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St. Barthélemy, affectionately known as St. Barts (or Barths – both are correct) with its exquisite coves, gingerbread-trimmed Creole cazes, and stone-wall-trimmed emerald hillsides, is counted among the northernmost arc of the Caribbean's Leeward Islands. The rich and famous flock here for the tropical climate and the laid-back atmosphere. Despite the island’s stratospheric prices, gourmet eateries, and duty-free haute-couture boutiques, sarongs and denim cut-offs (and often little else on the beaches and yachts) are common. While the island is French by custom, most locals speak excellent English and the U.S. dollar is accepted everywhere.
To unwind, French-style, on the most luxurious island in the Caribbean.
Beachfront properties aren’t necessarily preferable on St. Barts – since the best beaches are isolated and lack accommodations, even “beachfront” hotel guests explore other strands. Furthermore, the most scintillating views are from the hillsides (most villas – preferred by many – occupy prime perches). While high-end options in the range of $1,000+ per night are the most abundant, moderate – and even a few budget – accommodations can be found (anything under $300/night should be considered “budget”). Choose from reliable chains, delightful inns, sumptuous villas and stylish boutique properties with spas and gourmet restaurants.
Eden Rock Hotel
The island’s first real hotel, straddling the eponymous promontory that cleaves St-Jean beach, has been beautifully...
Hotel Carl Gustaf
The Carl is the perfect escape for visitors seeking relaxation and privacy. Comfortably removed from town, the hillside...
Hotel Guanahani and Spa
Seeking a place big enough to accommodate an entire family without splurging on a villa? Consider the gingerbread cottages at...
La Banane
Compared to its stylish peers, La Banane is affordable, making its nine minimalist bungalows – all of which circle an...
Le Sereno
Christian Liaigre (of New York Mercer Hotel fame) is the mastermind behind the trendiest designer digs on the island (this is...
St. Barth Isle de France
Bed down in this exquisite colonial-style gem on breathtaking Flamands Beach with enormous rooms, superb food and service, and...
Wimco Villas
Villas are not only the island’s best value for families and large groups thanks to their spacious accommodations, but...
Hotel Baie Des Anges
All ten of the charming, fully outfitted bungalows (each comes with telephones, TVs, and kitchenettes) open right onto...
Le Village St-Jean
This cordial, family-run operation, just up the hill from St-Jean beach, offers simple, yet brightly decorated, cottages and,...
L'Hostellerie des Trois Forces
This breeze-swept aerie atop Morne Vitet mountain, is run by astrologer Hubert Delamotte and his wife Ginette. The seven cozy...
Les Mouettes
Stay in one of several basic but comfy bungalows with kitchenettes and terraces right on Lorient Beach.
Eden Rock Hotel
The island’s first real hotel, straddling the eponymous promontory that cleaves St-Jean beach, has been beautifully...
Hotel Carl Gustaf
The Carl is the perfect escape for visitors seeking relaxation and privacy. Comfortably removed from town, the hillside...
Hotel Guanahani and Spa
Seeking a place big enough to accommodate an entire family without splurging on a villa? Consider the gingerbread cottages at...
La Banane
Compared to its stylish peers, La Banane is affordable, making its nine minimalist bungalows – all of which circle an...
Le Sereno
Christian Liaigre (of New York Mercer Hotel fame) is the mastermind behind the trendiest designer digs on the island (this is...
St. Barth Isle de France
Bed down in this exquisite colonial-style gem on breathtaking Flamands Beach with enormous rooms, superb food and service, and...
Wimco Villas
Villas are not only the island’s best value for families and large groups thanks to their spacious accommodations, but...
Hotel Baie Des Anges
All ten of the charming, fully outfitted bungalows (each comes with telephones, TVs, and kitchenettes) open right onto...
Le Village St-Jean
This cordial, family-run operation, just up the hill from St-Jean beach, offers simple, yet brightly decorated, cottages and,...
L'Hostellerie des Trois Forces
This breeze-swept aerie atop Morne Vitet mountain, is run by astrologer Hubert Delamotte and his wife Ginette. The seven cozy...
Les Mouettes
Stay in one of several basic but comfy bungalows with kitchenettes and terraces right on Lorient Beach.
Dining is frightfully expensive on this exclusive island (expect to shell out around $50 per entrée alone) and calling ahead for dinner reservations is strongly encouraged. Elegant hotels often present superlative French cuisine, while others specialize in fresh seafood or Creole cuisine with seasonings designed to ignite the palate; all menus utilize the freshest available ingredients. Be warned service is not brisk, a 15% gratuity is often applied, and additional tips are optional. Villa renters always have the option of shopping at traiteurs (takeout/caterers). Many places close during the slow summer season.
Do Brazil
This oh-so-trendy, jungle-themed locale is tops on the island for prime people-watching, fresh fruity drinks, and views of...
