Despite its ritzy reputation, St. Barth has a laid-back side with incredible beaches, hiking, and sneaky-good surfing. Add in world-class dining, late-night dancing, and a charming historic town, and it’s easy to see why we keep coming back. Flip through for some of our picks on where to stay, eat, drink, hit the beach, and what to pack.
Hotel Christopher: Sunset views, great dining & cocktails and the best pool on the island
Rosewood Le Guanahani: A legendary, laid-back peninsula resort set on 18 acres, with excellent snorkeling right off the beach (turtles included). A top choice for families.
Hotel Le Toiny: A splurge, but worth it. Private, rugged luxury on the island’s wild side. Set above Toiny Beach - just a short ride down the hillside in one of their Defenders to the beach club & surf shack.
Airbnbs: The move for groups. High-style villas that offer the best value and privacy. If you go this path, we recommend picking up a rental car at the airport.
Some of the best beaches in the world. Gouverneur and Saline are our favorites. Shell Beach in town and Colombier (hike to) are great too. Bring a cooler of Caribs and stay until the sun drops. And don’t forget a pair of goggles for the crystal clear water.
Hiking: Take the rocky cliffside trail to the secluded Colombier Beach, or trek to the Piscines Naturelles (Natural Pools) at Grand Fond for a rugged island adventure.
Surf: A sneaky-good surf destination. Grab a lesson at Lorient or paddle out at Toiny—you might even find yourself sharing a wave with a local legend.
Town: Walk around the historic town of Gustavia and hit up the shops. Maison Pelican is a favorite - a curated gallery and antique shop filled with unique, soulful finds you won’t see anywhere else.
Shellona: Vibey, laid-back beach club on Shell Beach. Perfect for cocktails and bites with a soundtrack and people-watching that rivals the sunset.
Le Ti St. Barth: Our favorite bar in the world. Incredible energy, great DJs, and a legendary costume dressing room for those who really know how to party.
Eden Rock (Sand Bar / Remy Bar): One of the best places on island for sunset cocktails - buzzy, and set inside the iconic Eden Rock.
Nikki Beach / Gyp Sea: The spots to be seen. If you’re looking to pop bottles and dance on the sand, these are your headquarters.
Bonito: One of our favorite spots on island. Perched above Gustavia with stunning sunset views and incredible French-Latin cuisine, Bonito has a buzzing atmosphere with people watching as good as the cocktails.
Tamarin: A mid-island jungle escape. Exceptional French cuisine set in a lush, tropical garden. Definitely a must.
La Guérite: If you’re looking for tasty Mediterranean followed by DJ sets and champagne showers, this is the spot Good choice for big groups looking for a wild night.
Le Select: The legend. Grab a "Cheeseburger in Paradise" and a cold Carib (or Ti Punch) at this historic dive bar. Low-key patio in the heart of town with great vibes and people watching.
Eddy’s Ghetto: One of our favorites. Tucked away in a charming, laid-back garden, Eddy’s serves the freshest Creole-style seafood. Authentic St. Barths at its best.
L’Isoletta: The island’s best Roman-style pizza. Relaxed, open-air, and right in town - perfect for a casual recovery meal or a quick bite before drinks.