Here's How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in St. Barts
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St. Barts, also known as St. Barth, St. Barths, and Saint Barthélemy, is an enchanting Caribbean island that features jewel-toned waters, cliffside vistas, and an undeniable dose of French flair. This exclusive destination is a bit difficult to get to—no commercial planes fly there directly from the U.S.—but it is every bit worth the effort to spend a weekend on this idyllic island. Whether you're seeking a girls trip full of beach club hopping and shopping, a romantic couple's getaway, or a family-friendly vacay that all ages will enjoy, there's truly something for everyone. Here, our official St. Barts' travel guide.
How to Get to St. Barts
The easiest way to get to St. Barts is by flying through St. Maarten's Princess Juliana Airport (SXM). You can fly directly to St. Maarten from Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, New York, Newark, Philadelphia, and Washington, though some destinations may be seasonal. From there, you can take a speedy, 15-minute flight to your final destination via prop plane from SXM, as the St. Barths Airport boasts the smallest runway in the world. If you don't want to fly, you can also book a ferry or a private sailboat or yacht. Flying through San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) is the second most popular layover destination.
Other Things to Know Before Visiting St. Barts
The island operates on Atlantic Standard time year-round (meaning no Daylight Savings Time changes), and, as it is a French island, it uses the Euro. While everyone speaks French on the island, most people also speak English, and you won't have a hard time getting around. Just don't forget to pack European adapter plugs for your tech and personal care accessories!
Friday Afternoon
Celebrate your arrival with GypSea, owned by French boutique hospitality brand Maison et Hôtels Sibuet, known for its well-appointed, collected interiors; popular in-house personal care line; and warm, welcoming atmospheres. There are options to book one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas to suit parties of all sizes, each boasting its own private pool deck, eclectic yet elegant interiors, fully equipped kitchen (including a swoon-worthy Lacanche range), and five-star continental service.
A personal butler will be waiting to attend to your every need and help you settle in as quickly as possible so you can make the most of your time on this beautiful slice of St. Barts. Your butler can also stock your kitchen; help book in-villa spa treatments, beach chairs or lunch at the beach club; and set up any private dining experiences you wish to have during your stay. Once you've freshened up and sipped a glass of Champagne poolside, it's time to seize the day!
Friday Evening
Get into the island spirit with dinner at Le Tamarin, a restaurant set in the midst of a lush, tropical oasis. Owned by brothers, Executive Chef Jérôme Lebeau and sommelier Frédéric Lebeau, you'll savor a quintessential St. Barts dining experience that blends the best of French culinary traditions with the Caribbean's finest ingredients for a sensory and truly memorable evening.
RIVIERA at Hotel Christopher is another name to know, as it features authentic cuisine from the South of France with two-star chef Arnaud Faye at the helm. Other dining destinations to have on your radar include Black Ginger for unbelievable Thai cuisine, Bonito for its clever seafood-forward menu and waterfront views, and Jean Claude Dufor's L'Esprit for an iconic St. Barts dinner experience.
Saturday Morning
After savoring your breakfast poolside or in your villa, it's time for a visit to Gustavia's historic downtown to experience its legendary shopping for yourself. While you'll find all your favorite luxury brands from Bulgari to Ralph Lauren available for more appealing prices (St. Barts is a duty-free destination, and products are around 20 percent cheaper than in the U.S.), we encourage you to divert your attention to the incredible nearby boutiques that offer one-of-a-kind jewelry, housewares, and resort wear with a bit of Franco-Caribbean flair.
If you're looking for chic souvenir tees you and your loved ones will actually want to wear, don't miss a trip to local-favorite Free in St. Barth. La Ligne is a must-visit for wellness junkies seeking fragrance, skincare, and sun protection made right here on the island, while Clic is a go-to for finding your next great heirloom for the home.
When it comes to fine jewelry, look no further than Fabienne Miot and Bijoux de la Mer, while visits to the Poupette and Calypso flagships are a must for a swimwear or sundress refresh. And when it's time to make your way back to St. Jean, locals and frequent visitors alike are major fans of Lili Belle for timeless summer gear.
Saturday Afternoon
One of the best perks of staying at one of the GypSea Beach Houses is your proximity to the island's hottest beach club du jour: the one right outside your door! Savor a late lunch with flavors inspired by the Mediterranean accompanied by a DJ and a festive atmosphere that will have you feeling like you just flew to the South of France—sans the jet lag.
Feel free to kick back in the sun at the club or on your private pool deck after lunch. If you're craving an afternoon cocktail, stroll the sand to do a bit of beach club hopping at several of the island's most iconic destinations like Nikki Beach or Eden Rock.
Saturday Evening
While the conviviality dies down at the GypSea Beach Club around 7:30 p.m. each night, there are still plenty of places to enjoy a bit of liveliness. Just off of downtown Gustavia, Sella offers a one-of-a-kind dinner experience, combining Jerusalem's culinary heritage and flavors paired with St. Barts's stunning environs and festivity, with Michelin-starred chef Assaf Granit at the helm. (Pro tip: You can't leave without ordering the Sella Show dessert for the table!).
Sunday Morning
We won't blame you if you choose to opt for a slow morning spent nursing a cappuccino, detoxing with a massage in your villa, or sneaking in brunch at Nikki Beach. However, if you're up for the challenge (or are seeking a speedy way to sweat out the rest of last night's Champagne), it's worth getting up for the hike to one of the most beautiful spots on the island: Colombier Beach. And if you go in the morning, you're likely to have the place to yourself.
While the beach is only accessible by foot (don't worry, your trusty butler will give you all the info you need for a smooth, successful trek), the great news is that it's close by to the GypSea hotel's main property. The hotel shuttle can get you to a close access point that will allow for approximately a 30 to 45 minute venture to Colombier Beach. Even better: Pop in and enjoy a poolside breakfast at GypSea after your morning hike or take a quick dip (provided you have a reservation) before saying goodbye to this unforgettable island.
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