Saint Barthélemy, alternatively known as Saint Barth, is a private treasure in the Caribbean, adored for its immaculate beaches, ultra-luxurious resorts, and pulsating nightlife; it is almost like Eden on earth. The tourists get hooked on to the mix of sophistication and virginal nature laced with thrilling activities. Though small, measuring 9.7 square miles in size, Saint Barth has its own charm and can well hold up its head against its more famous Caribbean sisters.
What really distinguishes Saint Barth, however, is that it does attempt to conserve an ambiance of cleanliness, safety, and peace-be it quaint beaches or dining in world-class restaurants, you notice just how clean and well-maintained it is. Tourists are quick to point out how crimes hardly occur on this island, such that you actually do not have much to worry about with your belongings in a place like this. From the glass-like waters to the panoramic views, Saint Barth indeed is a haven of tranquility combined with sumptuous indulgence. For that once-in-a-lifetime feel of a holiday, here is a rundown of some things to do in Saint Barth :
Chill on St. Jean Beach and Nikki Beach.
The St Jean Beach stands out as one of the most iconic beaches in Saint Barth. The beach faces north on the island and has crystal-clear, turquoise waters with soft, fluffy white sand on most days. From sun worshippers to adventure enthusiasts, there’s something for both on St Jean Beach. No visit to St. Jean Beach would be complete without stopping at the most famous über-luxurious beach club on the island: Nikki Beach. It is famous for its chic-party atmosphere, and Nikki Beach is just that place-to go and to be seen. Situated right on the shores of the beach, one can indulge in style, savoring delights from the cuisine and cocktails.
Come prepared in your best beachwear because if Nikki Beach is anything, it’s casual luxury, even on the sand. You could easily drop upwards of $50-100 to dine depending on what you ordered, but let me tell you, it’s worth the splurge. Right next to Nikki Beach is the world-famous Eden Rock Hotel, one of the most renowned on Saint Barth’s. Dropped on a rock overlooking the beach, Eden Rock represents a symbol of the island of luxury. The hotel offers not only magnificent rooms but a great restaurant as well; that’s why this is a good place for dinner.
You don’t need to be staying at the hotel to dine there, and valet parking is available, which is a plus given the limited parking in the area. Expect meals here to cost around $50-150 per person, but you’ll be treated to gourmet cuisine and impeccable service.
After a sumptuous meal, many guests take liberty to make a stride at the beach. Besides, St. Jean Beach has special amenities that include umbrellas and daybeds one can hire to lounge upon in comfort. Rentals of daybeds start at about $50-80 for the day-a great investment if you’re going to spend the day soaking in the sun. For the much-needed dose of adrenaline, St. Jean Beach is renowned for plane spotting. Because this beach lies next to the island’s tiny airport, one is in a position to see several planes taking off and landing, and at times just feet above the beach before touching on the runway. The airport is well renowned for its dramatic landings; it is an airport favored mostly by aviation aficionados.
The tricky approach-a reason why the pilots flying into Saint Barth have to undergo special training-is spectacularly exciting.
With all the action on the scene, you can easily lose track of time on St. Jean Beach. Soak in some afternoon sun, have a cocktail at Nikki Beach-this is not a beach like any other.
Plane Spotters: Where the Thrills Lie.
Yet this is really the most excitingly peculiar and relaxing combination: plane spotting at Saint Barth’s airport. This small island holds one of the world’s most notorious runways, which is an adrenalin-packed show from the ground. Whether casual observers or serious aviation enthusiasts, these are indeed some very spectacular sights of the planes that approach to land just a few feet over your head.
Officially known as Gustaf III Airport, it’s built right next to St. Jean Beach-an awesome chance for fliers to relax and have a feel of something wonderful. The runway is rather short, built on the side of a hill, and the curiously approachable surroundings make this one of the most peculiar runways anywhere in the world. Aircraft fly over a small hill so steeply and come in to land, it seems as if the planes will skim over the sunbathing people! Little wonder, pilots must have some special certification to make the landing here.
If you’re staying on St. Jean Beach you can pull a chair up at one of the restaurants lining the shore, order a drink, and sit back to watch. Best times for spotters are in the late morning and early afternoon when the traffic is heaviest.
Although most of the flights are light aircraft planes carrying about 12 passengers, the sight of these aircraft descending just over the beach is really an adrenaline booster. Those looking for an even closer experience head up the hill off the runway to a lookout from which one watches as planes soar right over one’s head with about 10-15 feet of clearance between aircraft and road. Heart stopping, to say the least, but rest assured: the pilots are pros and the airport operates with a flawless safety record.
