Join us as we dive into everything St. Barts has to offer as an island that understands the true ‘art de vivre’ or ‘art of living’ – from a yacht-filled harbour to fine dining restaurants and designer boutiques – all set within the jaw-dropping beauty of the surrounding Caribbean Sea.
ST. BARTS
Chic, exclusive, yet enviably unpretentious, St. Barts is the ultimate tropical escape combining the elegant sophistication of the French Riviera with the relaxed atmosphere of the sunny Caribbean.
The luxury destination is enhanced by pristine beaches, high-end dining, and designer shopping opportunities, all set within a breathtaking, naturally rugged landscape.
An A-list playground with an under-the-radar feel, St. Barts is also a known retreat for some of the world’s most affluent individuals, including celebrities and billionaires.
Despite its reputation for glitz and glamour, the island’s true culture is laid-back and intimate with endless appeal to be found in its subtle luxury.
Less a place of mega-resorts and more of paired-back beachside elegance, the island offers a safe, tranquil retreat for those seeking privacy and a true escape.
As a French territory, the island’s culture, cuisine, and atmosphere have a distinctly French flair. Visitors can expect to encounter gourmet restaurants, high-end boutiques, and French traditions seamlessly blended with Caribbean life. As such, St. Barts is said to offer a lifestyle beyond compare that showcases the ‘art de vivre’.
Swedish rule during the 18th and 19th centuries also left its mark, with the island’s capital, Gustavia – named after the former King of Sweden, Gustav III – featuring Scandinavian-influenced architecture such as a sea of red-tiled roofs visible as far as the eye can see.
An endlessly diverse destination, St. Barts’ calm, crystal-clear waters on the leeward side of the island are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and diving, whilst the windier bays on the opposite side present ideal conditions for windsurfing and sailing.
Although commonly thought of as a beach destination, the island also offers inland adventure for those who seek it, with its volcanic and rugged landscape featuring dramatic hills, winding roads, and stunning ocean views.
In essence, St. Barts is a destination for discerning travellers who appreciate luxury, privacy, and natural beauty – a place to slow down, indulge in gourmet food, and unwind on stunning, untouched beaches.
BOATING IN ST. BARTS
Surrounded by the calm, clear waters of the Caribbean Sea and typically enjoying over 300 days of sunshine each year, it’s no wonder St. Barts’ boating scene thrives.
A magnet for luxury superyachts and private charters, the island is known to showcase some of the world’s most spectacular boating events, particularly during the winter season between December and April when the waters are warmest.
High-profile events include the exclusive, invitation-only event St Barths Bucket Regatta alongside the Transat Concarneau-Saint Barthélemy, each of which attract first-rate sailing yachts and keen boating enthusiasts to compete against one another for nautical glory.
First held on the island in 1995 with just four yachts, the St Barths Bucket Regatta has grown exponentially over time to become arguably one of the world’s greatest, a true ballet for sailing enthusiasts which today welcomes an impressive 26 superyachts competing across seven classes.
Held over three days in March each year, the regatta’s organisers are keen to maintain the camaraderie and non-commercial spirit of the event, which first originated in Nantucket, Massachusetts in the US almost 10 years before the event was launched in St. Barts.
The original competition back in 1986 entailed a spontaneous sailing race between superyacht owners in Nantucket, who used a spare bucket as a trophy for the impromptu competition, thus leading to the creation of the Bucket Regatta series.
Transat Concarneau-Saint Barthélemy, meanwhile – today known as the Transat Paprec – is a biennial double-handed transatlantic yacht race.
This year marked the 17th edition of the historic event, with the course beginning as usual in Concarneau on 20th April and concluding on 9th May in St. Barts.
The race features mixed gender pairs competing on identical Figaro Beneteau 2 boats and is the only transatlantic race on completely equal footing in terms of the boats and equipment used.
The unique concept of a double-handed mixed pairs race – which was first introduced to Transat Concarneau-Saint Barthélemy in 2023 – has been praised for its ability to encourage more women to enter into the world of ocean racing.
Indeed, young female skipper Cindy Brin made history this year as the first participant from St. Barts to compete in the race, embarking on an incredible journey covering thousands of kilometres – a challenge local people followed with great enthusiasm.
St. Barts’ crucial role as a prestigious finishing port for the major ocean race has boosted local pride and spirit on the island, whilst significant economic benefits have been afforded by the event which attracts swathes of boating enthusiasts each year.
Another important contributor to St. Barts’ rich boating tradition is Les Voiles de St. Barth Richard Mille, a world-class sailing regatta that showcases high-level yacht racing for a variety of different boat classes, including Maxi, Super Maxi, and Multihull, as well as smaller classes such as Spinnakers and Melges 24s.
Historically attracting at least 15 nationalities and up to 800 sailors, the event was first conceived by François Tolède and Luc Poupon in 2010 with the goal of making St. Barts an even more attractive destination for global visitors.
