There is nothing like a trip to St. Barths! It has beautiful beaches, incredible food and a great French style. We were lucky enough to go recently, and can wholeheartedly recommend it, on or off season.
Background: St. Barths is a small French owned island in the French West Indies, close to Puerto Rico. The island is only 10 square miles and was first discovered and named by Christopher Columbus in 1493. You can fly in by small plane or ferry from St. Maartin. English is widely spoken although French is the official language.
Where to eat:
Do Brazil – Our favorite lunch! Wahoo sashimi and grilled octopus the best, and of course, the frites.
Eden Rock – Cas lunch on the beautiful beach front Sand Bar restaurant or a fancier dinner at On the Rocks. We liked the Sand Bar during the day better followed by a swim in the beautiful water.
La Plage – Beautiful beach! Go for lunch or happy hour cocktail and bite. The drink menu was amazing.
Le Gaiac– Fancy – yum truffle pasta!
L’Isola – Incredible. Was our best meal on the island. The very best prosciutto and melon I’ve ever had, and the pasta with lobster!
Bonito – Great hamptons like décor, and fantastic fresh fish. Tuna appetizer with crispy rice and the sea bass are a must.
Le Select – A tiny divey spot in the center of Gustavia where they sell really cheap beer and you can get a mediocre hamburger and sit outside. The locals were all getting fish.
Next time: Maya’s was closed in the off season so we couldn’t go.
What to do:
Small hike to the “Washing Machine” at Le Grand Fond. Park on street, walk out to beach on little path, turn right and hike up the cliff. Gorgeous views are just a 5 min walk. We did it in flip flops, but sturdier shoes might be better.
Rent a car and travel around the island checking out all the beautiful beaches.
Bring a bathing suit to lunch and jump in the beach after your lunch.
Go to a club at night: Niki Beach or La Bagatelle
Where to stay:
Isle de France – it’s an absolute splurge, but beyond beautiful!
Hotel Le Toiny – beautiful views, but not right on a beach.
Eden Rock – beautiful beach, great location.
Tom Beach Hotel– more reasonable and on a beautiful beach.
Rental: Airbnb
