St. Barths Travel Guide

St. Barths is a destination like no other and offers an unforgettable experience. We’re sharing tips from our recent trip, our favorite restaurants, and things to do with this highly curated St. Barth’s travel guide.

Getting There

Start your journey by flying into St. Martin and hop on a ferry or take a quick 10-minute flight to reach the island. I used Winair for this short flight, and it was a bit chaotic with many delays and poor communication. If you are flying, I strongly recommend booking Five Stars VIP Service for a hassle-free experience. They met us once we got off the plane in St. Martin and helped us with the customs and immigration process. In St. Barths, we had a 2+ hour delay as they were waiting for a Winair plane, and Five Stars VIP Service did a fantastic job keeping us updated and helping with flight transfers in Anguilla.

What to Know

St. Barths has winding roads and hilly terrain, making transportation and choosing your accommodation location a very important considerations. We opted for a rental car, which provided the freedom to explore the island. However, we found the roads to be narrow and challenging to drive at times (despite having extensive experience renting cars in other countries). I recommend keeping this in mind as you book your hotel or rental house. If you’re interested in renting a car, I suggest checking out Cool Rentals (especially their Mokes!).

We found it challenging to arrange last-minute taxis, something to consider as you plan your trip. We arranged the majority of our transportation ahead of time. We used St. Barth Mobilite, and I highly recommend them. You can schedule the pickup time and call 15-20 minutes before you’re ready to be picked up.

As a French overseas territory, St. Barths uses the Euro as its official currency, but we were able to use credit cards for everything. It’s always advisable to have some cash on hand just in case, but we didn’t find the need for it during our trip.

Where to Stay

We stayed at an Airbnb because we were traveling with a large group (check out the pool view above!). Our Airbnb was located in Grand Cul-de-Sac and I would recommend avoiding this area unless you are comfortable driving.

If we were to go back, our hotel choice would be Eden Rock. We particularly enjoyed its location, within walking distance of Nikki Beach, shopping, and several restaurants.

Where to Eat & Drinks

Gyp Sea Beach Club: We had a delicious lunch while lounging on beach chairs, and both the service and food were incredible. The decor is also stunning, making it worth a visit for both a meal and beach relaxation.

Nikki Beach: The second seating at Nikki Beach is the place to be on a Sunday. If you’re seeking a more laid-back lunch, consider opting for the first seating.

Shellona: Enjoy a delicious lunch or reserve a beach chair for some sunbathing at Shell Beach. We were impressed by the fresh food and beautiful views.

Bonito Saint Barth: Enjoy pre- or post-dinner cocktails with a great view of the harbor. While the cocktails may be on the pricey side, they are delicious and well worth it!

Le Petite Plage: Located in the port of Gustavia, this spot is perfect for cocktails, dinner, and dancing. Reservations are recommended, especially if you prefer indoor seating – make sure to request it specifically when booking.

Bagatelle: Dress up for dinner and dancing at Bagatelle. Reservations are recommended, and opting for the second seating if you are interested in a party vibe. Don’t miss out on the famous Saturday night white party!

What to Do

Rent beach chairs: This was my favorite activity during our trip! Not only was it incredibly relaxing, but the food and service were also top-notch. I highly recommend checking out Gyp Sea Beach Club and Shellona. If you’re staying at Eden Rock, they offer excellent beach chair options as well.

Visit the beaches: St. Barths has a lot of stunning beaches that are definitely worth exploring. Consider visiting the following beaches during your stay: Colombier Beach, Saline Beach, Gouverneur Beach, Shell Beach, and Saint-Jean Beach.

Explore Gustavia and Shop: Gustavia, the capital of St. Barths, has cobblestone streets lined with upscale boutiques and designer shops. It’s a fun place to walk around and window shop (or shop!) with the chic storefronts and adorable cafes.

Let us know if you have any questions in the comments. I’m so excited for you to plan your trip to St. Barths.

– Karen