Capitalising on the island’s perfect sailing conditions, Tolède and Poupon were able to increase visitor numbers through the magnificent boating spectacle.
It’s important to note that embarking on a nautical adventure over St. Barts’ crystal-clear, turquoise waters is not solely reserved for superyacht owners or regatta entrants – a half or full-day boating trip is the ultimate opportunity for any visitor to enjoy the region’s incredible scenery, with countless tours and excursions on offer.
By participating in a boat tour, visitors can explore St. Jean’s picturesque white sand beach, Colombier’s renowned sunsets, Gustavia’s impressive harbour, Gouverneur’s dramatic landscapes, and so much more, with all the island has to offer at their fingertips.
For those seeking a more hands-on sailing experience, the Saint Barth Yacht Club (SBYC) is a sailing school and water sports centre in Gustavia offering a range of classes and water sports rentals with a strong focus on teaching responsible sailing practices.
As such, whether you’re looking to participate in or watch a thrilling, world-class regatta, absorb picturesque vistas with the sea breeze flowing through your hair, or try your hand at mastering the art of sailing, St. Barts’ boating scene has something to offer everyone.
SAINT BARTH GOURMET FESTIVAL IN FOCUS
The Saint Barth Gourmet Festival is an annual culinary event showcasing French and Caribbean gastronomy and highlighting the island’s reputation as a world-class food destination.
This prestigious affair has historically featured some of the world’s most decorated Michelin-starred chefs collaborating to craft exclusive menus that showcase the best of both French and Caribbean cookery – a true celebration of ‘art de vivre’.
At this year’s Saint Barth Gourmet Festival – which will take place from 4th to 9th November, marking its 12th edition – visitors can expect to encounter a fusion of international gastronomy, themed dinners, and culinary competitions.
This year’s festival will be centred around the theme ‘All About Latin America’ with over a dozen renowned international chefs set to participate, showcasing their skills in collaboration with some of the island’s top restaurants.
Each visiting chef will be hosted by a partner hotel or restaurant where they will prepare a unique, multi-course tasting menu for festivalgoers to sample at the event’s formal dinners.
For example, Alexandre Koa is set to be the guest chef at Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth (Rosewood Le Guanahani), whilst French chef Cyril Lignac’s new restaurant in Gustavia, Bar des Prés, will open for the 2025 winter season as part of the festival and is expected to be a major highlight.
Beyond formal dinners, attendees can expect a variety of other events, including live cooking demonstrations and workshops, wine pairings with expert sommeliers, and specialty dessert tastings guided by world-class pastry chefs.
Popular annual competitions will also take place in line with tradition, including the St. Barth Bartender Contest at Rosewood Le Guanahani, the Petite Toques Competition – a junior culinary contest for children – at Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa, and the prestigious St. Barth Chef Challenge at Bonito Saint Barth.
In order to attend the festival’s exclusive gourmet dinners, keen foodies must make reservations directly with the participating hotels and restaurants. Booking early is recommended as the festival marks the beginning of St. Barts’ high season.
CARIBAVIA IN FOCUS
The exclusive aviation summit and retreat CARIBAVIA returned to St. Barts this year, held between the 10th and 12th June.
The prestigious event has further strengthened St. Barts’ strategic position in the sector, with the island hosting a vast array of fascinating conferences and workshops against beautiful beachy backdrops.
Gathering over 80 aviation and tourism professionals from across the globe, CARIBAVIA is centred around discussing local matters such as tourism and economic development through airlift in the region across an extensive three-day programme.
The only Caribbean aviation forum which focuses on the critical link between air travel and economic well-being, CARIBAVIA provides a space for stakeholders to share information, network, and develop actionable insights.
This year’s speakers included Adam Twidell, Chairman of the European Business Aviation Association, who talked about future of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) operations in the Caribbean.
In addition, Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, former Minister of Tourism of the Bahamas and General Secretary of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, spoke on liberalising airlift in the Caribbean, whilst Umberto Vallino, Marketing and Business Development Manager at Aéroports de la Cote d’Azur, discussed private aviation connectivity between the Caribbean and its high-end source market, the French Riviera.
Discussions surrounding the importance of aviation in driving economic growth in the Caribbean also emerged as a central theme at this year’s event, with Captain Alicia Hackshaw, a flight operations inspector for the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority, discussing how strategic aviation investments in training and manufacturing could drive growth, create high-value jobs, and position the region as a dynamic player in the global aerospace ecosystem.
Her message was delivered at an opportune moment since CARIBAVIA has been working on making the region more self-sufficient, with many attendees having long advocated for Caribbean-based workforce training and development.
More than a global summit, CARIBAVIA is also crucial in community-building, with its unique boutique-style approach intended to offer more intimate opportunities for engagement to those who truly welcome change and value innovation with regards to the future of aviation.
