St Barts

Why St Barts is special
St Barts is the Saint-Tropez of the Caribbean - it's a playground for the rich and famous.

Free of mass tourism
Why St Barts is mass-tourism free
Its harbor is too small for large ships and its airport is too short for jets.

Resorts and beaches
Resorts
Like nearly everything else on this island, the hotel resorts are small-scaled, low-rise, and pricey. The top three are the Eden Rock, Isle de France, and Carl Gustaf. The first is the island's finest all-around resort.

St Barts beaches
There are 22, some snugly fitting in coves. They are uncrowded and void of hassling vendors. Anse de Saline is the most popular beach. Grand Cul de Sac beach is known for its watersports and has a pleasant setting.

Dining
Character
In keeping with the character of the island, dining is superb and proceeds at a leisurely pace. In contrast, nightlife is unexceptional.

Getting to St Barts
By boat or plane
Most people arrive on a slow ferry or fast catamaran from St Martin/St Maarten, about 29 kilometers (18 miles) away. Flying in on a small plane is the next most frequent means of transportation. Lucky visitors come in style on a yacht.

Main towns
Gustavia
It's the capital and the major town and port. Gustavia's tiny picturesque harbor (see photo above) is dotted with luxury yachts and surrounded by chic boutiques and restaurants.

Saint Jean
The port of Saint Jean has a popular public beach and quality seaside restaurants, as well as the renowned Eden Rock Hotel.

More St Baarts tips & insights
Also known as
The island also goes by "St Barths" and the fuller name, St Barthelemy.

St Barts climate
It rains here less than on most Caribbean islands, which means more sunny days.

Interior landscape
The verdant St Barts mountains hide valleys with secluded villas and villages.

Location Maps