The best places to visit in St. Barts may easily be summed up as beaches, beaches, beaches, since this stunning French Caribbean Island has more than a dozen white-sand public lidos. But there is much more to see and do in this vacation paradise, particularly from the vantage point of luxury villas to rent in St. Barts.
This idyllic destination offers plenty of options for adventures beyond the beach, as well as the most superb spots to enjoy the warm, crystal-clear waters.
Here’s a list of the best places to visit in St. Barthelemy
Soaking up the sun, enjoying the surf
Whether you’re into sunbathing, surfing, snorkelling, diving or paddle boarding, you’ll find the perfect spot for these activities and more on St. Barths’ beaches. Stroll along sheltered Shell Beach, where loads of gorgeous seashells wash ashore, or indulge in a more adventurous activity – cliff diving – from a rocky promontory.
Catch some rays on secluded Grande Saline, the best place to visit in St Barts for discreet, nude sunbathers, or head to Grand Cul-de-Sac beach for kitesurfing, kayaking or fly fishing.
A five-minute boat ride will take divers from the leeward side of St. Barts to a pristine marine reserve, where coral reefs, walls, canyons and more can be explored.
Hike down to secluded Colombier beach for the best snorkelling. This coastal spot is not served by a public road, so be prepared for a 30-minute hike (and bring snacks and drinks, as there are no amenities nearby).
Plenty more in store: Shopping St. Barts
Shopping in St. Barths is retail therapy at its best. The best place to visit in St Barts is Quai de la Republique along the harborfront. Here you can browse designer boutiques such as Louis Vuitton, Tod’s, Dior and Bulgari, as well as luxe jewelers Diamond Genesis, Goldfinger and Carat boutique.
Visit St. Barthelemy designer Faby Jaca’s luxury contemporary boutique in the Carré d’Or plaza, or shop Ralph Lauren, Prada and Roberto Cavalli at the Coeur Vendôme Center, also in Gustavia.
Next, set aside your shopping bags and settle down to sample the homemade rums of Sandy and Christian, owners of M’Bolo near the harborfront. Select from a variety of artisan decorations or jewelry to take home or give as gifts, as well.
Time to indulge: Schedule a spa treatment
Hotels across the island feature some of the world’s top-rated spas, so set aside a few hours for pampering yourself. The famous Spa Diane Barrière at the Hotel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf in Gustavia offers personalized, holistic treatments in an exquisite setting and products from renowned brand Biologique Recherche.
The Sisley Spa at the 5-star Hotel Christopher at Pointe Milou Gustavia overlooking the ocean offers a hot shell massage, as well as unique phyto-aromatic treatments to nourish your skin’s island glow.
Chill out in a red cedar wood Nordic bath, relax with a La Mer facial, or take a yoga class at Le Spa at Le Barthélemy Hotel on Baie de Grand Cul de Sac on the island’s northeast side.
Delightful dining
Choose from several waterfront restaurants and enjoy French/Creole or traditional French cuisine at its finest. Or head to Gustavia’s stunning Orega Restaurant, known for its creative Franco-Japanese cuisine, after a day at the beach or exploring one of St. Barths’ three historic forts.
Looking for something more casual? Check-in for lunch at the Beach Club at the five-star Hotel Le Toiny. You’ll have a spectacular view of the Caribbean from a palm grove in the hills of St. Barts.
For an authentic experience, one of the best places to visit in St Barths is Eddy’s Ghetto. Here, you can enjoy traditional Caribbean cuisine in an exotic tropical garden setting. One of the oldest establishments in St. Barthelemy, Eddy’s is well known for its eclectic menu and local ambience.
Spice up your evening
Party like a jet setter at any of the visitor-friendly clubs in swinging St. Barts. Caribbean tavern Le Ti will reopen in November with its spicy dinner cabaret show and its “fancy dress room”. Dancing on the tables is encouraged!
If sedate is what you’re looking for, you may have to try another island. Even luxe dining venue Bagatelle boasts hip customers ordering bottles of Champagne and dancing on the tables (it’s a St. Barts thing).
It is possible to find a more chill vibe, however. Head to Baz Bar, a sushi and cocktail spot in Gustavia that features live music, or shake things up at popular hot spot Nikki Beach (in season), also in Gustavia.
Of course, the best way to enjoy everything that St Barts has to offer is with a luxury villa rental. On St Barts, you’ll find an enviable selection of some of the Caribbean’s most refined villas. The finest luxury villas for rent in St Barts boast elegant sea views and direct beach access. They also have superb amenities such as infinity pools, cinema rooms, spacious living rooms, staff living areas, dedicated fitness and wellness rooms, VIP services, and more.
