You will not find anything like it in the Caribbean. St Barths has always made and will always make people dream, even if the island has been recently saturated with too many new houses. The tiny island of less than 10 square miles still enchants by its green landscape, pristine white sand and turquoise water beaches, its impressive array of beach bars and great restaurants, and the harbor side town of Gustavia where ancient stone buildings now house high end boutiques.

“Un je ne sais quoi” of delicious French flair that makes you feel like coming back again. You may want to visit the island when it’s crowded for Thanksgiving, over Christmas and New Year or Bucket Reggatta or to come when it’s quieter, in May or June: each season is different and each of them is so enjoyable, just depending on your mood. Partying, relaxing, or both. St Barths will always be the place to be.

How to get there?

Half of the visitors of the island are American, so the best route from the US is via San Juan. Then hop on a Tradewind Aviation’s eight seat Pilatus planes. Since 2001, the US based company has operated chartered and scheduled flights to St Barths and made the dramatic scary landing the most memorable one. 2021 was a very sad year for the company, longtime friend, co founder and veteran veteran pilot David Zara passed away last year. He was an incredible figure of the island, generous, passionate, David will be deeply missed.

If you travel through St Marteen, book a vip transfer service with St Barth Services. They will handle your transit perfectly, and most of the time you will get an early Winair or St Barth Commuter flight.

Where to Stay?

In a villa. St Barts insiders know that the best option for vacationers is to rent a private villa. Based on government data from 2020, the island has 850 villas available for rent on the island, with over 1,800 bedrooms in total. That dwarfs the number of rooms available in the island’s 25 intimate hotels.

WIMCO Villas represents the top 380 private villas on the island, and has a concierge services office directly across the street from the airport arrivals door. The company recently expanded its Special Reserve Collection. The ultra-luxe villas come with a private chef, along with other benefits like preferred access to beach club chaise lounges, and a complimentary night time taxi service. Now, there are 24 contemporary villas in the program including villa NEO overlooking Eden Rock and Villa Embrace overlooking Gustavia harbor.

WIMCO also lost an iconic figure this past year. Tim Warburton who founded WIMCO in 1983, passed away last year, just after he sold the company to Nocturne Villas. He was a true pioneer in the villa rental industry and helped to establish St Barths as the perennially popular destination that it is today. In related news, Nocturne also purchased St Barts Properties, and effective October 1, the two companies were merged and now operate as WIMCO St Barth Properties. This will create an even stronger full-service operation for travelers looking to book villa vacations on St Barts.

Its time to book your vacay. For arrivals up until December 2, 2022 (including Thanksgiving and the Gourmet Festival) WIMCO has concocted a special offer – for all villa rental bookings of 7 nights or more you can choose either complimentary gourmet first night supplies from Atelier Joel Robuchon, pre-stocked in your villa or a complimentary car rental for 7 days.

Hotel Rosewood Le Guanahani. After five years of renovation, Le Guanahani opened last November under the leadership of the Rosewood Hotel Group. The largest hotel in St Barths, situated on a protected part of Cul de Sac and Marigot is great for families and those who prefer intimacy while staying in a hotel.

The iconic hotel of St Barths, known for its colored cottages has been revamped by architects studio David M. Schwartz and Luis Pons design Lab. D. 37 suites (20 have private pools) are disseminated among greens in front of the lagoon of Cul de Sac.

The Sense of Spa offers signature treatments which have been created around the atmosphere and the nature that St Barths offers. From breakfast to dinner, The Beach House offers extensive fresh breakfast buffet, Mediterranean cuisine with a touch of Caribbean flavor.

Where to rent a car?

The best car to drive around the island is definitely the Land Rover Defender rental company, St Barth Defenders, which offers different models of defenders. All have automatic transmissions and air conditioning and some have panoramic glass and upgraded stereos. Get the Defender Club Edition with its panoramic and sliding roof, you will enjoy driving around.

Where to eat?

La Cabane at Cheval Blanc

The bohemian chic decor imagined by Jacques Grange immediately sets a relaxing atmosphere. Your feet in the sands of Flamand beach, try the Caesar salad, the mahi mahi hot dog or the iconic “Flamand burger”.

Quarter St Barth

“Our cooking is a mixture of Japanese and Korean cuisine as this is where I grew up as a child since my father worked in both countries” said Christopher Davis, the owner of Quarter St Barth. Chef Arianna Boni prepares various excellent dumplings: Japanese Gyoza, Korean Mandu as well as Bao Buns. This season new flavors will be offered. It is definitely a must go if you are a Japanese and Korean food lover.

The Quarter is also the only place in St Barths which offers such creative cocktails, an incredible spirit list and sake selection. On the weekend, there are Dj’s, so you can eat ramen, drink sake and have fun with great music.

Amis at Le Barthelemy Hotel & Spa

For lunch and dinner. The menu is French and Mediterranean-inspired. The dishes are light, fresh, excellent. The vibe is so relaxing by the sea breeze and the lapping of the water at night. On the plates: local ceviche, fish carpaccio with burrata from Puglia and a must at dinner the lobster ravioli. Ask the barman for a signature cocktail.

What to do?

Discover the natural beauty

There are sixteen beaches in St Barths. From Shell beach with its infinite shells to Salines and Governor with its turquoise waters or Colombier only accessible on foot or by boat, you will have the choice. You will definitely find your beloved one.

St Barths has always been known for its night life but the island is a haven of natural beauty and nature. Hike to the natural pools of Cul de Sac or Toiny and discover the natural treasures of St Barths.

Shopping

Prada, Dolce Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Hermes, all the luxury brands are present in the small town of Gustavia. Dior opened last year after having been closed for many years.

For Brunello Cucinelli lovers, you will find all the collection at the shop in an inspired zen atmosphere: Edgar St Barth Store inside the Cours Vendome.

In addition, you will find great concept store like Le Bazaar St Barth @lebazaarstbarth created by Argentinian Italian Loana Junco. Le Bazaar St Barth offers a selection of ethical fashion and accessories brands along with art and photographies.

Silk wrap dresses kimono inspired, embroidered pareos, most of the clothes highlight exclusive precious Latin American brands such as Pardon Marques, Deloreta, Niluu or Omnia. A very cute eclectic store.

Just in time for the season, Assouline published a new book from their travel series St Barths Freedom.

It compiles photographs of iconic places, views, natural surroundings with quotes and pictures from people who have made St Barths a legend. “When I really can’t sing anymore, I’ll go to my house in St. Barth. I’ll take my guitar, and I’ll look at the sea” said renowned French singer Johnny Hallyday.