St. Barts - The Land Of Beautiful Beaches: A Complete Travel Guide

Although this dramatic coastline, with its cliffside paths and breathtaking views of the sea, may evoke the charm of the French Riviera, St. Barts offers something even more elusive in France—silky, smooth sand. 

Across the 10-square-mile island, you can explore off-the-grid adventures, hidden beaches, and secluded coves, then effortlessly transition to a stylish beach club for a lively lunchtime dance. 

But, still, we don’t know what sets St. Barts apart from any other island.

Let’s find out.

Why Visit St Barts For Holidays?

From its stunning natural beauty to its vibrant culture and luxurious amenities, this Caribbean island offers an unforgettable experience that may keep you coming back year after year. 

Here are some of the countless reasons to pick St. Barts for your holiday. 

✔ Breathtaking Beaches
✔ World-Class Dining
✔ Luxurious Accommodations
✔ Thriving Culture
✔ Outdoor Adventures
✔ Exclusive Shopping 
✔ Relaxation and Rejuvenation

Overall, St. Barts offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and luxury, making it an irresistible destination for honeymoon couples, friends, and family seeking for an unforgettable escape. 

Ideal Season: Best Time To Go To St Barts

• Summer (June-August)

The start of the hurricane season - Summers are characterized by hot weather and lots of wind. The temperature here can reach over 90 degrees, however, if this sounds ideal, you can enjoy the warm water conditions and lots of sun, especially in June (13 hours of daylight). 

Summers are usually less crowded because of rain and the high chances of hurricanes. That said, June and July are the windiest months of the year. 

Summer can be the best time to visit St Barts for visitors seeking a quiet and relaxing Caribbean island vacation.  It’s a popular time for events such as Gustavia Day, celebrating the Saint Barth culture, or Bastille Day, an ode to the island’s French heritage.

With most of the tourists gone for the summer, it is the best time to enjoy the silence and tranquility of the beaches.

• Winter (December-February)

The part of the Lent season, December to February, is considered as the winter months in St Barts. To escape the winter cold, St Barts weather in December is the best time for snowbirds to enjoy their holiday breaks. With that, winters have become the peak tourist season of this island.

 The tourist activity increases significantly in mid-December. After the quiet fall season, the island becomes lively with visitors, particularly in Gustavia. The winter season here offers quite warm and tropical weather with temperatures in the 70s-80s and minimal rainfall, perfect for beach days and exploring the island. 

Due to high demand, it is essential to book properties well in advance to ensure availability. 

• Spring (March-May)

Exploring St. Barts in Spring would be a whole new experience for the visitors. It is the best time to visit St. Barts when the high season is about to end, but there is still some time for the hurricane winds to arrive. 

It is when you can fathom the island’s beauty and even enjoy the celebration of many heritage festivals. There isn’t much crowd, so you can indulge in all the island’s luxuries. 

Between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, there is beautiful tropical weather and not much rain during these months. Water temperatures remain warm enough to enjoy spending time at the beach, and long days full of sun allow for lounging on the sand.

• Fall (September-November)

St Barts in fall can be a little unpredictable, with sunny days quickly turning into heavy rain or even hurricanes. This makes fall the least popular time to visit St Barts. 

September has the highest chance of hurricanes, and October is the rainiest month, with more than half the days raining like cats and dogs. Many locals take vacations during this time, and some beaches and even accommodations are shut down for renovation purposes. 

In simple words, the island is quieter; however, taking a trip in late October can be ideal as the weather improves and November brings in visitors early before the initiation of the high season. 

• Average Temperature Over The Year

Temperature in Fahrenheit

Optimal Time: When To Visit St Barts

In any case, the time between April and June is the best time to be on this gorgeous island. 

St Barts enjoys mostly steady and sunny weather during this time. However, there can be occasional storm clouds and brief showers. With that said, sunny days are far more frequent than rainy ones. 

The best part is that these three months offer you hotels and vacation rentals at more affordable rates than ever. Make sure to check the best deals and availability well in advance for reservations. 

