St. Barths Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
St. Barths, or Saint Barthelemy, is a French-speaking Caribbean island with a bounty of stunning beaches, lovely places to stay, and chic places to shop and eat.
Each uncrowded, white sand beach has its own unique personality – one good for snorkeling, one for body surfing, one for shell hunting – and they are all amazing.
The island is simple and fun to drive around – make it a family mission to visit every beach while on vacation.
The island’s capital, Gustavia, has gingerbread-trimmed cottages, charming shops, and delicious restaurants surrounding the yacht-filled harbor – a fun spot to while away an afternoon.
St. Barths is the perfect mix of beach vacation, cultural experience, and just plain fun.
Key Takeaways:
Why St. Barths is the perfect Caribbean getaway
My favorite places to stay in St. Barths
Unique things to do in St. Barths
Why Visit St. Barths?
St. Barths is where the elegance of the French Riviera meets the natural beauty of the Caribbean—effortlessly. Though officially a French overseas collectivity, the island carries itself with the quiet confidence of a place that knows exactly who it is.
You’ll find the most delicious almond croissants at the local bakery—Le Petite Colombe—stylish boutiques tucked into sun-washed streets, and breezy cafés where a chilled glass of rosé is absolutely the most natural thing in the world.
The island is small enough to drive around in under an hour, which makes exploring all its corners part of the fun. With nearly 20 distinct beaches—each with its own character—you can start the day snorkeling at Colombier, stop for lunch above the waves at Shellona, and wind down with your feet in the sand at Gouverneur. It’s easy to see a lot, without feeling rushed.
Dining out in St. Barths is an experience in itself—each restaurant with its own point of view. My absolute favorite is Le Tamarin, a romantic, open-air hideaway set in tropical gardens near Saline Beach. It’s refined, a little wild in all the right ways, and the kind of place where dinner stretches long into the night beneath the trees.
Many of the island’s chefs are French-trained, blending classic technique with local flavors—think delicately sliced lobster carpaccio or just-caught mahi-mahi in beurre blanc. Délicieux, as the French would say.
But what truly defines St. Barths is the understated luxury of simply being here. The island is pristine and peaceful, yet never dull. The pace is unhurried. The atmosphere is quietly elegant. And the aesthetic—across its hotels, shops, and beaches—leans toward the effortlessly stylish.
It’s a place that invites you to slow down, breathe in the salt air, and experience the art of living well.
Where to Stay in St. Barths: Something for Every Style (and Budget)
It’s a common misconception that St. Barths is only for the ultra-luxury crowd. While it certainly does elegance well, the island actually offers a range of places to stay—from iconic hotels to private villas—at more price points than most people realize.
Whether you’re here for a romantic escape, a laid-back family week, or a stylish group getaway, you’ll find accommodations that match your pace, preferences, and vision for the trip.
In St. Barths, it’s less about checking into the fanciest address and more about choosing the kind of experience you want to have—slow mornings, sun-drenched afternoons, and breezy, starlit evenings included.
Iconic Hotels
The island’s beloved hotels strike a balance between relaxed and refined. Expect beachside breakfasts, tailored service, and thoughtful touches like staff remembering your name—and your favorite wine—by the second night. Many properties are small enough to feel personal, yet still offer elevated amenities like serene spas, water sports, and tucked-away beach clubs.
From classic institutions to chic newcomers, these hotels reflect the island’s personality: polished, unpretentious, and designed to help you settle into vacation mode the moment you arrive.
Private Villas
If you prefer a little more room to breathe, a private villa may be the way to go. Scattered across the island’s hillsides and coves, villas range from sleek, glass-walled estates to relaxed, beach-inspired homes with open-air terraces and sea views for days.
Most come with their own pool and full kitchens, and many offer optional add-ons like a private chef, grocery delivery, or in-villa massage. It’s a beautiful option for families, groups of friends, or couples who want to live a little more like locals—without giving up the comforts of a high-end stay.