As such, CARIBAVIA sees attendees returning year-on-year thanks to the friendly atmosphere and feeling of family and community that it has become well-known for.
St. Barts is proud to have hosted such an event which is highly regarded as a catalyst for progress and innovation in a region where aviation is not just a convenience, but a lifeline.
In light of the success of the 2025 event, the island is keen to host future iterations of CARIBAVIA – aside from the ninth annual event, which has already been scheduled to take place in Antigua and Barbuda between 8th and 10th June 2027.
OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS
Eat:
FOR VIEWS OF THE CARRIBEAN SEA…
Favourably appointed on the pristine Flamands Beach and complete with breathtaking views, the Cheval Blanc St-Barth (Cheval Blanc) hotel offers a calm ambiance alongside refined dishes.
Combining both relaxation and luxury, Cheval Blanc is unique in that visitors can enjoy a delicious, laid-back breakfast menu beneath the sunshine each morning at La Cabane – the hotel’s relaxed beachside establishment – and indulge in a meticulously crafted tasting menu each evening at its renowned fine dining restaurant, La Case.
Resident chef Jean Imbert was inspired by the French West Indies when creating the decadent à la carte menu, which features fresh seafood and prioritises local produce.
With the restaurant located just metres from the sea, diners are immersed in the very environment from which the ingredients on their plates were derived with dishes such as yellowfin tuna tartare, local octopus, and freshly caught lobster.
Do:
FOR THE ULTIMATE NAUTICAL PLAYGROUND…
MasterSki Pilou combines elegant luxury with endless adventure, offering a fleet of meticulously maintained motor yachts alongside exhilarating add-ons such as jet ski tours, underwater seabob adventures, and flyboarding.
Providing half-day, full-day, and sunset cruise options – each of which feature a dedicated personal crew –MasterSki Pilou has wowed customers time and again with its professionalism and hospitality as guests create unforgettable memories.
Sleep:
FOR A SEAMLESS EXPERIENCE…
From start to finish, Premier Properties St Barth not only offers the very best luxury villas and apartments on the island but also provides a seamlessly managed accommodation experience for its guests.
The company’s team of friendly experts are on hand to guide you through every step of the process, from bookings through to a personalised welcome upon arrival, making you feel instantly at home.
With a vast array of villas and apartments on offer – from simple beach cottages to extensive family villas overlooking the ocean – Premier Properties St Barth is well-placed to accommodate all manner of guests.
An extensive concierge service ensures guests feel supported throughout their stay, whilst the option to add à la carte services such as a private chef truly sets Premier Properties St Barth apart as the first-choice option for unmatched luxury.
FOR LUXURY VILLA RENTALS…
LANDMARK ATTRACTIONS
Colombier Beach
A secluded white sand beach on the island’s northwest coast, Colombier Beach is only accessible by boat or a scenic hike. Known for its tranquillity and stunning natural beauty, the sandy spot is popular for snorkelling, swimming, and picnicking. There are two available hiking paths, offering various levels of difficulty and breathtaking views.
St. Jean
One of St Barts’ premier neighbourhoods close to Gustavia, St. Jean exudes sophistication and charm, offering a refined selection of chic, luxury boutiques for fashion enthusiasts. The quartier, which is conveniently close to Gustaf III Airport (SBH), also features a lively, popular beach divided by Eden Rock – a rocky promenade set in a beautiful bay overlooking calm turquoise waters.
Swedish Clock Tower
A historic landmark in Gustavia, the Swedish Clock Tower was built in 1799 and is a remnant of the near 100 years of Swedish colonial rule over the island. The quaint building is situated on a hillside overlooking Gustavia’s picturesque harbour, offering scenic views over the town and bay. Visitors can climb steps to reach the tower and enjoy the elevated perspective.
GETTING THERE AND AROUND
To reach St. Barts, the most common route is to fly into neighbouring St. Martin (SXM). You can then take a 10 to 15-minute shuttle flight with airlines such as Winair or St Barth Commuter to SBH.
Alternatively, Tradewind Aviation offers flights from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in Puerto Rico, which can be a more efficient and comfortable option for US travellers as this route often bypasses customs in St. Maarten.
You can also take affordable daily ferry routes from St. Maarten or St. Martin to the capital of Gustavia.
For those looking to travel in style, arranging a private boat charter or arriving on your own yacht to Gustavia Harbour can be easily organised. Helicopter services and helipads for landing are also available for direct connections from nearby islands.
Getting around St. Barts is straightforward, with taxis readily available on the island offering a reliable way to reach your destination.
Renting a car, meanwhile, gives you the flexibility to explore the island at your own pace and, due to the island’s small size, getting around on foot is also a viable option. Private drivers and transfers can also be arranged for convenience.
