What makes St. Barths so special to me is its blend of French romance with the colors and warmth of the Caribbean—it’s a little French escape wrapped in tropical beauty. There’s a duality to the island’s energy—buzzy, alive, and festive—yet interwoven with pockets of calm, quiet beaches and delicate spas. The food is on another level entirely, no matter where you go on the island. Even the beach clubs serve dishes that feel straight out of Europe’s best dining rooms, and dinners have a way of becoming the most memorable moments of your trip.
The island itself is like nowhere else in the Caribbean. Its green hills, winding roads, and jagged coastline full of hidden beaches with rope swings and cobwebs create a natural sense of intimacy. The hilly terrain also means the island was never overdeveloped. Instead, you’ll find hotels, shops, restaurants, and galleries informed by a boutique sensibility.
Every corner looks like a photograph waiting to happen. If you want to capture the magic, book a session with photographer Emily Lab, who grew up on the island and knows all the secret spots. She was recommended to me by Laurie Lynn Stark of Chrome Hearts, whose boutique is one of my favorites on the island. You’ll also want to check out Lab’s magazine, Zion, for updates on what’s new and happening on the island.
Many of my favorite places are in the capital, Gustavia, just a short, scenic drive from the airport. From here, everything is wonderfully walkable or easy to reach in one of the island’s iconic Mini Mokes, making it easy to switch between exploring and soaking up the sun. Each beach has its own personality (even the water seems to come in a hundred shades of blue), so make sure to explore both the spots surrounding the city and undeveloped expanses like Saline and Gouverneur beaches to the south. Expect secluded coves, crystalline waters for snorkeling, and local surf spots.
Even though the island is small and undeniably exclusive, it offers endless options. To help you make the most of this incredible destination, I reached out to some friends who have been visiting for years and know the island inside and out: island veteran and close friend Heidi Klum, and of course, Laurie Lynn Stark. Below, find our recommended secret spots and classics that are loved for a reason.
BEST TIME TO GO:
Though it’s technically the high season, I recommend going December through May when the island is at its best: clear skies and soft breezes that suit St. Barths perfectly. Plus, you’ll have a chance to experience how festive the winter holidays on the island can be. For fewer crowds and lower prices, travel in early June before the rainy season officially begins. I usually take a flight from New York to St. Maarten and then a small charter—usually a Britten-Norman Islander or St. Barth Commuter—to St. Barths.
SLEEP
- Eden Rock: Founded in the 1950s as a private celebrity hideaway by French Caribbean artist and aviator Rémy de Haenen, Eden Rock quickly became known as a hot spot for the Old Hollywood jet set. Now, the 37-suite hotel is a luxe getaway with a renowned Jean-Georges Vongerichten-helmed restaurant, The Sand Bar, and private villa options, including Villa Nina, which boasts its own contemporary art gallery. It’s centrally located and a quick walk to all of the best beach clubs.
- Cheval Blanc: A celebrity favorite originally founded by the island’s British vicar Charlie Vree Nicoll, and his wife, Mandy. The hotel is known for its setting on Flamands Beach, the newly renovated Guerlain Spa, excellent restaurant La Case, White Bar (which Stark recommends for a sunset drink), and service that brings a divinely personal touch to every stay. The bungalows with private terraces and pools are great for families; but no matter which room you book, everyone at the hotel is very social. You will be running into friends your entire vacation!
- Gyp Sea: This idyllic seaside hotel and spa directly on St. Jean Beach will live up to your wildest dreams, complete with private villas and a swanky beach club. Gyp Sea’s interiors are elegantly bohemian, filled with vintage textiles, artisan furniture, and bespoke treasures. Guests can arrange private dinners on the beach and excursions to tucked-away parts of the island. The turquoise, turtle-filled waters and laid-back charm offer all the relaxation you could need. Plus, the hotel is situated directly between its own Gyp Sea Beach Club and Nikki Beach for a change of pace.
- Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth: Located on its own private peninsula and nestled between two beaches, this boutique property feels a world apart. Reopened in late 2021 after a four-year renovation, the classic hotel feels essentially new. Many of the 56 rooms have private pools and direct access to attractions like the spa, restaurants, water sports, and on-site hiking. The on-site shop is a space to gather all your vacation wardrobe needs, with brands including Gigi Hadid’s Guest In Residence, Larroudé, and Sporty & Rich.