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St. Barths For Every Travel Season
I’ve visited St. Barths with my family through many seasons of life—when the kids were little and everything was about beach toys and juice boxes, and again as they’ve grown, with new interests and a different pace.
What I’ve found, time and again, is that this island meets you where you are.
There’s a rhythm to St. Barths that feels both energizing and easy. Some days are for exploring hidden coves or sailing along the coast; others are for slow breakfasts, long swims, and sunset walks.
It’s not about filling your itinerary—it’s about feeling present, relaxed, and a little more connected to the world around you.
The water here is as clear as you’ve imagined, and each beach has its own personality. Whether you’re traveling with young children, teens, friends, or just your own curiosity, St. Barths offers something meaningful for every stage—and plenty of space to enjoy it at your own pace.
Things to Do For the Adventurous (and the Curious)
Adventure is never far away, and yet, the pace in St. Barths remains unhurried. Life moves more slowly, allowing you to soak in every moment.
If you’re up for an adventure, try these St. Barths activities:
Snorkel with sea turtles at Petite Anse or Flamands Beach.
The water here is so clear it feels like glass, and the calm, protected coves are ideal for spotting sea turtles, colorful fish, and coral gardens just offshore.
Hike the cliffside trail to Colombier Beach.
Accessible only by boat or on foot, Colombier is worth the effort. The hike offers sweeping ocean views and ends in a quiet, pristine cove that’s perfect for swimming or a picnic under the palms.
Charter a sailboat or catamaran for a day of island-hopping.
Cruise the coastline, drop anchor in quiet bays, and toast the sunset from the deck. Some charters offer snorkeling stops, paddleboards, or even a chef on board.
Dive into marine reserves and underwater caves.
Certified dive guides can take you to hidden reefs and underwater caves full of sea life. It’s immersive, peaceful, and surprisingly accessible—even for beginners.
Try kiteboarding or windsurfing on the breezier beaches.
On beaches like Grand Cul-de-Sac, the steady winds and shallow waters create the perfect conditions for trying something new. Lessons are available, or you can just watch the pros glide by with ease.
Let Go of the To-Do List—How to Truly Unwind in St. Barths
One of the greatest gifts of travel? Stepping away from your day-to-day and settling into a slower rhythm.
In St. Barths, that shift happens easily. Whether your version of relaxation means stillness, movement, or a bit of both, the island offers plenty of ways to exhale and reconnect.
Here are a few of my favorite ways to fully relax, island-style.
Stretch out on the soft sands of Gouverneur or Shell Beach.
These two beaches couldn’t feel more different—Gouverneur is quiet and tucked away, while Shell Beach is lively and steps from town—but both offer the same clear waters, warm sun, and gentle lull of waves. Bring a book, or don’t. Either way, you’ll settle into the kind of stillness that feels deeply good.
Start your day with a long, slow brunch in Gustavia.
There’s something so pleasing about sipping a café au lait while watching the boats come and go. Gustavia’s waterfront cafés serve up everything from fresh pastries to perfect omelets—and lingering is not only allowed, it’s encouraged.
Treat yourself to a spa day.
Many of the island’s top resorts offer spa treatments that blend French technique with Caribbean botanicals. Choose from signature Guerlain therapies, island-inspired body scrubs, or an outdoor massage where the soundtrack is nothing but the ocean breeze.
Paddleboard or kayak through calm, turquoise waters.
The ocean in St. Barths is impossibly clear, the kind of blue that makes you get lost in its beauty. Grand Cul-de-Sac is ideal for a peaceful paddle. Drift past mangroves, watch fish dart below, and if you're lucky, spot a sea turtle gliding alongside you. It's active relaxation at its best—gentle, quiet, and soul-soothing.
Spend an afternoon browsing the boutiques in Gustavia.
Window shop (or don’t) your way through this stylish little town, where designer labels sit beside thoughtfully curated local finds. It’s the kind of shopping that feels leisurely, never rushed—perfect for finding a new sundress or a piece of jewelry that will forever remind you of this trip.
