The Definitive Guide to Spending Three Perfect Days in St. Barths
The allure of glamorous St. Barths begins when you board that tiny shuttle plane from a neighboring Caribbean island or that Tradewind flight from San Juan. Larger commercial planes require longer runways that don’t exist on the beautiful French-Caribbean island, meaning the only way to land at Saint Barthélemy Airport is via a smaller jet. This is just one part of the island’s exclusive appeal, which has lured in celebrities and one-percenters worldwide for years. If you're headed to St. Barths, you know you're about to have a luxurious trip.
But beyond the glitz and glamour of champagne parties at Nikki Beach, decadent stays at Cheval Blanc and Eden Roc, and inevitable celebrity run-ins, there’s so much more to uncover when you visit St. Barths. Beyond the scene, this Caribbean paradise is really just that: paradise. If you plan it right, a long weekend is all you need to have a rejuvenating experience—though, with all the luxurious experiences you'll have, chances are you'll end up wanting to stay longer. From the unspoiled, white sand beaches and translucent blue waters to secret swimming enclaves and fresh pastries at local bakeries, we’ve created a guide for how to spend three perfect days in St. Barths.
Photo courtesy of Bonito Restaurant
Day 1
Check in to Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa for a luxury hideaway away from the crowds on the quiet bay of Grand Cul-de-Sac. The beachside hotel features 44 rooms and suites, each featuring their own terraces and private plunge pools. Other highlights include a spa as well as Aux Amis restaurant, which features al fresco dining experiences serving up fresh, island-inspired French cuisine. If you're traveling in a larger group, check out their sister company Le Barth Villas, where you can rent a luxury villa to fit your lifestyle—the swoon-worthy Instagram photos are an added bonus. Once you’ve settled in, work off that travel fatigue by taking a hike to the natural pools of Petit Cul de Sac. Head back to the hotel for a sunset cocktail on the rooftop, then enjoy a seaside dinner at island-favorite Bonito, which offers a fusion of Peruvian and French cuisine. Don’t miss ordering one of their signature, bespoke cocktails to kick off what's sure to be an evening to remember.
Day 2
Now that you're settled into your accommodations, explore the island by sea. Rent a boat of your choice from MasterSki Pilou yacht charters and spend the day visiting all of St. Barths' quiet local beaches, like Saline, Gouverneur, Shell Beach, and Colombier. Once you’re ready for lunch, head to the ultra-sceney Plage de St. Jean for a meal at celeb-favorite hotspot Nikki Beach. Sip on champagne or spray it–anything goes here. Once you’re partied out, head back to the hotel and indulge in a spa treatment at Le Spa. From there, continue the relaxed mood with a toned-down dinner at Tamarin.
Day 3
Embrace vacation time by sleeping in, then begin your last morning by stopping at La Petite Colombe or Maya’s to Go for freshly baked pastries. Since you’ll likely need a break from the sun, spend the day exploring St. Barths' main town, Gustavia. There, you’ll find a range of local boutiques and high-end luxury brands to shop (or window shop). When you’re in the mood for lunch, stop into Shellona on Shell Beach for a French-bohemian vibe. Head back to the hotel for an afternoon nap before your farewell dinner at Santa Fe, a local favorite and the perfect place to wind down the trip.
