gustavia: Tax-free purchasing.