Toast the sunset on a private sail or golden hour cruise.
Aboard a sailboat or catamaran, you’ll glide past cliffs and coves as the sky turns soft pink and the sea reflects every bit of it. Add a glass of Champagne—or two—and you have the perfect close to a blissfully unhurried day.
Toast the sunset on a private sail or golden hour cruise.
Aboard a sailboat or catamaran, you’ll glide past cliffs and coves as the sky turns soft pink and the sea reflects every bit of it. Add a glass of Champagne—or two—and you have the perfect close to a blissfully unhurried day.
Events and Festivals for Cultural Immersion
Planning your vacation around an event or festival is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the culture and experience something brand new.
These events are popular among tourists and locals alike:
St. Barth Music Festival (January): A two-week cultural feast of classical, jazz, opera, and ballet performances held in intimate island venues.
Carnival (February/March): A colorful and lively celebration featuring street parades, music, costumes, and the iconic “burning of Vaval” at Shell Beach.
St. Barth Bucket Regatta (March): A glamorous superyacht race featuring some of the world’s most stunning vessels, complete with lively onshore parties.
Les Voiles de St. Barth (April): This premier sailing regatta showcases sleek sailboats competing against a backdrop of turquoise waters, with beachside gatherings.
St. Barth Gourmet Festival (November): Food lovers flock here for Michelin-star chefs, exclusive tasting menus, and culinary events that highlight French-Caribbean flavors at their finest.
Travel Tips and Things to Know About Visiting St. Barths
You might have some questions before you plan your trip. Don’t find out the hard way! Here are some quick facts that you should know about St. Barths before going.
What language is spoken in St. Barths?
The native language in St. Barths is French, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Can you use U.S. dollars in St. Barths?
Yes, you can use U.S. dollars and credit cards in St. Barths. The currency is actually the euro, so you might see that being exchanged.
Do U.S. citizens need a visa for St. Barths?
U.S. citizens need a passport to visit St. Barths, but not a visa. Don’t forget that your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining beyond your departure date.
Do I need a car in St. Barths?
A rental car or scooter gives you the freedom to explore the island freely. You can also catch a taxi, but there are no Ubers.
Do you tip in St. Barths?
Tipping is appreciated but not expected in the way it is in the U.S.
Here is a general guide to tipping in St. Barths:
Restaurants: A 15% service charge is usually included in your bill, which is considered a tip. If it's not included, a 10–15% tip is customary.
Taxis: Tipping isn’t required, but it’s polite to round up or add around 5–10%.
Hotel staff: You can tip porters, housekeeping, or concierge $1–$6, depending on the service.
Tour guides or spa services: A 10–15% tip is appreciated for good service.
How should I dress in St. Barths?
As a tropical island, swimwear is perfect for the beach or pool. Wear a cover-up around town and in restaurants.
In the evening, go for a smart-casual vibe, meaning sundresses for women and dress shorts with a collared shirt for men.
There isn’t a strict dress code, but a chic, polished look is common.
Can you drink the water in St. Barths?
Yes, the water is generally safe to drink in St. Barths. However, many travelers and locals prefer bottled water due to the taste. Most hotels provide bottled or filtered water for visitors.
Is St. Barths safe for tourists?
Yes, the island is considered one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. However, it’s important to still take precautions, like locking valuables and not leaving your purse or wallet out.
How long should my St. Barths vacation be?
For a truly satisfying St. Barths vacation, 7 to 10 days is the sweet spot. This gives you enough time to settle into the slow pace without feeling rushed. You can enjoy both relaxing days at the beach and adventurous outings.
Is St. Barths Your Next Caribbean Escape?
Whether you’re drawn to the white-sand beaches or its unique blend of French elegance and Caribbean charm, St. Barths offers an experience like no other.
Working with us means your trip is truly designed around you. We take care of the research, logistics, and little details—so you can skip the stress and simply enjoy the experience.
Book your complimentary Travel Planning Session with Allison to get started.
