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12 Surprising Reasons St. Barths Is the Ultimate Caribbean Destination
You can find blue water, sun, and sand at any beach destination, but when you’re looking for something truly amazing, there’s got to be something more. Shopping? Cuisine? Amazing nightlife? Whatever it is, you’ll find it in St. Barths.
Check out these 12 unexpectedly awesome reasons you should plan your next vacation on the exquisite island of St. Barths.
1. Shopping in Gustavia is like a treasure hunt for the most exquisite baubles in the world.
Unexpected delights are around every corner when you’re shopping in St. Barths. Instead of the usual touristy beach shops, you’ll find everything from elite brands like Hermes to local skin care favorite Ligne St. Barth, and everything in between.
Jewelry, clothing, exquisite French cheeses and pâtés—the lovely shops and boutiques in St. Barths have it all.
2. You’ve never had anything as fabulous as the lobster at La Langouste.
I know what you’re thinking—you can get lobster anywhere, why fly to St. Barths for a crustacean? But you obviously haven’t seen the lobster at La Langouste, the elegant beachside restaurant at the Hotel Baie des Anges.
Choose your lobster from the tank and wait for the chef to prepare it to your specifications. Try the Lobster Thermidor, it’s to-die-for.
3. Where else can you see such an amazing collection of mega-yachts?
The Gustavia Harbor is where the superyacht showdown takes place every winter, although you can find them there pretty much year-round. We’re talking yachts like the Eclipse, a 533-foot yacht, the second-largest in the world, owned by Russian steel magnate Roman Abramovich, and Aquarius, the 303-foot yacht owned by casino billionaire Steve Wynn.
If you love the mega yachts, bring your camera and come to St. Barths.
4. And where there’s yachts, you’re bound to see celebrities.
Celebrity spotting is big entertainment for lots of visitors to St. Barths. At any time you might run into Kim Kardashian, Bella Hadid, Nick Jonas, Demi Lovato—or any of the celebrities who own homes on the island.
You may not be a celebrity stalker yourself, but it’s always a thrill to catch one shopping in Gustavia or working on her tan.
5. The beaches are postcard perfect—and rarely crowded.
Those powdery white sand beaches that characterize the Caribbean abound in St. Barths. Whether you’re looking for a little respite in town after a long afternoon shopping, head to Shell Beach.
Looking for a little seclusion for a romantic escape? You’ll love Saline Beach, a popular place if you want to sunbathe au naturel.
6. Jimmy Buffett wrote “A Sailor’s Christmas” at Le Select.
© Sam Howzit
Everyone knows Jimmy Buffett’s best tunes were inspired by his favorite spots in the Caribbean. “Manana” was inspired by his travel to Tortola, “Havana Daydreamin’” by his travels to Cuba, “Cheeseburger in Paradise” was about St. Barths and “A Sailor’s Christmas” by Le Select in St. Barths.
Can you hear the lyrics in your head right now? “There’s a party down at Le Select, music, rum and cheers. Faces in the shadows, God, I haven’t seen for years…”
7. Our private villas are absolutely smashing.
Sure, you can find any number of fine hotels, but when you’re on a remote Caribbean island and you want to feel like you’re the only person in the world, you can’t beat our private villas. Imagine honeymooning in a breezy beachside villa, fresh croissants and juice delivered to your door, your own hammock for afternoon naps, and a stretch of secluded beach to enjoy with the one you love?
8. The French cuisine is to die for.
The island’s French heritage is strong in the local cuisine—and the restaurants play it up to best advantage, mixing in a bit of West Indian Creole flair to spice things up. From the casual and relaxed sand-and-sea vibe of Le
Select to the seaside elegance of Shellona beach, you’ll find the perfect place to indulge your inner epicure on exquisite French cuisine.
9. Film buffs rejoice! There’s a Caribbean Film Festival in St. Barths.
For over 20 years, St. Barths has celebrated Caribbean contributions to the world of film with an annual film festival.
The event draws filmmakers and other creative sorts to advance the cause of Caribbean film culture. Screenings are free to the public—a great time to visit if you’re a cinema buff!
10. It’s one of the few places in the world you can find a Nikki Beach.
If you’re into the ultimate international jetset party scene, you know all about Nikki Beach Clubs. St. Barths is one of just 12 exclusive destinations with a Nikki Beach—and it’s the hottest spot on the island.
There’s an amazing event every weekend with live music, dancing, great food and free-flowing cocktails. It’s the playground of choice for the rich and famous.
11. Two words: Bucket Regatta.
Every year since 1995, dozens of the world’s finest superyachts and their crews gather in St. Barths for a three-day competition to benefit charity. In 2018, proceeds went to help St. Barths recover from the damage of Hurricane Irma.
It’s a magical time to visit the island—the spectacle of the superyachts filling the harbor, the thrill of watching side-by-side sailing, and the air of celebration of all things yachting. Next year’s Bucket Regatta starts on March 21st, so book your accommodations now if you want to see it.
12. A rosé at Eden Rock is the most romantic thing in the world.
All the best things in St. Barths happen over a glass of rosé—and nothing beats a soothing glass with someone you love at Eden Rock.
A St. Barths’ icon for nearly 70 years, it’s a favorite of celebrities, authors, and the world’s cognoscenti. Although it suffered considerable damage from Irma, renovations and repairs are nearly complete and it’s expected to open again toward the end of the year.
Don’t miss out on St. Barths this year.
If you’re ready to indulge in the ultimate island escape this year, let’s put some plans in motion. We make it easy to bring your dream vacation to life.
And if you’re not quite ready to have a chat, why not sign up for our free email course to learn more about how to plan the ultimate St. Barths vacation.
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