Curator’s statement
What makes St. Barths so special to me is its blend of French romance with the colors and warmth of the Caribbean—it’s a little French escape wrapped in tropical beauty. There’s a duality to the island’s energy—buzzy, alive, and festive—yet interwoven with pockets of calm, quiet beaches, and delicate spas. The food is on another level entirely, no matter where you go on the island. Even the beach clubs serve dishes that feel straight out of Europe’s best dining rooms, and dinners have a way of becoming the most memorable moments of your trip. The island itself is like nowhere else in the Caribbean. Its green hills, winding roads, and jagged coastline full of hidden beaches with rope swings create a natural sense of intimacy. The hilly terrain also means the island was never overdeveloped. Instead, you’ll find hotels, shops, restaurants, and galleries informed by a boutique sensibility. Even though the island is small and undeniably exclusive, it offers endless options.
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Things to do in St. Barths
The surf shack on St. Jean Beach in St. Barths. The bright boards, the turquoise water, the little island in the distance… absolute paradise.
Toiny Beach: An expansive stretch of undeveloped coastline on the southeastern side of the island, known for its challenging waves for surfing.
Shell Beach: A short walk from Gustavia, this tiny cove is protected by cliffs and blanketed with crushed shells in shades of pink, gold, and peach. Under the bright sun, the entire beach seems to sparkle as the shells reflect the light. Home to the iconic restaurant Shellona, this is among the island’s most popular spots at sunset.
Gouverneur Beach: Straight out of a postcard, this white-sand beach is a short drive from Gustavia on the southernmost part of the island. I love to come here for picnics, reading, and swimming. The setting is undisturbed—there are no bars or restaurants, so you will need to pack lunch and water.
Grand Fond Trail: Accessible from Grand Fond Beach, the trail will take you on a challenging, roughly 30-minute hike along the rocky ocean coast. Your destination is the Grand Fond Natural Pools, formed where seawater washes over ancient volcanic rock formations. The largest, named “The Washing Machine” for the constant churn of the sea, is surrounded by smaller pools safe for wading at low tide. Mornings or late afternoons are best to avoid the midday heat, and make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and water.
MasterSki Pilou: Though many of the beaches are a short walk or drive away, you can also charter a boat in Gustavia Harbor to get you there. Explore one or all of the island’s beaches at your own leisure or hop on a jet ski for a unique guided tour.
Places to eat & drink in St. Barths
Fresh fish at Gyp Sea St Barths
Le Select: A St. Barths hallmark, Le Select is the oldest bar on the island. Founded in 1949, the bar and restaurant became a go-to spot for laid-back dining on plastic chairs, and little has changed since. (Jimmy Buffett performed here and had a lifelong open tab after granting the owner permission to add “Cheeseburger in Paradise” to the sign outside.)
Ti’ Corail: A small, locally owned restaurant on the beach known for its fresh fish, great wine, and casual atmosphere. Wear your bathing suit and dig your toes into the sand while you eat.
Nyama: A relaxed lunch and dinner spot offering Vietnamese and French family recipes, cheffed by husband-and-wife owners Tûti and Clément Laffite. The hospitality is incredible, and so is the sea bass. The duo will make you feel like they’re cooking for you in their living room.
La Guérite: Where you can dance on the tables at lunch and carry the party through the evening. It's an energetic beach club and fabulous restaurant known for its caviar-topped sashimi by Greek-born chef Yiannis Kioroglou, and you’ll never want to leave.
Nikki Beach: Kick back and relax on a sunbed directly on the lively beach in the village of St. Jean—especially on a Sunday. Book for brunch and enjoy a menu crafted by corporate executive chef Alessandro Pizza, refreshing cocktails (or the always-flowing rosé), fresh seafood, and Afrobeats from the resident DJs Patris Gero and Moody.
Shellona: Another must-try by Chef Kioroglou. Situated on Shell Beach, just outside of Gustavia, this restaurant serves a delicious mélange of Greek and Caribbean influences—think grilled octopus and fish tacos filled with fresh tuna and caviar. Visit for lunch or book a sunset dinner to take in the stunning seaside views
Gyp Sea: Fresh Mediterranean dishes, great cocktails, and that chic boho beach-club feel right on St. Jean Beach. Go for a long, lazy lunch (the energy is best early afternoon), order the grilled fish, lobster, and their big fresh salads, then stay for the loungers, the music, and that unreal turquoise water. For lunch, go a bit early (around noon) to get a prime beachfront table before it gets too full. For dinner, reserve ahead. The vibe is beach-luxe: stylish cover-ups and chic sandals for lunch; for dinner, perhaps upscale-casual.
La Petit Plage: A lively and exuberant atmosphere with a menu from Michelin-starred Eric Frechon. Book for dinner in the front row overlooking the boats in the marina and stay for the dancing, which starts to pick up around 10 pm.
Nightlife
Bagatelle: Head here for a fun Saturday night filled with dinner and dancing.
Le Café: Fun any night of the week. Here, you’ll find a classic French bistro with an eccentric twist. As dinner service wraps, the restaurant transforms into a lively piano bar complete with renditions of Édith Piaf or Gilbert Bécaud’s “Nathalie.”
Need to know
Though it’s technically the high season, I recommend going December through May when the island is at its best: clear skies and soft breezes that suit St. Barths perfectly. Plus, you’ll have a chance to experience how festive the winter holidays on the island can be. For fewer crowds and lower prices, travel in early June before the rainy season officially begins. I took a flight from New York to St. Maarten and then a small charter to St. Barths.
I stayed at Manapany in St. Barths and absolutely loved it—a true eco-chic boutique hotel tucked right on the beach in Anse des Cayes. With just around 40 rooms and suites, it feels intimate and peaceful, but still stylish. The breakfast was incredible every morning (fresh fruit, pastries, everything delicious), and the service was warm, attentive, and genuinely wonderful. Such a special little hideaway on the island.
Travel Advisor
Ronit Margolis
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