Menu
In the words of those who have experienced it, St. Barth’s possesses a certain je ne sais quoi – an elusive magic that’s challenging to articulate but undeniably present. It could be attributed to the island’s sugar-sand beaches seamlessly merging with crystal-clear turquoise waters. Alternatively, it might be St. Barth’s distinctive French charm, evident in the cobblestone streets of Gustavia and the yacht-filled harbor reminiscent of the South of France. However, St. Barth’s is far from pretentious; being a Caribbean island, it exudes a relaxed, tropical ambiance. In essence, this French enclave in the Caribbean stands out as an ideal destination for a diverse range of travelers.
Below, I’ve provided some insights for planning a trip to St. Barth’s (also known as St. Barts or Saint Barthélemy).
While there are no direct flights to St Barths, you know what they say about the best places on earth—they require a bit of effort to reach.
Option 1: Our preferred route is flying into San Juan (SJU) and then taking a Tradewind Aviation shuttle flight directly to St Barths in 45 minutes. Tradewind operates Swiss-built Pilatus PC-12 jet prop aircraft and two-pilot set up, and has hubs in San Juan (SJU), Puerto Rico, Antigua (ANU), Anguilla (AXA) and St. Thomas (STT) in the U.S. Virgin Islands, allowing passengers to conveniently connect with major airlines from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and South America.
An additional perk is the ability to complete customs clearance in San Juan, avoiding long immigration lines at the final U.S. destination. However, it comes at a cost, averaging around $1,000 for round-trip flights.
Option 2: For U.S. travelers, the common route is flying to San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU), or neighboring St. Maarten / St. Martin. From St. Maarten, St. Barths Commuter or Winair offer a 15-minute flight. Note that the SBH runway is relatively small, potentially challenging for those with flight anxiety. On the flip side, the St. Maarten route is more budget-friendly, utilizing Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) and local carriers like St. Barths Commuter or Winair.
St. Jean, Shellona, Saline, Gouverneur, and Shell Beach are well-established favorites. Marigot Bay is a beloved spot for snorkelers. Be sure not to overlook the opportunity for a hike to Colombier Beach, accessible solely by foot or private boat.
Maya’s stands out among restaurants where the enduring presence of diners is evident. A fixture on the island since 1984, the menu varies based on the day’s fresh catches from local fishermen, complemented by scenic waterfront views. It’s an ideal spot for a family outing or a hearty dinner with friends.
Dining at Le Tamarin feels like being in the midst of a tropical oasis, complete with glamorous guests adorned in sequins and feathers, along with others engaging in boozy backgammon games on the grounds. The restaurant serves French island-style cuisine, featuring options like ceviche and foie gras, along with a diverse selection of freshly caught fish. Don’t miss their signature cocktail, the Tamarini, before venturing out for the night.
“Fun” succinctly captures the essence of Bonito. Drinks arrive in whimsical glasses, the music sets a lively tone, and the entire restaurant exudes an atmosphere of enjoyment.
Similar to Bonito, Bagatelle is the go-to spot for an animated dinner scene. It’s consistently bustling, accompanied by a DJ setting the vibe. If you stay late, you might witness people dancing on tables with champagne bottles in hand.
For a more intimate and serene dinner experience, head to L’Isola in Gustavia. This venue offers fine Italian cuisine within a dark, moody setting, perfect for a romantic evening.
Curated experiences, travel tips, and latest travel inspiration, not to be missed.