Top Attractions In St Barts

With so much to do or see, it can be hard to decide where to start. Don’t worry; here is something to help you make the list of the most visited places that you must definitely check out. Hop on to find out what this paradise has to offer: 

• Flamands Beach
  

One of the largest and the most beautiful beaches, Flamands Beach in St.Barths is where you must surely go. Known for its wide stretch of white sand and clear blue waters, it’s perfect for sunbathing and swimming. The beach is the house to some of the upscale vacation rentals, resorts, and restaurants with a premium seaside experience.

• St. Jean Beach

One of the most favorite among tourists and locals alike, St. Jean Beach is carefully divided into two sections by the iconic Eden Rock. 

With stunning views, vibrant beach clubs, and excellent conditions for water sports like windsurfing and paddle boarding, this beach gives the best things to spend the whole day and evenings. 

The nearby shops and cafes add to its charm, making it a lively spot to relax and spend quality time. 

• Gustavia

The capital of St. Barts, Gustavia, is a picturesque harbor town best known for its charming streets, high-end boutiques, and historical sites. 

You can explore the beautiful Gustavia Lighthouse, Fort Karl, and the Wall House Museum. The town also boasts a lively dining scene with many restaurants and cafes offering delicious Caribbean and international cuisine. 

• Comobier Beach

Accessible only by boat or a hiking trail, Colombier Beach is a secluded paradise. 

Its remote location ensures a tranquil experience, making it perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and enjoying the serene beauty of nature. The clear waters and vibrant marine life make it an amazing place for underwater exploration. 

• Shell Beach

Shell Beach, located near Gustavia, is a very unique place known for the presence of an abundance of seashells scattered along the shore. The serene and tranquil feature makes it a great spot for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. 

The beach offers stunning sunset views, and that’s not it. It is even home to the popular Shellona restaurant, where visitors can experience their meal with their toes dipped in the sand. 

• Gouverneur Beach

A pristine and secluded beach, Gouverneur Beach is known for its crystal clear waters and soft, white sand. It is less crowded than some of the other beaches here, offering you a peaceful retreat. 

The beach is unspoiled and clean, making it another great spot to relax in the serene environment or have a cozy time with your partner. In short, it is perfect for all the honeymooners out there. 

Things To Do In St Barts

Plan your trip better by understanding some of the activities that you must not miss out on. 

• Have A Shopping Spree In Gustavia

Stroll through the lively streets of Gustavia, housed beneath the iconic red-roof buildings. It is where all the designer boutique shops bring the latest French fashions to the Caribbean shores for a world-class shopping experience. 

• Sunbathe On The Saline Beach

The secluded shores of Saline Beach offer plenty of privacy to enjoy a leisurely stroll during the day at the beach. Go for a swim in the clear blue waters before drying off on the white sand beneath the warm Caribbean Sun. 

• Try Kitesurfing At Grand Cul De Sac Beach

Tradewinds from the ocean create the perfect conditions for kitesurfing in St. Barts. Join the parade of colorful kites floating above the bay as you cruise on top of the water's surface. 

• Snorkeling And Diving 

Explore the vibrant underwater world of St. Barts through snorkeling and diving. The island’s clear waters are home to a variety of marine life, including colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and sea turtles. 

• Enjoy The Views At Fort Gustave

Ascend the hillside to Fort Gustave, a 17th-century fort overlooking Gustavia. It offers one of the best views over Shell Beach, with the pure blue Caribbean Ocean extending endlessly towards the horizon.

• Check Out Colombier Trail

Hike the scenic Colombier Trail to reach the secluded Colombier Beach. The trail offers stunning views of the coastline and lush landscapes, leading to a tranquil beach perfect for relaxing and swimming. 

Key Events Throughout The Year

• St. Barts Music Festival (January)

St. Barts Music Festival the oldest and largest cultural event on the island of Saint Barthélemy. It brings together the best musicians from the largest classical music orchestras in the world (New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, California, Germany, England, France, Japan, Israel, Brazil, etc.).