La Langouste
This restaurant in the courtyard of the Hôtel Baie des Anges is the spot for lobster – the freshest on the island.
La Rôtisserie
This is the place to go for top-of-the-line picnic fixings (Iranian caviar, anyone?) and Fouchon gourmet goodies. The fresh,...
Le Rivage
This popular, affordable beachfront brasserie serves up refreshing gazpacho, enormous salads, ultra-fresh grilled seafood,...
Maya's To Go
Operated by the famous island restaurateurs behind Maya’s, you can savor the fab dishes as take-out (delicious brioches,...
Wall House
This exemplary eatery is known for its amiable owners, harbor views, gracious service, and rotating art exhibits. The prix...
Eddy's
Despite several incarnations in different buildings, Eddy’s has remained an island institution, in part thanks to the...
Kiki é Mo
This Italian-inspired gourmet deli in a cute mint-and-yellow Creole caze dishes out yummy pizzas, pastas, and panini (you’re...
Le Select
Americans and yachties flock to this longstanding classic shanty. Its garden eatery is dubbed “Cheeseburger in Paradise”...
Match
Across the street from the airport is the island’s best supermarket, with its enticing selection of well-priced wines,...
The Hideaway
The cherished local haunt advertises “warm beer, corked wine, and view of the car park.” The décor is minimal, but locals...
Eden Rock Hotel's Sand Bar
Located on the Eden Rock promontory which divides Baie de St-Jean; the lunch proves very dear yet gastronomically daring –...
Jao
Larger-than-life Buddhas set the tone at this trendy Thai outpost with a great waterfront location on Gustavia’s harbor....
K'fé Massaï
Attracting a sexy crowd, the eclectic food (salmon tartare with grapefruit, roasted sea bass with sesame and fennel puree)...
L'Esprit de Salines
This open-air caze, splashed in seashell colors, sits beneath a craggy escarpment just steps from the water. Affable,...
Le Gaïac
One of the last bastions of formal French dining on St. Barths is found in the romantic restaurant of Le Toiny hotel. The...
Le Lafayette Club
The quintessential St. Barths eatery, open only for lunch, advertises itself as the place “where the elite meet to eat…”...
Le Sapotillier
Classic French fare like seared fois gras, frog's legs, and duck confit are complemented by a superlative wine list and the...
Maya's
This longtime institution epitomizes barefoot chic right down to the glorified picnic tables on the water's edge. Randy and...
Do Brazil
This oh-so-trendy, jungle-themed locale is tops on the island for prime people-watching, fresh fruity drinks, and views of...
La Langouste
This restaurant in the courtyard of the Hôtel Baie des Anges is the spot for lobster – the freshest on the island.
La Rôtisserie
This is the place to go for top-of-the-line picnic fixings (Iranian caviar, anyone?) and Fouchon gourmet goodies. The fresh,...
Le Rivage
This popular, affordable beachfront brasserie serves up refreshing gazpacho, enormous salads, ultra-fresh grilled seafood,...
Maya's To Go
Operated by the famous island restaurateurs behind Maya’s, you can savor the fab dishes as take-out (delicious brioches,...
Wall House
This exemplary eatery is known for its amiable owners, harbor views, gracious service, and rotating art exhibits. The prix...
Eddy's
Despite several incarnations in different buildings, Eddy’s has remained an island institution, in part thanks to the...
Kiki é Mo
This Italian-inspired gourmet deli in a cute mint-and-yellow Creole caze dishes out yummy pizzas, pastas, and panini (you’re...
Le Select
Americans and yachties flock to this longstanding classic shanty. Its garden eatery is dubbed “Cheeseburger in Paradise”...
Match
Across the street from the airport is the island’s best supermarket, with its enticing selection of well-priced wines,...
The Hideaway
The cherished local haunt advertises “warm beer, corked wine, and view of the car park.” The décor is minimal, but locals...
Eden Rock Hotel's Sand Bar
Located on the Eden Rock promontory which divides Baie de St-Jean; the lunch proves very dear yet gastronomically daring –...
Jao
Larger-than-life Buddhas set the tone at this trendy Thai outpost with a great waterfront location on Gustavia’s harbor....
K'fé Massaï
Attracting a sexy crowd, the eclectic food (salmon tartare with grapefruit, roasted sea bass with sesame and fennel puree)...
L'Esprit de Salines
This open-air caze, splashed in seashell colors, sits beneath a craggy escarpment just steps from the water. Affable,...
Le Gaïac
One of the last bastions of formal French dining on St. Barths is found in the romantic restaurant of Le Toiny hotel. The...
Le Lafayette Club
The quintessential St. Barths eatery, open only for lunch, advertises itself as the place “where the elite meet to eat…”...
Le Sapotillier
Classic French fare like seared fois gras, frog's legs, and duck confit are complemented by a superlative wine list and the...
Maya's
This longtime institution epitomizes barefoot chic right down to the glorified picnic tables on the water's edge. Randy and...