St. Barths Tips & Tricks: How to Get Around, Where to Go & What First-Timers Should Know

There are many ways to “do St. Barths,” but here are our favorite tips, tricks, and insider essentials—especially if it’s your first trip.

Flying into St. Barths

Getting there

You’ll connect through St. Martin (SXM) or San Juan (SJU)—both far better options than taking the ferry. Expect a small, no frills plane to land on St. Barths—it’s a short runway in between mountains and the sea and one of the most famous landings in the world. There are pros and cons to both routes and we’re happy to discuss.

• Have a tight transfer? Book VIP service to make the process seamless.

• Grab a window seat on your Tradewinds or WinAir flight. The views are stunning—and the landing is famously wild.

Getting around

• Renting a car is the easiest way to explore. Want something fun and breezy? Rent a moke, the island’s iconic open-air jeep-style car.

• Having drinks? Your hotel, village concierge, or Fora advisor can arrange car transfers. Taxis exist, but be prepared for the price—expect €50+ per ride.

Leave time to explore the beaches around the island

Get out & explore

Sure, you could spend all day at your hotel or villa enjoying the famous views, but the true joy of St. Barths is exploring its restaurants, beaches, and hidden corners. Anchor your day around lunch and make sure to make reservations in advance, especially in high season.

• At most beach clubs, chairs cost money, even if you’re dining there, many can’t be reserved ahead of time, and some are held for hotel guests. A towel on the sand is often a low key option.

• Don’t miss the beaches of Saline, Gouverneur, and Colombier—each requiring a small to moderate hike with incredible views as your reward.

• A heads-up: some beaches are nude (it’s a French island!)

Italian glam from Lake Como to St. Barths at Il Sereno

Plan your dining

This is not “resort food”—St. Barths has an excellent dining scene, with outposts of famous spots (like the newly-opened Lucali pizza from Brooklyn, now in Gustavia), but expect resort-level pricing and reservations are a must.

• Lunches often have two seatings—the 2:30 pm seating is the livelier one.

• Locals eat late. Dinner starts buzzing around 8:30–9 pm, though earlier is perfectly fine if you’re traveling with kids (though expect to see plenty of stylish toddlers out late!)

Late lunches at beach clubs are a must

Expect French, Euros & shopping!

• Most people speak English, but you’ll hear plenty of French, especially in grocery stores and small boutiques. A little French 101 goes a long way.

• Expect to pay in Euros.

• Shopping is big here—Gustavia (the capital) has designer outposts and local boutiques, and you can find smaller shops in St. Jean and Lorient. Don’t write off the hotel shops that are carefully curated.

A peaceful corner at Hotel Christopher

Choose your hotel or villa thoughtfully

This is not an island of big brand, high-rise hotels. Although there are many options for high-end properties, they each have their own style and their location and size can create a very different travel experience.

• Many guests (especially groups) enjoy staying in villas, and we work closely with villa partners to pair guests with the right property (and coordinate concierge-level service!)

• Reach out to help select the right destination for you.

• Some of our personal favorites? Rosewood Guanihana for families, Le Toiny for a peaceful retreat, Il Sereno for some Italian glam, Eden Roc to be in the center of it all, and Le Tropical for a boutique option.

An icon—Eden Roc has hotel rooms, villas, and an excellent restaurant and cocktail bar

Bon voyage!

Plan for European-style outlets, French speakers, and to spend in Euros. Expect to rent a car or plan car transfers in advance—this is not a walking town. Plan your meals in advance, but leave room for spontaneity to explore the beaches around the island.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our St. Barths page.