The world is such a vast place, and no matter how well-traveled you are, there’ll always be a new destination to visit and explore. If your feet are itching again for another adventure, why not consider going to St Barthelemy? Also known as St. Barths, this tropical paradise is nestled in the Caribbean and is famous for its pristine beaches and sophisticated atmosphere.
St. Barths may have been considered a getaway for the rich and famous back in the day, or maybe it still is, but it doesn’t mean you can’t visit this secluded island. If you’re thinking of setting foot in this stunning French territory, doing a little research won’t hurt so you can make the most out of your once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Planning Your St. Barths Trip
As with any other trips you had in the past, planning is critical when visiting St. Barths. Familiarizing yourself with the island and what to expect when you get there can go a long way in ensuring you’d have an eventful vacation. It’s better to arm yourself with basic information such as the language and currency they use so you can plan and prepare better. Also, it’s highly recommended that you find out the best times to visit St. Barths.
Although its tropical weather is typical all year round, some months or times of the year are better than the others because of the island’s annual hurricane season. April to June is considered the shoulder season, so you might want to focus your planning phase around those months. Not only will there be fewer crowds, but you can also expect lower lodging rates. Winter is the busiest time and the peak tourist season in St. Barths, which means hotel rates and flights would be more expensive. If you want to visit a neighboring town of St. Barths, you can book your stay at any St. John usvi real estate and enjoy its beautiful place too.
Enjoying The Beaches
Planning an itinerary comes easy when you’re in a paradise as serene as St. Barths. You’re surrounded by sand and water, so naturally, you’ll want to take all the time in the world to soak up in the sun. You can expect ultimate relaxation just by looking at the calming color of the ocean and feeling the tropical vibe of the place.
Because it’s an island, you’re swarmed with plenty of options if you want to enjoy the beach. If you’re yearning for seclusion and simplicity, Saline Beach might be perfect for your taste. There are no restaurants or bars on this beach, and you’ll surely enjoy the serenity it offers. If you like quite the opposite, include St. Jean Beach on your itinerary, and you won’t be disappointed if you’re looking for some action and new faces to mingle with.
If you want something more adventurous, you can go on a Colombier hike that’ll take roughly about 30 minutes of your time. The trail leads to an unspoiled haven where you can enjoy some privacy while admiring luxurious yachts and stunning mountains as your main view. If you plan on spending a few hours on Colombier Beach, you might want to pack an umbrella for shade, snacks, water, and maybe a couple of bottles of beer, too.
Eating And Drinking In St. Barths
You may be on an isolated island, but there’s no shortage of choices when it comes to food and drinks. Gourmet restaurants are a usual sight, where you can enjoy international cuisine prepared by renowned chefs. Who knows, you might even be seated next to celebrities and famous personalities while munching on your lunch or dinner.
For some restaurant and bar recommendations, here’s a quick list you can check:
- Mayas to Go: If you’re looking for light snacks you can bring to the beach, Mayas to Go serves handmade sandwiches, pastries, and desserts.
- Eddy’s Restaurant: This garden restaurant lies beautifully behind a wooden door you can’t easily miss because of its lizard signage that lights up by the entrance. Eddy’s is famous for its reasonable prices and unique recipes that are primarily of Asian palates.
- La Guerite: La Guerite is the place to be if you’re craving simple yet mouthwatering Mediterranean cuisine. Stars such as Jason Mraz and Leonardo DiCaprio were spotted leaving the restaurant some time ago, which says a lot about its food and service.
- Le Repaire: Another reasonably-priced eatery in St Barth’s is Le Repaire. Enjoy meals all day with a view that faces the port as you eat authentic American burgers and fries or any French cuisine you fancy.
- Tom’s Juice Bar: Tom’s Juice Bar is a bikini-friendly spot in Gustavia, St. Barth’s main town and capital. Here you can order tangy smoothies, acai bowls, and homemade juices that are perfect for quenching your thirst after or while lounging on the beach.
You also have the option to prepare or cook your own meals if you’re renting a villa that comes with a fully-equipped kitchen. You can find several market options near the airport, where you can buy fresh produce and other essentials.
Other Things To Do In St. Barths
Aside from enjoying the beaches, eating, and drinking, you’re probably curious about the other things you can do while in St. Barths. If you like shopping, you’ll have a great time spending an afternoon in Gustavia where you can find numerous local shops. And since the island is often frequented by the rich and famous, don’t be surprised to stumble upon international and luxurious brands like Hermes, Prada, and Louis Vuitton.
You can also visit some of the island’s historical sites, such as Gustavia’s oldest building, the Vieux Clocher, the Ruins of Fort Gustave, and the Wall House Museum if you’re interested to find out more about St. Barths’ history. Other activities you can try include the following:
- Snorkeling
- Trekking and hiking
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Scuba diving
- Island hopping
- Kayaking
Another must-do if you want to enjoy your trip is to experience the nightlife it has to offer. Be sure to check Le Ti St Barth, a nightclub that’s considered the rite of passage for tourists visiting the island. Here you’ll be taken into a secret back room and have you dressed up in matador capes, hot pink mullets, and feather boats before sending you to a raucous dancefloor where you can let go of all your inhibitions as you dance the night away.
A Trip To St. Barths – The Takeaway
St. Barths is a revelation, particularly if you’re a first-timer. Just one trip to this secluded haven can already set higher standards when it comes to touring beaches and remote destinations. It’s no wonder more and more people, celebrities or not, are dreaming of visiting the island at least once in their lives.
If you’re about to live the dream, don’t waste it and make the most out of such a rare opportunity. Familiarize yourself with the basics, including the language and currency, learn where to eat, and find out the other things and activities you can enjoy while in St. Barths.