• Carnaval (February or March)

The Carnaval is a vibrant and lively celebration hosted on the Caribbean Island of St Barts. The tradition dating back to the 19th century, Carnaval, is a fusion of African, European, and Caribbean influences, providing a distinctive and vibrant experience.

• St. Barts Bucket Regatta (March)

St. Barts Bucket Regatta offers unparalleled racing and a unique, fun-filled experience at the shoreside. Over the years, many of the world’s most notable and accomplished sailors have participated in the racing. 

• Les Voiles de St Barth Richard Mille (April)

It is one of the best nautical events in St Barts around the island. 
Les Voiles allows seafarers from all over the world to meet once a year and compete, in sometimes Dantean conditions, for the pure sake of pleasure.

• West Indies Regatta (Late April-Early May)

It encourages and promotes the dying art of Caribbean Boat Building among the islands.
It is an artisanal market that showcases arts & crafts, organic produce, and unique specialty products from all our islands that arrive under sail. 

• St. Barth Film Festival (May)

It is a film festival held annually at the end of April in Saint Barthélemy in the Caribbean.
It provides a platform for emerging filmmakers to exhibit their creations to a wider audience. 

• Victory Day (May)

8th May, a public holiday in Saint Barthélemy.
It commemorates the surrender of Germany to the Allies at the end of World War II in 1945.

• Bastille Day (July) 

It marks the anniversary of the fall on July 14, 1789, of the Bastille.
Celebrations are held throughout France.

• Taste of St. Barth (November)

It was started as a celebration of French gastronomy. 
Each year, the festival is sponsored by one of the many French Michelin-starred participants.

• Caribbean Rum Awards (November)

CRA is the region's most exclusive celebration of rum. 
Visitors to the Caribbean Rum Awards can enjoy a full-day expo of top-level Caribbean rums, a ti-punch workshop and seminar, and much more.

• St. Barths Cata Cup (November)

It is an annual catamaran regatta that has attracted professional sailors, passionate amateurs, and local crews for over a decade.
It is more than just competition, but a celebration of sailing, camaraderie, and the natural beauty of St Barts.

Where To Eat In St Barts

Here are some highly recommended restaurants in St Barts that you must try. During the off-peak months, you might be able to get a table without reservations.

• Tamarin

✔ Address: Route de Saline, Gustavia, Saint Barthélemy 97133
✔ Phone: +590 590 29 27 74
✔ Timings: Everyday (6:30 PM onwards)
✔ Cuisine: French, Mediterranean
✔ Min. Spend: $50 and over

With a casual chic ambiance with a gorgeous and comfortable lush tropical garden setting. Its romantic atmosphere makes it a perfect place to take your partner on a date. The garden is centred around a 200-year-old tamarind tree and accented with serene ponds filled with lily pads.

Insider tip: Vegetarians, vegans, and those on a gluten-free diet are welcome and can select from a variety of dishes

• Le Select

✔ Address: Rue de la France, Gustavia 97133, St Barthélemy
✔ Phone: +590 590 27-8687
✔ Timings:  Monday To Saturday (7 AM - 10 PM)
✔ Cuisine: American, Bar, Fast food, Pub
✔ Min. Spend: $10 and over

Started in 1949, Le Select is one of the oldest restaurants in St. Barths. It is essentially a French West Indies dive bar. It is an inexpensive place with seating like plastic chairs and tables under umbrellas in the street. 

Insider Tip: Try the Ti Punch, which is rum with fresh lime juice.

• Le Toiny Restaurant 

✔ Address: Anse de Toiny, 97133 Saint Barthelemy, French West Indies, Caribbean
✔ Phone: +590 590 27 88 88
✔ Timings:  Everyday (11 AM onwards)
✔ Cuisine: French, Caribbean
✔ Min. Spend: $50 and over

A hidden paradise in the Toiny Bar, Le Toiny restaurant, housed in Hotel Le Toiny, offers a delicious menu. With a regularly changing menu, it offers amazing French and Caribbean cuisine with vegetarian-friendly options as well. Toiny, one of the best beach clubs in Saint Barths offers a one-of-a-kind experience every Thursday night. Make sure to take the night to explore this extravagant night!

