St. Barth is one of the most gorgeous Caribbean islands. While its official title is Collectivite territoriale de Saint-Barthelemy, the French, British, and Americans have tweaked the island's nicknames. US visitors prefer St. Barts, while those from France prefer Saint-Barth, and the British prefer St. Barth.

This French West Indies atoll has retained its character and charm, with Creole-style cottages and mountainous landscapes hugging 22 white-sand beaches. St. Barth is a magnet for the rich, particularly between Christmas and New Year's, when billionaires bring their superyachts into the capital's port, Gustavia. Locals try to identify which boat belongs to whom, adding to the allure of this citrus-scented playground, which, despite its exclusiveness, doesn't feel pretentious.

If shopping is a part of your DNA, there is nowhere like St. Barth, where you’ll see the world’s best and most exclusive designer brands. For the most part, the cuisine is an eclectic mix of French, Caribbean, and Japanese. If you want to escape the 21st century for a while, feel lighter in spirit, and start to see things more intuitively, put a big checkmark next to St. Barth on your list of must-visit places.

FOR THE LOVE OF BEACHES

No matter what water sport you love or if you prefer lounging on the sand, St. Barth is a beach lover’s paradise. Upscale, luxurious, calm, and secluded, each beach imparts a distinct character for any occasion or preference. Here are three you absolutely must check out.

Petit Cul de Sac and Grand Cul de Sac Beaches

Petit Cul de Sac is a magnificent, protected lagoon and is always calm enough to enjoy a refreshing swim. Turtles usually swim or soak up the sun on the rocks on the left side of the cove. “Petit” means small in French, and this lovely piece of paradise is true to its name. It’s not the largest beach on the island, but one of the most delightful and secluded. Conversely, Grand Cul de Sac Beach is an excellent place to learn kitesurfing. This beautiful lagoon features calm, shallow waters, making it perfect for children. When hunger strikes, you can enjoy a meal with your toes in the sand at either O’Corail or La Gloriette.

Flamands Beach

Flamands is the largest beach on St. Barth and a favorite of the locals. Its expansive shoreline invites long, leisurely walks, where you can lose yourself in thought as the balmy breezes carry your cares away. This serene, reflective atmosphere is a vital part of Flamands' charm. The ocean in this location is terrific for bodyboarding or skimboarding but is best left to good swimmers since the waves can get pretty powerful. 

Saline Beach

With its peaceful, unspoiled landscape and just enough remoteness, Saline Beach is one of St. Barth’s most relaxing beaches and is considered by many to be the most stunning on the island. The water is choppier here, so bodyboarders will be testing their skills. Saline dunes give the beach a very private, secluded feeling. This spot is trendy for nude sunbathing.

SHOPPING

St. Barth’s moniker as the best elite destination in the Caribbean is partly due to its wonderful shopping experiences. The brands and quality here are luxurious, upscale, and tailored toward the affluent crowd vacationing in St. Barth. 

You’ll find lavish boutiques, high-end shops, and exclusive stores where you’re sure to find what you’re looking for—from luxury fashion, fancy footwear, quality jewelry, tropical beachwear, and more. Forbes Magazine named St. Barth as one of the top 10 shopping destinations.

Snag stylish swimwear and striped beach blankets at Kiwi St. Barth in St. Jean, then head to La Casa del Habano for a Panama hat. Voila, St. Barth is a favorite boutique of sailor-meets-preppy ensembles: linen dresses, crisp white beach bags with rope handles, and bright-colored trousers. Stop by Calypso St. Barth for something fancy for dancing the night away. Visit high-end resort wear boutiques along the streets of Gustavia, where designers like Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Roberto Cavalli offer exclusive collections of St. Barth.

