Sexy, Intriguing, Chic St Barth’s (a travel guide)
It is beautiful, it is wild, it is luxurious, it is understated and above all… it is sexy. If you’re looking at this guide, you probably already knew that and more about St Barths, but I have to warn you: the first time I went (after doing all the research I could) I got there and thought: “I don’t get it… I’ve been to nicer places”… then you settle into its rhythm and before you know it, you get the je ne sais quoi people talk about and without being able to explain it, you find yourself planning your trip back.
Where to stay:
I don’t think you can wrong at any hotel location-wise. It is such a small island and you end up driving everywhere. I think it depends on your budget and as much as St Barths is charming, it is VERY pricey.
I will mention the most popular hotels:
The Eden Rock - It was the first hotel on the island, so there’s a lot of very glamorous history there. Its beach is protected by a reef, so the water is always calm. It is beautiful and very sceney…. amazing for people watching.
Cheval Blanc - Ok, this might be my favorite hotel (ever!). It is understated, chic and feels secluded. I can close my eyes right now and recall the subtle scent they use throughout their property: tropical in a very french way. It’s on Flammands beach and the swell can get pretty rough. I had to drag my husband to take drives around the island, he would have preferred to stay at the Cheval beach all day and order another bottle of rose.
Le Sereno - This hotel is lovely and more modern. The rooms open directly to the water, which is very serene (hence the name). We loved the staff here and its proximity to the island’s most beautiful beaches. It is farther away from town but again, the island is small so getting around is no big deal.
Where to eat:
For lunch:
Shellona - restaurant/bar on a gorgeous shell beach. The food is delicious and if you stay long enough it turns into a party on the weekends. Order the spicy tequila with passion fruit, my favorite vacation cocktail. Remember to make reservations way in advance.
Cheval Blanc - perfect spot for beautiful long lunches. Get there early and book a first row table, lovely afternoons can be spent here.
The Beach Club at Le Toiny Hotel - John and I had a great lunch under the palm trees. It is hidden in a garden facing the ocean. The food is very fresh and I found it so french and romantic.
For casual lunch:
Maya’s To-Go - It is counter service. You can pick up the most delicious sandwiches, the yummiest salads, a bottle of any wine you can dream of. They pack it for you and you can bring it to one of the many beautiful beaches (with no hotels) in the island.
JOJO Burger - this is such a funny place. It is in front of a cemetery, and it is literally a hole in the wall but it has amazing burgers and it's probably the only normal priced spot in the island (did I mention everything is ridiculous expensive in St Barths?). Everyone goes here for hangover food.
Dinner:
TAMARIN - make sure to get reservations in advance. It is one of the more popular restaurants and rightly so: the food is delicious and the ambiance is so fun.
Bonito - We loved it… it reminds us of the high end restaurants in Miami. The food was amazing and the location is perfect, you can walk down the block to party afterwards. Try to get a table with a view.
L’Isola – I'm a bit torn about this one. It is in Gustavia town and everyone says it is amazing italian food but I feel like I've had better. The place is very beautiful and romantic, definitely go there for a date night.
Sand Bar at the Eden Rock - our friends who are foodies swear by the food here. It's a Jean Georges restaurant so I bet it's amazing.
Orega - we didn't make it to this one but everyone says it is beyond. You should try it and report back.
Party spots:
Nikki Beach - We had such a fun time here. Go on Sunday for lunch, ask your hotel to book you a tqable by the ocean on the second seating. Watch your bill. Don't fall for the sushi boat thing (DM me on ig so I can tell you more). Make sure to dance on the tables.
Shellona - very fun, great music, not as crazy as Nikki Beach.
Le Ti- skip the dinner. I repeat DO NOT EAT HERE. Go after midnight. The place turns into a party, you can go to the back room and dress up.
MUST DO IN ST BARTHS:
My fave thing to do every morning: Leave the hotel and head over to La petite Colombe for breakfast. They have the best croissants and all sorts of pastries. Honestly they are as good as they are in Paris. The coffee is sooo good too.
Go to Saline beach - it is the most gorgeous beach on the island. Stop by Maya's to go (another MUST) and get a couple of beautiful baguette sandwiches and a bottle of wine and have a picnic at Saline or Gouverneur Beach
Go to Shell beach - This is where Shellona is. You can visit when you're having lunch here or you can go for afternoon drinks. Either way it is lovely and such a unique beach.
Afternoon stroll in Gustavia - the town is actually pretty quiet but it is a great place to grab coffee and either window shop or forget about saving for your children’s college tuition.
Rent a car, or even better a moke and drive all over the island. The island is tiny and pretty hilly. There are some gorgeous viewing spots all over. Grab a map and just take all the roads until you get to the top.
Didn't do but wish I did:
The hike at Colombier - couldn't convince John to do it.
Grand fond washing machine - same as above - google it, it looks sooo beautiful