If you’re feeling very adventurous, you can even fly in to Saint Barth yourself. From nearby St. Martin, flights to Saint Barth are short 15-minute hops, while round-trip tickets go for about $150-250. Or, if flying isn’t really your thing, you could catch the ferry from Philipsburg on St. Martin to Saint Barth. This is a bit longer still and goes for a cost of about $75 return.
The ferry ride takes some 40-45 minutes and gives a rather picturesque way of approaching the island.
Be it for seating comfortably on the beach or for travelling in an aircraft, an airport in St. Barth is just one thing that would never be missed and is one of the really cool things to do while in this combination of beach and aviation.
Windsurfing at Grand Cul-de-Sac
For those fond of water sports, Grand Cul-de-Sac is just what they will enjoy. This northeastern side sandy shore provides perfect conditions for windsurfing and all other types of water sports. The water in this long and small bay area is shallow, turquoise-colored, and very lagoon-like-perfect for introductory, as well as advanced, windsurfers.
One of the best parts about Grand Cul-de-Sac is the windsurfing community that thrives here. You’ll find windsurfers of all skill levels enjoying the freedom of the open water, catching air, and performing impressive tricks. If you’re new to windsurfing, don’t worry—there are several shops along the beach offering rental equipment and lessons. Expect to pay around $50-100 for a two-hour session, including the board and instruction. With shallow waters here, this is a great place to practice and build your confidence on the board. You can go way out into the lagoon and still be in waste-deep water, making this both very safe and comfortable to learn in. It is well worth your time even if you are not joining in – from simply lying on the beach to watch the windsurfers.
Besides windsurfing, the Grand Cul-de-Sac is a very good place where one can happen to spend a lazy day at the ocean. The beach itself is much less formal compared to the more active beaches like St. Jean, so it will be perfect in case you will be looking for a quieter retreat. You can rent the umbrellas and daybeds there for about 30-50 dollars per day and just sit back, relax, and enjoy the view.
For the more adventurous, take the nearby hiking trail offering panoramic views of the lagoon and the beach below. This will take just 5-10 minutes upwards, hence it is an easy hike, yet quite rewarding. A view of the beach from the top, windsurfers, and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean beyond is something.
This is a very good picture-taking area; hence, never forget to carry your camera or even a cell phone while capturing such moments.
While windsurfing is the real deal on this shore, Grand Cul-de-Sac provides great opportunities for other water activities, such as paddleboarding or kayaking. A few different options are available from several beachfront rental shops, and the price for a couple of hours should be about $20-50. After an active day on the water, you can refuel with food at one of the beachfront restaurants or bars. Dining here is a little more budget-friendly than the luxury spots down the beach near St. Jean; you can find a meal for about $15-30 per person.
Grand Cul-de-Sac represents the combination of relaxation with a great deal of adrenaline, and this place should by no means be missed when in Saint Barths. Whether on the water or just from the sand of the beach, the beauty and quiet of this place will definitely refresh you for more.
Hike for views at the Grand Cul-de-Sac
The Grand Cul-de-Sac hike is short but rewarding, with great perspectives where one can take a nice stretch and catch his breath. This easy to moderate hike lies inland of the famous beach of Grand Cul-de-Sac, which faces an enclosed shallow lagoon-a perfect site for windsurfers.
This is dependent on your pace, but it should take around 5 to 10 minutes to make it up to a great lookout point overlooking the beach and the Atlantic beyond.
What really makes this hike so exciting is the lush greenery mixed with the expanse of the ocean views. You will grab one or two picture-catching points along the route, especially to capture the windsurfers well below or just to take in the serenity of the scenery. Going to the top, you will appreciate the whole of the Grand Cul-de-Sac lagoon, overwhelming in its keenly bright blue color and the dark green hills closing it in.
It is a super-soft and easy hike that, for most travelers, requires no special equipment whatsoever. Even so, that should make it an excellent family option or for those not desiring a more challenging climb. At the top, there is even a bench to sit on and enjoy the pretty views of the Atlantic stretching out in the distance.
It would be perfect for a short break or time-out, and together with a cool breeze and a serene environment, have a picnic on the slope. This is an absolute recommendation we would suggest-if you are an early morning person-do go on a morning hike when the light is soft and not crowded. You would also avoid the scorching heat, plus get a chance to experience morning serenity before the beachgoers bring in their noise. From here, head back down and devote your remaining day to lounging along the shores of the nearby Grand Cul-de-Sac Beach. A number of bars and restaurants line the roadside path that you can duck into for a fill-up following your hike. You can expect a meal from one of these establishments to cost in the neighborhood of $15-30 dollars per person, which places this part of the island in a more reasonable range than some of the other areas. The Grand Cul-de-Sac hike is one of those hidden things one gets to do on a visit to St. Barts: nature, adventure, and relaxation combined. The locale is perfect for getting away from the hustle-bustle part of the island and connects with the natural beauty of Saint Barth.