- Le Toiny Hotel and Beach Club: Perched on a hillside with only 22 large suites, Le Toiny Hotel and Beach Club is even more secluded than Le Guanahani. Each room has a private heated pool and ocean views—if your own oasis is what you’re looking for, you’ll never want to leave this luxurious bubble. You can even book a private dinner party or beach extravaganza complete with dancers, music, and fire shows.
DINE
BREAKFAST:
- Kaz à Juice: One of the most popular vegan-friendly juice spots on the island. Here, you’ll find delicious pressed juices made from local ingredients. Open Monday to Saturday, this is the perfect place to start a day of island relaxation.
LUNCH AND BEACH CLUBS:
- Eddy’s Ghetto: A local hot spot known for its buzzing atmosphere and Caribbean food with a French/Creole twist. You can never go wrong here, from the classic grilled fish to any of the exciting daily specials.
- Le Select: Another St. Barths hallmark, Le Select is the oldest bar on the island. Founded in 1949, the bar and restaurant became a go-to spot for laid-back dining on plastic chairs, and little has changed since. (Jimmy Buffett performed here and had a lifelong open tab after granting the owner permission to add “Cheeseburger in Paradise” to the sign outside.)
- Ti’ Corail: A small, locally owned restaurant on the beach known for its fresh fish, great wine, and casual atmosphere. Wear your bathing suit and dig your toes into the sand while you eat.
- Nyama: A relaxed lunch and dinner spot offering Vietnamese and French family recipes, cheffed by husband-and-wife owners Tûti and Clément Laffite. The hospitality is incredible, and so is the sea bass. The duo will make you feel like they’re cooking for you in their living room.
- La Guérite: Where you can dance on the tables at lunch and carry the party through the evening. An energetic beach club and fabulous restaurant known for its caviar-topped sashimi by Greek-born chef Yiannis Kioroglou, you’ll never want to leave.
- Nikki Beach: Kick back and relax on a sunbed directly on the lively beach in the village of St. Jean—especially on a Sunday. Book for brunch and enjoy a menu crafted by corporate executive chef Alessandro Pizza, refreshing cocktails (or the always-flowing rosé), fresh seafood, and Afrobeats from the resident DJs Patris Gero and Moody.
- Shellona: Another must-try by chef Kioroglou. Situated on Shell Beach, just outside of Gustavia, this restaurant serves a delicious mélange of Greek and Caribbean influences—think grilled octopus and fish tacos filled with fresh tuna and caviar. Visit for lunch or book a sunset dinner to take in the stunning seaside view
DINNER:
- L’Isola: Enjoy the warm ambience and a plate of fresh pasta at this fine-dining Italian restaurant, perfect for a date night.
- Bonito: After an upscale seafood dinner at this buzzy French restaurant, which has views of the yachts in Gustavia Harbor, the DJ starts spinning and the crowd seamlessly transitions into a night of dancing.
- L’Isoletta: A true Roman-style, wood-fired pizza restaurant if you’re looking for a change of pace. Served by the slice, the pizza is light and delicious, made with only the best ingredients imported directly from Italy. This is the perfect spot for a casual, no-stress dinner—there are always plenty of families with kids.
- Le Papillon Ivre: A must-visit for wine lovers. Owner-sommelier Julia Campion is an expert in French varieties and will help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
- Mamo: Already in New York, Paris, and Antibes, the beloved Italian restaurant has officially landed in the heart of Gustavia. Its signature classics include veal with capers and savory truffle pizza. The bartenders here will make you feel right at home with a delicious cocktail.
- La Petit Plage: A lively and exuberant atmosphere with a menu from Michelin-starred Eric Frechon. Book for dinner in the front row overlooking the boats in the marina and stay for the dancing, which starts to pick up around 10 P.M.
NIGHTLIFE:
- Bagatelle: Head here for a fun Saturday night filled with dinner and dancing.
- Le Café: Fun any night of the week. Here, you’ll find a classic French bistro with an eccentric twist. As dinner service wraps, the restaurant transforms into a lively piano bar complete with renditions of Édith Piaf or Gilbert Bécaud’s “Nathalie.”
