Introduction
Between Christmas and New Year, the tiny French island of St Barths hosts a phalanx of movie stars, models, and music moguls who enjoy a fast-paced social whirl on fabulous yachts and at windswept villas. Things slow down the rest of the year when the island revels in both the relaxed charm of the Caribbean and the sophistication of France, with miles of unspoiled beaches, clear azure waters, and breathtaking views.
More from St Barths PDF VersionEssentials
- Getting there - don’t even think about taking the ferry from St Martin. Take the puddle jumpers (Air Caraibes, WinAir, St Bart’s Commuter).
- St Barths is polyglot, with French as the official language, but English is widely spoken.
- The local currency is the euro but dollars are accepted everywhere.
- Mini Coopers and small electric cars are popular and better for the narrow roads.
- Take a walking tour of Gustavia (named after King Gustav III of Sweden).
Two-hour tour
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Lone Fox - classic wooden sailboat to charter for sunset cruises — Owner/skipper Ira Epstein
St Barths
+ 590 690 33 26 85
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Hotels
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Hotel La Banane
Baie de Lorient
+ 590 590 52 03 00
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Le Guanahani
Grand Cul de Sac
+ 590 590 27 66 60
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Le Sereno
Grand Cul de Sac
+ 590 590 29 83 00
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Dining
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Maya's To Go
St Jean
+ 590 590 29 83 70
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La Plage
Tom Beach Hotel, St Jean
+ 590 590 27 53 13
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Bar de l'Oubli
Gustavia
+ 590 590 27 70 06
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O'Corail
Gran Cul de Sac
+ 590 590 29 33 27
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Au Regal — Sports bar with real Creole food.
Corossol
+ 590 590 27 85 26
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La Santoise — Classic pizza spot offering delivery across the island
Corossol
+ 590 590 27 68 70
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Head to the beach in Corossol with a cold bottle of bubbly from La Cave du Port Franc in Public
Rue de la République, Gustavia
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Bonito
Gustavia
+ 590 590 27 96 96
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La Route des Boucaniers
Waterfront, Gustavia
+ 590 590 27 73 00
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Victoria's at Carl Gustaf Hotel
Rue des Nomands
+ 590 590 29 79 00
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Caviar Island
Gustavia
+ 590 590 52 46 11
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Yacht Club
Gustavia
+ 590 590 27 86 39
Shopping
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Check out the straw hats and baskets made from palm fronds and sold in the fishing village of Corossol.
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The Pelican Shops
Boutiques near the beach, St Jean
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Beach toys from Dimanche a la mer
Vaval Shopping Centre, St Jean
+ 590 590 27 56 13
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Beautiful contemporary photography from Clic Gallery
Gustavia
+ 590 590 27 50 40
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Relaxing massage or facial at The Spa at the Guanahani hotel
Grand Cul de Sac
+ 590 590 29 70 17
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Transport
Limousine/car
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Premium IV — concierge service
St Barths
+ 590 590 29 00 07
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Fitness
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Bikes — For self-propelled tours of the island on a sun velo.
St Barths
+ 590 690 63 46 09, + 590 590 87 18 56
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Form Fitness — Everything from workout machines and pilates to yoga and salsa classes.
St Barths
+ 590 590 27 51 23
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