Lounge along saline beach
Saline Beach is a must-visit for those who seek calmness and unspoiled natural beauty. Actually, this is one of the most picturesque beaches in Saint Barth, with sugar-white sand and limpid waters, and much quieter compared with some other hot beaches like St. Jean or Flamands.
Saline Beach is located on the south of the island. To get to it, one needs to go on foot for 5-10 minutes from the car park over a mild hill. Not heavy as such, this walk gives an air of discovery to the whole expedition. Once you reach here, you are presented with a stretch of sand in the form of powdered material and the serenity of waves lashing on its shores. At one stroke, there are no beachfront bars or restaurants adding to this secluded and quiet environment, which is just perfect for people who are here to relax and rest.
Aside from the more developed beaches, you won’t find any daybeds or umbrellas available to rent at Saline Beach, so you will have to be prepared to set up for the day with your own beach gear. The real beauty of this beach is in its simplicity: it really allows you to be submerged in the nature that surrounds you. A picnic lunch would be quite ideal since there are no restaurants right on the beach. You can get really nice sandwiches, salads, or fresh fruit from a supermarket close by and head for the beach. Assume a picnic-style meal from local shops could cost in the region of $10-20 per head.
It is at its best early in the morning or late in the afternoon when it is most quiet. From the early morning laid-back swim to the late afternoon sunset time, Saline presents a very tranquil refreshing environment. Shallow waters of this beach are very suitable for excellent swimming whereas regular trade winds offer a comforting breeze during the hottest parts of a day.
When it comes to basic designing for relaxation, Saline Beach doesn’t fall behind in keeping its reputation for a romantic stroll along the shoreline. Pretty long and wide, the beach allows leisurely walks without bothering to dodge crowds. The views from every angle are picture-postcard-like, and everything that meets your gaze, as far as the human eye can perceive, is only sand, sea, and sky.
From a safety viewpoint, Saline Beach is as safe as the rest of the island. Generally, reviewers comment on its cleanliness-you won’t even see litter anywhere-further cementing Saint Barth’s status as one of the cleanest islands in the Caribbean. You also don’t get too many beach vendors on Saline Beach, unlike some of the other popular ones, so your day can really be about unhooking and being in nature.
If you are staying locally, Saline Beach is not hard to reach by car – there’s also free parking on offer. Taxis are available in the area, but often car rental will work out better value if you’re there for a few days. Car rentals on the island start from around 50-70 dollars per day depending on what model of car.
Ranging from finding an extremely quiet retreat to taking into consideration one of the exquisite beaches that Saint Barth has to offer, Saline Beach should be the one listed. Standing in perfect balance between simple and beautiful, it should be one of the high points of trips to this island.
See Gustavia, the cosmopolitan center
No visit to Saint Barthelemy could ever be complete without quality time spent in Gustavia, the charming capital and the island’s cosmopolitan heart. Gustavia vibrates with the energy of the island and shines with the sheen of a very high-class society: historic importance combined with luxury amidst picture postcard surroundings. Here, one could get everything desired: from luxury shopping and gourmet dining to a little tour in the fashion harbor town. Shopping in Gustavia is extremely sophisticated, particularly along the Rue de la République and Rue du Bord de Mer. With the likes of Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Hermès, one would expect smaller shops that cater to local handmade jewelry and beachwear. Of course, all these luxury things have their price, and such fashion accessories as designer handbags or upscale watches might cost in the range from $500 to a couple of thousand dollars.
Window shopping is fun, but taking in the fact that the streets themselves are pretty colored buildings against beautiful blue waters of the harbor. Foodies, paradise found: great restaurants dot this small town, from classic French bistros to eclectic international eateries, among many others. Dining at one of the several waterfront restaurants-including something as humble as the casual burger restaurant Le Select in a historic, laid-back setting-would fall in the ballpark of $20 to $30 per meal.
Gourmet restaurants include Bonito and L’Isola, where dinner can easily be well over $70 to more than $150 per person, depending on wine choices and other personal tastes. Nevertheless, the richness in history is another factor tourists visit Gustavia for. A walk around this town will expose you to a number of historical sites like Fort Gustave that dates way back to the time the island was colonized by Sweden. The fort perches on top of a hill but opens commanding views down the town, sea, and an array of old cannons which give visitors a touch of the past.
Admission is free and eminently worth the climb up the brief stairway for spectacular views of Nimes. Not only does this house history, but Gustavia Harbor itself is worth beholding, as it’s often filled with very posh yachts and sailboats tied up in the waters. This turns the town into an exciting place for people-watching, at least on the high season when it sees wealthy travelers from around the world coming by.
If you’re lucky enough to be in Gustavia during New Year’s Eve, the harbor is the center of one of the most extravagant celebrations in the Caribbean, complete with fireworks and glamorous parties.