Insider tip: The hotel humorously warns that if you're wearing more than flip-flops, you're overdressed. It is vegetarian-friendly

• Sand Bar

✔ Address: Sand Bar, St Jean Bay French West Indies, 97133, St Barthélemy
✔ Phone: +590 590 29 81 86
✔ Timings:  Everyday (7:30 AM - 9:30 AM, 12 PM - 3:30 PM, 7 PM - 10 PM)
✔ Cuisine: International, Caribbean, French
✔ Min. Spend: $50 and over

Headed by celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Sand Bar is a wonderful choice for a gourmet evening. It is not just about breathtaking panoramic views but also about its uber-friendly staff and delicious food. Their breakfast menu is to die for, and the perfect evening dining featuring caramelized foie-gras with black-olive seasoning, lychees and brioche.

Insider Tip: You must try their truffle pizza crispy salmon along with the spectacular view of Saint Jean Bay. 

How To Save Money While Traveling In St Barts?

Before you plan for your visit at this truly amazing honeymoon destination here are a few things you must know to save up a little. 

• Stick To The Sidelines Of The Shore

Make sure to avoid shopping for high-end fashion in St Barts - it may cost you a fortune. However, all of St Barts is beautiful, with serene beaches and white sands that you can enjoy. 

• Plan Your Vacation Ahead Of Time

It may be rare to get a discount for a winter, but it is possible, especially if you book up to a year in advance. 

• Pack A Picnic Kit

Cafe culture is quite rare here in St Barts as it is too expensive; however, picnicking is very popular. On your arrival, make sure to visit the Marche U grocery store near the airport to stock up on your favorite foods. You could even take a detour to a bakery like La Petite Colombe for breakfast pastries and sandwiches to go. 

What Do You Need To Know Before Visiting St Barts?

✔ Currency: Euro (€)
✔ Official Language: French/ English
✔ Calling Code: +590
✔ Capital City: Gustavia
✔ Power Outlets: European-style sockets with two round holes.

• Prepare To Have A Long Travel 

There are no direct flights from the U.S. to St. Barts’ primary airport, Gustaf III Airport (SBH). You’ll probably have to fly into St. Martin’s Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) before taking a small plane to St Barts. On occasion, you can board a ferry from St. Martin to reach St. Barts by sea route. 

• Fill Up The Tank During Weekdays

The island has only two gas stations, both of which are closed on Sundays. Thus, if you are running low on gas, make sure to refuel before the weekend. 

• You’ll Need To Have A Car Rental 

To explore all the beaches and trails around this island, you’ll need to rent a car. The place is low on taxis, and ride-hailing services are pretty much non-existent. You can book a car from rental agencies at the airport. Any valid foreign driver’s license is acceptable for driving.

Come To St Barts Anytime & Stay With Villaway!

Escape to this paradise anytime with Villaway!

Whether you want to have a luxury villa or a vacation rental - a home away from home, Villaway has everything you need. With properties offering stunning ocean views to private infinity edge pools to world class resort like amenities, you’ll find anything you may require for ultimate relaxation and indulgence. 

Book your stay with VILLAWAY and experience the magic of St Barths like never before!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is It Safe To Travel?

Yes, it is an incredibly safe island in the Caribbean. There is no crime record, making it a great place for female solo travelers.

2. Is It Expensive In St. Barts?

Although it is an expensive island, one can still enjoy holidays in St Barts on a budget. There are no entry fees to explore the beaches, you can book vacation rentals, and instead of going to expensive cafes, you can enjoy picnicking on the beach. However, one can not say that St. Barts is a cheap or any less expensive vacation destination.