Saint Barthelemy

Saint Barthélemy, or St. Barts, is a chic French Caribbean island known for its upscale vibe, white-sand beaches, and boutique luxury. Gustavia, the capital, blends red-roofed colonial buildings with designer shops and yacht-filled harbors. The island’s beaches, like Colombier, Saline, and St. Jean, offer crystal-clear water and peaceful coves. Though small, St. Barts is big on food, with French-Caribbean cuisine served in stylish restaurants and beachside bistros. The pace is slow, the service polished, and the atmosphere exclusive yet relaxed. Whether sunbathing, sailing, or dining, St. Barts is all about understated elegance and tropical escape.

There are several dozen five-star hotels in St Barthelemy and really very little to offer the budget traveler. Dining options are seriously deluxe and the chefs here have been imported from some of the world’s finest restaurants and serve up French cuisine and seafood nightly.

Private villas are popular and many are owned by routine visitors who only occupy their rooms for a month or two each year. Beaches are exquisite and quiet, and numerous European and Asian high-end fashion boutiques make up the shopping experience in St Barthelemy.

St Barthelemy is home to around 10,000 people but this number can swell by half during the busiest time. These numbers don’t include the large numbers of tourists moored offshore in luxury yachts and cruise ships, however. No visitor to St Barthelemy should arrive in search of a bargain, but money is well spent at this most indulgent of Caribbean resort towns.

Most travelers come for the gorgeous beaches, upscale dining, and a scene that mixes French Riviera energy with Caribbean chill. The capital, Gustavia, is a harbor town lined with designer boutiques, cafes, and mega-yachts. But beyond the glitz, the island’s beaches, like Colombier, Saline, and Gouverneur, are uncrowded, natural, and often a short hike or drive away. Whether you’re snorkeling off a quiet bay, sipping rosé at a beach club, or catching sunset from a cliffside villa, St. Barts feels polished without being pretentious.

St. Barts is expensive, full stop. It’s one of the most upscale islands in the Caribbean, with boutique hotels, private villas, and luxury resorts dominating the accommodation scene. That said, there are a few smaller inns and apartment rentals for more independent travelers. The food scene is superb, expect French-Caribbean fusion, fine wines, and seafood everywhere. Dining ranges from beachside barefoot restaurants to Michelin-worthy establishments, and bakeries sell proper croissants and baguettes. There’s no tipping culture, service is included in prices.

Getting around is best done with a rental car or scooter, the island is hilly, roads are narrow, and public transport doesn’t exist. Driving is easy, but parking in Gustavia can be tight. French is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourism. St. Barts is very safe, clean, and well-maintained. Crime is rare, and service is polished. It’s the kind of place where you can leave your towel on the beach while you swim.

Why Go to Saint Barthélemy?

• Beaches Without Crowds: Visit calm, clear spots like St. Jean, hike to Colombier, or sunbathe on secluded Saline Beach, no cruise ships, no vendors.
• Chic Dining & Boutique Shopping: Dine at waterfront restaurants, sip French wine with sea views, or shop luxury brands in Gustavia.
• Snorkeling & Watersports: Snorkel with turtles, paddleboard in Lorient Bay, or take a catamaran to offshore islets.
• Luxury Villas & Cliffside Views: Stay in a private villa with an infinity pool, where sunrise comes with a croissant and no noise.
• French-Caribbean Culture: Hear Creole rhythms at local festivals, eat langouste (spiny lobster), and enjoy that effortless French-Caribbean fusion.
• Low-Key Nightlife: Have a cocktail at Nikki Beach, dance at Le Ti St. Barth, or enjoy a glass of champagne at a quiet bar.
• Island Hopping by Air: Fly in from St. Maarten for one of the world’s most dramatic landings, and hop out just as easily when you’re ready.

Who Might Not Enjoy Saint Barthelemy?

• Budget Travelers: Saint Barthélemy (St. Barts) is one of the most expensive islands in the Caribbean. Accommodations, dining, shopping, and even beach access come with premium prices. Budget lodging is rare to nonexistent.

• Backpackers or Independent Travelers: There’s no backpacker infrastructure, no hostels, cheap guesthouses, or public transport. The island caters almost exclusively to high-end tourism and short luxury stays.

• Travelers Without a Car or Scooter: Public transportation doesn’t exist, and taxis are extremely expensive. Renting a car or scooter is essential to get around, but roads are narrow and hilly.

• Those Seeking Cultural or Historical Depth: While charming, the island is more about beaches and boutiques than museums or historic landmarks. Cultural experiences are limited compared to other Caribbean islands.

• Nightlife-Driven Tourists: St. Barts has chic lounges and beach clubs, but it’s not a party island. Nightlife is exclusive and mellow, not loud or all-night.

• Non-French Speakers Expecting English Everywhere: French is the official language, and while English is spoken in tourist zones, communication outside high-end establishments may be limited.

• Vegetarians or Vegans: Dining leans toward fine French cuisine with a focus on seafood and meats. While upscale restaurants may accommodate special diets, options are limited and expensive.

• Cruise Passengers Expecting Packed Excursions: St. Barts is not a major cruise hub. It’s small and quiet, with few group tours or big attractions. Those wanting a full-day itinerary may find it too subdued.

St. Barthelemy doesn’t receive any direct flights, but there are connecting flights from Pointe à Pitre in Guadeloupe and St. Maarten.

The main pier at St Barthelemy is known as ‘Bobby’s Marina’ and it connects via taxi and shuttle bus to Pelican Marina, another nearby dock. Both are close to the town center but taxis make the trip in the most comfort.