Also, Gustavia is a ferry arrival point from St Martin and thus pretty reachable from the outside. It normally arrives a couple of times per day, and a round-way ticket costs about $75. They take about 40-45 minutes during which you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the islands while approaching the harbor.
For at least sightseeing, you really should just pop in to see the Gustavia Lighthouse. Within walking distance of the center of town, this is a beautiful location and one of the very best lookout points in the area. You will have all of Gustavia beneath your feet, its picturesque harbor, and the surrounding hills. It’s a very quiet place where one can shoot some photos and take in the nature around the island.
Whether history, shopping, dining, or just a general air of vibrancy, Gustavia has it all. From high-class sophistication to the languid charm of the island, this is one place that invites revisits with the next visit to Saint Barth.
Explore the Not-so-Touristy Beaches
Saint Barth is famous in so many ways for its renowned beaches: St. Jean and Saline. Still, it holds in itself some secret beaches that sustain quietness-no body around, just pure nature at its best. These slightly lesser-known beaches would form part of the peak experiences for the traveler to find his pleasure in tracking down off-track destinations.
Among them is the Gouverneur Beach, tucked in the south of the island. It’s a pretty stretch of beach, tucked in between rich green hills that are never crowded-not even during peak season. You approach Gouverneur via a steep, winding road that has great look-outs now and again over the Caribbean Sea. You then face a stretch of soft white sand and limpid waters that are perfectly suited for swimming and snorkeling. There are no restaurants or bars on the beach itself; come prepared with a picnic or snacks if you intend to take the day here. Free parking is quite easily available, making this one of the best-kept secrets on the island.
Another quiet place to relax would be the Petit Cul-de-Sac Beach, which is located in the northeastern part of Saint Barth. It has been quite famous due to its shallow waters, which are always calm by nature. Thus, it serves well for families or even those people who seek quiet retreats. Indeed, it is surrounded by great natural beauty, rocky cliffs, and waves that kiss the shores. There are limited facilities here, so best to bring everything you may want to use throughout the day. For the more energetic, it’s also a starting point for several hill walks in the countryside and the vista of the Atlantic from the tops is panoramic.
For those looking for even greater seclusion, there’s Colombier Beach. Because it’s accessible only on foot or by yacht, Colombier stays virginal, and its waters crystal clear. This hike from overlook to Colombier takes about 25-35 minutes; a bit tedious in the middle of the day, it is nevertheless well worth the effort.
Once you reach the beach, the fine sand, calm waters, and quiet will embrace you. If anyone does not want to go via trekking, one can always rent a boat to head out at a price of around $200-300, depending on the size and time of the boat. Many tourists love to spend their afternoon snorkeling or at least lying in the sun as not many tourists flock to this place to break the silence. While Colombier Beach is certainly one of the more challenging to access, it is conversely one of the more rewarding. So isolated from other attractions, you will most likely have this beach all to yourself – a big plus for couples or the more secluded individual.
The last one of such secret beaches is Toiny Beach. Situated on the wild, not-so-developed part of the island, this beach has beautiful, powerful waves. Doubtless, it is not a place for great swimming due to the strong flow of water; that is why it is good to go for long walks down its shoreline, enjoying great views, or contemplating the humpback whales during their migration season.
It’s ideal for photography from the top of the surrounding cliffs and often adds an extra plus with a refreshing breeze to make it even more ideal for quiet contemplations.
These more discreet beaches may well be the places where all those who dream of escaping and plunging head-first into Saint Barth’s wild beauty will find their place: picnicking in a cove, promenading on some far-off path, or simply listening to the sound of the waves, these hidden beaches earn a place at the top of the high points of any visit.
Conclusion
St. Barthélemy is a real Caribbean Eden, be it for any kind of traveler-from the buzz of St. Jean Beach to the gilt-edged surroundings of Nikki Beach, whose meals cost anywhere from $50 to $100, or the tranquil beauty of less-evident Gouverneur and Colombier Beach-one may find loads of ways to make much of the island’s lush surroundings and stylish life. Meanwhile, the adventurous would either be windsurfing in Grand Cul-de-Sac-gear and lesson: $50 to $100-or hiking for panoramic views that are just promising to amaze the thrill of seeing the island’s great landscapes. A visit to Gustavia will introduce you to Saint Barth’s rich history, high-brow shopping, and gourmet dining: from $20 for casual eats to $150 for fine dining experiences. From one of the world-class beaches to one of the many great restaurants and on to an exciting spree through the pulsating capital of Gustavia, Saint Barth manages to combine the best of luxury with the laid-back feel of an island. With its impressive record for safety and its pristine environment, this destination surely will fill your memory with lifelong experiences and the drive to return.