- Le Ti: Best on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, according to Klum. The restaurant transforms from a fine-dining establishment into a full-blown burlesque show. With live performers and a rich, theatrical ambience, it is a fully immersive experience. And for an extra touch of magic, slip backstage into the costume room—where you can dress up in the ensemble of your choice to truly step into the spirit of the show.
DISCOVER
- Toiny Beach: An expansive stretch of undeveloped coastline on the southeastern side of the island known for its challenging waves for surfing.
- Shell Beach: A short walk from Gustavia, this tiny cove is protected by cliffs and blanketed with crushed shells in shades of pink, gold, and peach. Under the bright sun, the entire beach seems to sparkle as the shells reflect the light. Home to the iconic restaurant Shellona, this is among the island’s most popular spots at sunset.
- Gouverneur Beach: Straight out of a postcard, this white-sand beach is a short drive from Gustavia on the southernmost part of the island. I love to come here for picnics, reading, and swimming. The setting is undisturbed—there are no bars or restaurants, so you will need to pack lunch and water.
- Grand Fond Trail: Accessible from Grand Fond Beach, the trail will take you on a challenging, roughly 30-minute hike along the rocky ocean coast. Your destination is the Grand Fond Natural Pools, formed where seawater washes over ancient volcanic rock formations. The largest, named “The Washing Machine” for the constant churn of the sea, is surrounded by smaller pools safe for wading at low tide. Mornings or late afternoons are best to avoid the midday heat, and make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and water.
- MasterSki Pilou: Though many of the beaches are a short walk or drive away, you can also charter a boat in Gustavia Harbor to get you there. Explore one or all of the island’s beaches at your own leisure or hop on a Jet Ski for a unique guided tour.
SHOP
- Clic: Founded by former stylist and Calypso boutique owner Christiane Celle, Clic is a relaxed yet elevated home goods store located in Gustavia. It perfectly captures the island’s barefoot-luxury aesthetic.
- Maison Pélican: An absolute favorite of mine. Peruse midcentury treasures, Murano glass, bespoke rattan creations, and more in this Gustavia boutique. Bring home a little something that will always remind you of your wonderful trip.
- Dipped in Blue Bikinis: A new bikini store from Stark’s youngest daughter, Frankie Belle Stark, and her best friend, Kono Lulu Smith, opening on December 8. The pieces take inspiration from the ’90s, blending laid-back island energy with a fresh sense of fun.
- Zimmermann: Opened in Gustavia in June 2024, the first Caribbean boutique from Zimmermann founders Nicky and Simone Zimmermann was fêted over a memorable weekend filled with friends, including Bridgerton’s Hannah Dodd. The brand’s easygoing florals and chic silhouettes are perfect for any island occasion.
- Pharmacie de Gustavia: All of the pharmacies on the island carry a wide range of French beauty products, from face lotions to sunscreens, but this is my favorite in the center of town. Make sure to stock up on your trip.
- Baya: Tunisian-born founder Sonia de Baya personally sources items from all over the world, from Indian tableware to Moroccan pillows. Her store feels more like a bazaar that showcases the stories of every piece.
- Mollie Mae Vintage: A luxury vintage store hand-curated every season. Anytime you go, you’ll always find something new.
- Chrome Hearts: Stark and her husband, Richard, originally opened their St. Barths outpost in 2019 following encouragement from their son Kristian, who was then put in charge of leading the project. Now, the boutique—a favorite of mine and my sons—draws inspiration from the island’s frothy energy, stocking an eclectic range of furniture, jewelry, and clothes that Chrome Hearts fans know and love. The store recently underwent an expansion and is set to reopen in the coming weeks.
- Space Gallery: A contemporary gallery specializing in established and emerging European artists. Since joining forces in 2011, co-founders Paolo Nicola Rossini, Maria Angela Ventura, and Natalie Clifford have built an exciting roster of artists such as Victor Matthews, whose new solo exhibition, “The Light of Sand,” will be on view from November 26 to December 10.
- Montaigne Market: Originally founded in Paris in 2005, this luxury boutique has become best known for its St. Barths outpost, which impeccably curates designer finds for warm-weather dressing.
- Jacques Zolty: First a model, then a perfumer, and now a fashion designer, Jacques Zolty embodies the island’s eclectic energy through his eponymous lifestyle boutique.
- Lolita Jaca: Locally founded and internationally admired, this brand and boutique is best known for its handmade silk caftans, often in geometric patterns that give them a contemporary twist.