Island Paradise Getaway: A Travel Lovers Guide to St Barts
Image credit: martinvarsavsky
Exuding a seductive blend of picturesque vistas, glamorous nightlife and laid back island charm, St Barts is every travel lovers dream destination.
With pure white sand beaches surrounded by aquamarine waters, fascinating boutiques bursting with once in a lifetime finds, and mouthwatering cuisine from some of the most stylish restaurants in the Caribbean, it doesn't take much convincing to indulge in all that this island paradise has to offer.
To help you make the most out of your trip to St Barts we've put together this definitive guide to all the island's hottest highlights:
Pure Bliss at Le Manoir de Lurin
Experience the most luxurious private estate in St Barts at Le Manoir de Lurin, where you’ll enjoy the finest Caribbean hospitality, stunning views of the countryside and coastline, and the breathtaking gardens the villa is so famous for. Just a stone’s throw from Gustavia itself, Le Manoir is the perfect base for your stay on St Barts, offering the perfect blend of tranquility and excitement for visitors of all ages. With a choice of three family friendly villas and apartments, Le Manoir is ideal for all occasions, from family weekend getaways, to wedding parties, and corporate retreats.
Look out from your private verandah and see the endless blue sky stretching over the sea, as you prepare for a day of exploration and adventure on the island. When you return to the villa to escape from the midday sun, you can take a relaxing walk through the picturesque shaded gardens and slip into the pool for a refreshing swim, before unwinding with a glass of wine while you watch the breathtaking Caribbean sunset over the horizon. Life does not get more laid back than this.
Grab Some Breakfast at Maya's to Go
As one of the most highly sought after restaurants for dinner reservations on the island, what most people don't know is that Maya's to Go has also become the insider's choice for breakfast and lunch. From flaky croissants to freshly squeezed exotic juice, it's the perfect place to watch the island waking up as the locals make their way to work and the tourists get ready for a day at the beach.
Image credit: Food Thinkers
Sun, Sea & Cocktails at Saline Beach
Tucked away on the island's southern coast, Saline beach is by far one of St Barts most beautiful stretches of sand and surf. This protected cove is only a short walk through the sand dunes, from where you will be bowled over with the vibrant turquoise waters and sweeping gold coast line. It's not hard to find a secluded spot all to yourself where you can soak in the sun and revel in the soothing whisper of the wind. After a morning of beach basking you can enjoy lunch in one of the two nearby restaurants.
Image credit: didier beck
Take a Drive Through Grand Fond
One of the most interesting and unknown attractions in St Barts is the enchanting driving route through Grand Fond. The perfect remedy for too much time spent on the beach, this is a great activity to undertake when you feel like seeing a different side to the island. With rocky crags, turbulent waters, stunning vistas, and photo opportunities around every corner, a drive through the Grand Fond will give you a whole new perspective on St Barts. This is an activity that you’re unlikely to find in any guide book, but which is a favorite excursion of many experienced island visitors.
Image credit: Andries
Shop the Boutiques at St Jean
Situated in the heart of the island, the picture perfect village of St Jean may be small but it's chock-full of charm. With an impressive array of restaurants, shopping plazas, and boutiques, St Jean is the most popular tourist destination outside of Gustavia. From intricate collections of clothing to completely unique handmade jewelry, you can easily spend hours perusing the plazas, trying things on, and hearing the fascinating stories behind the products.
Image credit: martinvarsavasky
Take Part in the World's Most Thrilling Yacht Race
Test out your sea legs at the three day Les Voiles de Saint Barth regatta, in one of the most exciting yacht races in the world. Drawing in famous sailors from around the globe, a fleet of 80 boats pit their wits against the exhilarating Caribbean waters. With the abundance of private villas to rent on the island, both boat owners and spectators can come and join in on the festivities, along with their families allowing for island entertainment on a grand scale.
Image credit: tiarescott
Marvel at Mesmerizing Marine Life
No trip to St Barts is complete without a visit into the water to catch a glimpse of some of its mesmerizing marine life. The Nature Reserve of Saint Barthelemy covers five different unique marine ecosystems, providing protection and ensuring that any activity in the area is carefully managed. The pick of the dive spots around the island is the shipwreck at Kayali, where it is common to spot conch, lobster, spotted eagle rays, turtles, reef sharks, and schools of tropical fish.
Image credit: Chris Nelson
Explore the Island's Capital City Gustavia
Lined with chic boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and galleries galore, St Barts red roofed capital city of Gustavia has everything you could ever need all in one place. Open air markets selling crafts, produce, and locally made cosmetics line the streets, and the harbor is filled with boats both big and small, many of which can be rented allowing you to enjoy the island from a completely different perspective. For breathtaking sightseeing vistas make your way to Fort Gustav for the best vantage point of viewing the harbor and surrounding landscape.
Image credit: Susan Smith
Watch the Sunset from Lurin
After enjoying all that the beautiful harbor town of Gustavia has to offer, head up the hills to the quaint town of Lurin just as the sun begins to set. The views from up there are absolutely awe inspiring, and you'll also discover one of the local's favorite spots to eat - Sante Fe restaurant. With majestic views of the ocean, along with St Kitts and Nevis in the distance, you'll want to stay long after the sun has disappeared.
Image credit: James Temple
Your Turn
Are you planning a trip to St Barts? Leave us a comment below and let us know what's on your itinerary...