VILLA WAKE UP

Villa Wake Up is one of the most prestigious residences in St. Barth. The private beachfront villa is located on the dazzling coasts of Flamands Beach. The luxurious six bedrooms can comfortably accommodate up to twelve guests. Each room is superbly designed and adorned with glamorous designer furnishings. In this home, you can relax in the fabulous hammam, sauna, and massage room and spend your day in the cinema room or the fully equipped gym. You can enjoy the view of the coveted seafront of St. Barth, lounging on the expansive terraces and deck. From the marvelous sea-facing outdoor pool and jacuzzi, you can take in the captivating ocean views from the luxury villa or step outside to enjoy the tranquility of your private beach.

GREAT DINING

If you’re more about “the scene” when you go on vacation, St. Barth is definitely for you. It has some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean. It’s a French island with little indigenous food culture, so many ingredients are brought in from Europe. Some of the best restaurants are found on-site at upscale hotels or resorts, where the brand of Caribbean cuisine combines Creole flavors, exotic local fruits, fresh seafood, and traditional French cooking techniques. Here are two to try:

Black Ginger | Thai

Right in the heart of Gustavia, Black Ginger serves 100% authentic and refined Thai cuisine created by a trio of Thai chefs. The eatery’s unique interior courtyard opens onto the starry sky, matched only by its contemporary design. It combines a palette of red and black colors with lighted domes, casting a soft ambiance. It would be best if you tried the Massaman curry with coconut milk and peanuts.

Bonito | French

Located on a hill overlooking Gustavia’s harbor, Bonito is one of the island’s most famous restaurants, praised by lovers of fine cuisine worldwide. Delicate forms and colors adorn this traditional and spacious colonial restaurant, with an open kitchen and a modern twist on exotic flavors. Bonito serves fresh, local seafood prepared in many ways, perfect for those seeking a romantic dinner. Order the salmon tiradito, and you’ll dream about it long after you leave. The spiny lobster risotto is a gastronomic pleasure, and the homemade ice creams are pure decadence.

VILLA EMBRACE

Villa Embrace is a secluded luxury residence located in the mountainsides surrounding Gustavia. The private villa offers majestic views of the mountains and the sea. It remains a peacefully secluded residence while still within walking distance of the captivating beaches and everything St Barths offers. The five luxurious bedrooms can accommodate up to ten guests. The 12,000 sq. ft four-level villa is the embodiment of contemporary chic glamor. The super design includes the Island's only four-story glass elevator poised before a waterfall feature, a topiary garden, a living wall, and a wine cellar. The guests can enjoy themselves in the fully equipped cinema and game rooms. The two impressive outdoor infinity pools overlook the breathtaking sea, and the outdoor massage pavilion makes for the perfect spot for enjoying the sun. 

SIZZLING NIGHTLIFE

St. Barth has a wide selection of clubs and lounges where you can either dance the night away or relax in a sophisticated setting on a plush banquette hugged by posh pillows in good company and delicious beverages. Whatever your inclination for the evening, you’re sure to find the ideal venue on this exclusive island. Check out these two:

Le Ti

Ooh, la la! Head on over to Le Ti for a little Moulin Rouge entertainment. Burlesque dancers and exemplary table service kick this little Creole cottage in the hills up a notch. The vibe here is fashionable, posh, and sexy. This raucous, kitschy nightclub is a rite of passage for first-timers to the island.

Baz Bar

Live bands and fresh sushi in a colorful, breeze-filled tavern on the Gustavia waterfront. What could be better? At the legendary Baz Bar, the music kicks in around 9 pm nightly, and folks like Jimmy Buffett have been known to show up and sit in with the band. Guests can dine outside on the harbor deck or at the polished teak bar inside, where sparkling lights adorn the wooden walls.

There is no doubt St. Barth is a favorite getaway for luxury travelers, and rightly so. At LVH, our primary concern is your happiness! We invite you to contact an LVH client relations team member who will begin planning your enchanting vacation to luxurious St. Barth! Not only will you be staying in an elite, private home with untold amenities, complete services, and constant support, but we will also fashion a bespoke itinerary for you that reflects what you want your dream vacation to be.