St Barths: Southern Southern France
- Perchance
- Jul 2
- 3 min read
Winding streets, sparkling beaches, and the best butter you've ever had.
In the middle of the Caribbean, surrounded by well-known islands dotted with mega-resorts, casinos, and all-inclusives, sits St Barths, a nine-square-mile paradise where the first language is French and the largest hotel has 66 rooms. There are no street signs. No agriculture. No drinkable water. Just 7,000 full-time residents and jaw-dropping vistas at every turn.
St Barths is known as a playground for the ultra-wealthy, and while the luxury travel infrastructure is quite strong (whether you want to stay in a 5-star hotel, a stunning villa, or on your yacht), the local culture is what really makes this tiny island shine. From the moment visitors touch down in one of the most memorable propellor plane landings on earth, they are greeted by French signs, French radio, and French locals. Breakfast is a wonderland of freshly baked baguettes, unpasteurized cheeses, and perfect hollandaise. Being in St Barths is like being in France - with the weather, beaches, and atmosphere of the Caribbean.
Where to stay
Nearly everyone who visits St Barths rents a car; driving is the only way to navigate the winding, narrow roads and steep hills of the island - and taxis are hard to come by. If you have a car, no matter where you choose to stay, you'll have the island at your fingertips.
For guests seeking privacy, there's nowhere better than Hotel Le Toiny, an intimate, all villa hotel where every room category has a private pool and a parking space. It's the perfect place for a romantic getaway, complete with a beach club accessible via the hotel's signature open-air Defenders. The attentive staff will take care of your every need, without spoiling the relaxed, barefoot luxury aura of the island. 5-star without the stuffiness.
Other great options in more remote parts of the island are the beautifully designed Cheval Blanc, the recently built and ultra-fresh Le Barthélemy, and the sprawling Rosewood Le Guanahani.
If your priority is being closer to shops and dining without sacrificing views or beach access, look no further than the iconic Eden Rock, the first hotel on the island. Legendary for a reason, it's worth going for breakfast or a drink even for guests staying elsewhere. For those who really want to be in the center of it all in Gustavia (the capital), the recently rebranded Fouquet's is the way to go.
A word on villas
Due to the island's geography and size, there is an abundance of elegantly outfitted, one-of-a-kind villas all over St Barths. If you're traveling with a group, if you want to cook for yourself with the incredible, imported French groceries, or if a hotel can't offer exactly what you're looking for in terms of location, a villa might be the answer for you. Most of them can be rented through the top hotels on the island, and come with hotel access, perks, and amenities - the best of both worlds.
For example, Villa Yellowbird is a four-bedroom stunner on a 10-acre plot with unimpeded, 270-degree views and an infinity pool overlooking Lorient Beach (pictured at the top of this post). With housekeeping, a property manager, and enough parking to have some friends over for an apéritif, you can shape your vacation with more space and privacy - and all of the comforts of a hotel.
No matter where you choose to stay, we can guarantee that you will fall in love with this tiny, spellbinding island. Where else can you sail through the Caribbean Sea, snorkel with sea turtles, and make it back in time for a glass of rosé, a baguette, and beurre de baratte?
