The Ultimate St. Barths Long Weekend Getaway

Thursday arrival

Arrive in St. Barths and take the day at a relaxed pace. If you arrive before lunch, check in and get settled at your hotel, then enjoy an easy lunch on property or directly from your sun lounger.

Spend the afternoon unwinding with the hotel’s facilities, perhaps a massage or facial, followed by a cocktail by the beach.

Evening

In the early evening, head to Gustavia for sunset drinks around 5 pm at Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf, offering lovely views over the harbor, then continue with dinner at Beefbar.

For later arrivals, a first evening at the hotel is ideal, with dinner at Eden Rock or Cheval Blanc to keep things effortlessly relaxed.

Friday morning

Start the day with an energizing tennis or padel session in St. Jean, either before or after breakfast, for a fresh and active start. Late morning, get ready for lunch at Shellona, beautifully set on Shell Beach in Gustavia. You can drive there with valet service or be dropped off in town and enjoy a leisurely walk along the harbor to the restaurant.

• Insider tip: Bring your swimsuit—the restaurant overlooks the beach, and a refreshing dip before leaving is always a good idea.

Afternoon

From 4 pm, boutiques reopen in Gustavia, making it the perfect time for a stroll through town, some light shopping, or picking up a special piece from maisons like Hermès or Chanel, perhaps even your next watch.

Evening

For dinner, Friday offers two distinct moods. For a romantic and refined evening, Tamarin is an excellent choice, set in a lush tropical garden and known for its warm service and delicious local cuisine.

Alternatively, start the celebrations at Le Ti St. Barth, the island’s iconic cabaret, arriving around 8:30 pm allows you to enjoy both dinner and the show, a particularly fun option for groups.

If cabaret isn’t your style, La Petite Plage is a lively and elegant alternative to set the tone for the weekend.

Saturday morning

Begin the day with a morning hike to the Grand Fond Natural Pools, either guided or self-guided. This moderate one-hour round-trip hike is well worth the effort, ending at a spectacular natural pool where you can cool off and take in the scenery.

• Insider tip: Saturday morning is also ideal for a private motorboat or catamaran cruise, exploring secluded coves and pristine beaches. Enjoy swimming and snorkeling, with the option to arrange a customized picnic onboard, seamlessly handled by the crew.

Afternoon

For lunch, head to St. Jean’s iconic beach clubs, especially lively on Saturdays. Nao Beach and La Guérite Beach are both excellent choices, offering high-end service and outstanding cuisine. Nao Beach with a refined Asian-Mediterranean fusion, and La Guérite Beach with a sun-soaked Mediterranean menu. Both venues turn up the energy from 3 pm during the second seating, with DJ sets that effortlessly carry the afternoon into evening.

Evening

On Saturdays, the island’s main party scene takes place in Gustavia, most notably at Bagatelle and its famous White Party. For the best tables and full party experience, book the second seating from 9 pm. Think VIP bottle service, champagne deliveries, and sparklers.

For a quieter, more intimate evening, Bar des Prés (new opening) offers a refined alternative, blending French savoir-faire with subtle Japanese influences.

Sunday

Depending on Saturday night’s festivities, Sunday morning is best kept relaxed, especially with what the afternoon has in store. That said, a Seabob session is always a great way to wake up.

For lunch, Nikki Beach is a true St. Barths institution and the most iconic place to be on a Sunday. Their legendary DJ set kicks off right after lunch, from around 4–7 pm. Aim for a 3:30 pm table to be perfectly timed.

Evening

After Nikki Beach, you might want to take it easy and stay close by for the evening at Eden Rock. Enjoy a sumptuous cocktail at Rémy Bar or settle in for dinner at The Sand Bar.

If you’re still in the mood to keep the night going, Le Café in Gustavia is the perfect place for having dinner, with its lively atmosphere, live singer, and piano setting the tone for a vibrant Sunday night.

• Insider tip: Depending on the dates, Nikki Beach reservations often need to be secured well in advance, sometimes up to six months ahead.

Monday

All good things come to an end. Depending on your flight time, enjoy a final quiet morning before heading to the airport.

For early departures, a take-away detox breakfast can be arranged!