Why Go to St. Barts
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
St. Barts, officially St. Barthelemy, is the French Caribbean at its most chic. This small island is a favorite of celebrities and yachters, with gorgeous beaches, designer boutiques, fine French cuisine and elegant villas, yet it's surprisingly relaxed and unpretentious, with iguanas wandering freely and a laid-back island pace.
Spend your days on beautiful beaches like Saline, Gouverneur and Shell Beach, snorkel in clear water, and stroll the harbor of Gustavia, lined with superyachts, shops and restaurants. Enjoy long lunches at beach restaurants and French bistros, and drive the island's winding hills for stunning views. St. Barts is quieter than many islands, with little in the way of big nightlife, which is a big part of its appeal.
St. Barts has a reputation for being expensive, but with careful planning, booking early and choosing the right season, a stay can be comparable to other upscale Caribbean destinations. It's reached by short flights or ferry from St. Martin. I'll find the right villa or hotel and handle the connections.
BEST FOR
Couples, beach lovers, foodies and luxury travelers
BEST MONTHS
December–April for drier weather; May–June for fewer crowds
EXPLORE
Gustavia is the harbor and boutique-shopping center; St. Jean is popular for beach stays; Flamands and Grand Cul-de-Sac offer quieter coastal settings.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
St. Barts
North America › Eastern Caribbean › France
French-Caribbean style and secluded island coves
Beach & Resort
Luxury
Yachting
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Reserve a rental car or transfers before arrival if you want to explore beyond Gustavia and St. Jean; island roads are narrow and hilly. Popular restaurants and villas book early in peak season, and beach access can involve steep paths or limited parking.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Explore on foot and leave time for the harbor views.
Gustavia Harbor
Stroll Gustavia’s picturesque harbor, with yachts, shops and red-roofed buildings framing a sheltered waterfront.
Bring water shoes if the shore is uncomfortable underfoot.
Shell Beach
Relax on a small beach near Gustavia known for shells and an easy waterfront escape.
Stay clear of airport safety zones and follow beach conditions.
St. Jean Beach
Enjoy a broad sandy bay popular for swimming, beach clubs and views of aircraft approaching the nearby airport.
Carry water, wear shoes suitable for the trail, and check sea conditions.
Colombier Beach
Reach a beautiful secluded bay by walking trail or boat. Its clear water and protected setting are highlights of the island.
Swim only when conditions are safe and bring shade.
Saline Beach
Visit a less-developed beach backed by hills and natural coastal scenery. The surf can be stronger than at sheltered bays.
An iconic boutique luxury hotel on St. Jean Bay, ideal for guests who want beach access and a lively, central island setting. Confirm room locations, seasonal operations and airport transfers before booking.
Eden Rock – St Barths
St. Jean Bay
Beach
A luxury beachfront retreat on Flamands Beach, suited to travelers prioritizing a refined seaside stay and quiet surroundings. Verify the room category and included beach amenities.
Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France
Flamands Beach
Beach
A secluded luxury hotel in the Toiny area, a strong match for travelers seeking privacy and a quieter setting. Arrange a rental car or transfers for visits to Gustavia and St. Jean.
Hôtel Le Toiny
Toiny / Southeastern Coast
Beach · Boutique
A beachfront luxury property beside the lagoon at Grand Cul-de-Sac, suitable for guests interested in water views and relaxing resort days. Confirm marine activities and transport separately.
Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa
Grand Cul-de-Sac
Beach
A coastal hotel at Anse des Cayes that combines an intimate island atmosphere with access to the beach. Confirm swimming conditions, room type and transport before arrival.
Hotel Manapany
Anse des Cayes
Boutique · Beach
A sleek, minimalist beach hotel on a calm lagoon, ideal for water sports.
Hotel Le Sereno
Grand Cul-de-Sac
Boutique · Beach
A colorful peninsula resort with two beaches and a kids' club.
Rosewood Le Guanahani
Grand Cul-de-Sac
Beach · Family
A relaxed oceanfront hotel with one of the island's best pools.
Hotel Christopher
Pointe Milou
Beach
Family-owned cottages above St-Jean Bay, a good-value base close to the beach.
Le Village St Barth
St-Jean
Boutique · Family · Value
A lively, colorful hotel right on St-Jean Beach with a popular beach restaurant.
Le Tom Beach Hotel
St-Jean
Boutique · Beach
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in St. Barts
High 86°F · Low 76°F · Rain 4.9 in
The season begins, with sunny days and calm seas.
December–April for drier weather; May–June for fewer crowds. Verify conditions, local schedules and reservation policies when arranging your trip.
Best Times to Visit St. Barts
WHEN TO GO
06
Ferry and Flight Coordination
Inter-island ferries and small aircraft are weather-sensitive. Confirm terminal, luggage rules and connection buffers.
05
Beaches and Walking
Gustavia is relatively walkable, but many beaches have steep access roads and little shade. Use designated parking.
04
Taxis and Private Drivers
Taxi supply is limited compared with large cities. Arrange airport, ferry and dinner transfers ahead.
03
Rental Cars and Small Vehicles
Compact cars are useful on steep, narrow island roads; availability can be tight during peak season. Reserve in advance.
02
Local Transportation
Small rental cars and taxis are common. Roads can be steep and parking near popular beaches limited.
01
Arrival and Regional Access
Gustaf III Airport has short regional flights; ferries connect Gustavia with St. Martin.
Small rental cars and taxis are common. Roads can be steep and parking near popular beaches limited.
Getting Around St. Barts