A few years ago, right before the pandemic hit, Michael and I went on an incredible boat trip and explored the beautiful Caribbean island of St. Barths. We have been several times over the years but had not made it out there since moving to LA about ten years ago.

This magical island is definitely a place to add to your bucket list and is described as heaven on earth (truth!). Its landscape is filled with botanicals rich in succulents and palm trees. The marine life there is vibrant, with dolphins, sea turtles, and whales swimming in the sparkling waters that surround coral reefs.

What else makes St Barths so special? It’s filled with gourmet restaurants, the chicest of shopping boutiques, a vibrant nightlife, beautiful viewpoints, and white sanded beaches with lots of private little nooks to explore. When you arrive in St. Barths, you immediately feel the Parisian meets St. Tropez vibes here! The official language there is French, but everyone speaks English.

With travel picking up again, I thought it would be a good time to share my vacation highlights from there, including my favorite restaurants, hotels, shopping, and beaches. Keep scrolling down to see it all—and remember to check out the shopping carousel section at the bottom for my beach vacation must-haves!

Bookmark this post for future reference and share with a friend who is planning a trip there soon. :)

Poolside at Cheval Blanc. Wearing dress from Pop St. Barths.

Stay

When it comes to luxury and comfort, the hotels and resorts in St. Barths are top-notch. There’s so much to do and see all over the island, so it’s worth it to hotel-hop, even if it’s for a lunch or dinner stop. If you stay at any of the following places, you may never want to leave the property.

Click the links on the hotels listed below to book your stay and for more information.

Cheval Blanc Widely regarded as the island's finest, Cheval Blanc is the only hotel in the region that the French Ministry of tourism has bestowed as a "Distinction Palace." You can expect luxury around every corner, from the high-end interior design to the Michelin-vibe dining scene to the highly personalized service. I recommend cocktails at the White Bar and the Tuesday evening fashion show at the beachfront La Cabane's pool! The lunch scene here is filled with New Yorkers (billionaires club), so wear your best from Sunday Saint-Tropez!

Eden Rock St. Barths is one of the most famous hotels on the island and for good reason! It’s surrounded by powder-white sand, crystal clear water, and many rooms built into the quartzite rock. The atmosphere is super chic and the rooms are bright and elegant. I highly recommend having breakfast or lunch at their dining spot, Sand Bar – it’s a favorite of mine. I also love shopping at the boutique there and picked up a few great things during my last visit.

Other Notable Stays:
Le Sereno
Le Toiny
Le Barthélemy Hotel and Spa
Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf

Eat

If you’re a foodie, St. Barths is definitely a place for you. You can find every type of cuisine there with so many amazing restaurant choices.

L’Isola L’Isola is a renowned authentic Italian restaurant that imports all ingredients directly from Italy. The menu boasts sophisticated dishes from homemade pasta to Tuscan-style vegetable soup, so everyone in your group will find something they love. The ambiance feels warm and inviting. This place is very popular (one of my faves) so be sure to make a reservation.

L’Isoletta My choice for authentic Italian pizza in St. Barths, whether for lunch, dinner, or a midnight snack. I recommend making your own, so you get exactly what you’re craving. Don’t forget to take a peek at their great wine selection.

Bonito St. Barth Bonito is a cozy-chic French-South American restaurant with ocean sunset views and yummy cocktails. The menu is impressive, and you definitely need to make reservations to secure a spot!

Le Tamarin Nestled in a lush tropical garden with outdoor seating spread throughout, this is one of the best casual-chic places for lunch. The fresh and healthy options complement the naturally beautiful ambiance.

Nikki Beach Tucked in a corner on the spectacular St.-Jean Beach is the popular Nikki Beach. This St. Barths destination is always a favorite and a place to see and be seen. It's located next to the renowned Eden Rock and is a must-eat for weekend brunch!

Shellona One of my top choices for St. Barths restaurants because it's buzzing with energy but nestled in a calm cove on Shell Beach. It's a super unique experience because you can gaze out at the islands of Statia and Saba while listening to a live band and sipping on a cocktail. The menu features some of the best mezze I've ever tasted!

Gyp Sea Saint Barth This bohemian-chic beach club opened in December of 2020 and is a great spot for lunch located on the beautiful St. Jean beach!

Other Notable Restaurants:
Black Ginger
La Petite Plage
Eddy’s

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Shop

St. Barths is an incredible shopping destination, and it’s all duty-free! With over 200 boutiques, there’s a shop that covers every style and budget from Hermes to the basic t-shirt store. Here are my favorites.

Sunday Saint-Tropez Inspired by the world’s finest beach destinations, Sunday Saint-Tropez designs are boho chic meets world traveler. A must-shop for sure.

Pop Saint Barth Pop Saint Barth is the perfect place to find that ideal island outfit—whether it’s for the beach, dinner, or after-dinner drinks. Think flowy dresses, two-piece sets, and effortless swimsuit covers. I love their things!

Poupette St Barth These one-of-a-kind resort wear pieces from Poupette St. Barth always make great beach-chic attire. I feel good supporting their business as their pieces are made by hand with sustainable viscose.

Vanita Rosa Designed by a Parisian model herself, the gorgeous clothing made from French lace and linen at Vanita Rosa is inspired by the stunning landscapes of St. Barts. Her “Sexy & Bohemian Chic” Summer ’22 collection describes the overall style so well.

Clic Concept Store Clic began as a bookstore and art gallery and has evolved into a collection of photography, art, books, home goods, and fashion. Now, it’s known as a lifestyle around-the-world boutique. I could spend half the day perusing and shopping at their St. Bart location. P.S. They also have a great store in East Hampton!

Montaigne Market This Gustavia shop is a satellite of the Paris boutique and there are so many great emerging and established designers to choose from there. I love their selection of floral-patterned maxi dresses, flouncy tops, and skirts, as well as leather accessories, bags, and sandals.

Marina St. Barth I met Marina Cocher several years ago in The Hamptons and instantly fell in love with her bohemian style and taste. Her original boutique is located in St. Barths, stocking lots of unique and beautiful hand-picked pieces, perfect for any luxury beach destination. I’ve purchased many things from her over the years and continue to enjoy the pieces when traveling to beach destinations.

Other Notable Boutiques:
Lolita Jaca
Boutique Terra
Pasha St. Barth
Ligne St. Barth
Free In St Barth

Beach

St. Barths has some of the nicest and most diverse beaches I’ve seen anywhere. Each one has its own unique vibe that will leave you wanting to return.

Gouverneur Beach: It’s one of the most popular beaches on the island, and when you arrive, you’ll see why. Picture-perfect, Gouverneur Beach is suitable for snorkeling, surfing, or lounging.

Columbier Beach: Columbier Beach has some of the best views, and the lookout is just breathtaking. We love to hike there and saw families of roaming goats on our last trip. It’s only accessible by Catamaran or a 25-minute hike, so plan accordingly.

Other Notable Beaches:
Gypsea Bohemian Beach Club
Shell Beach
Pearl Beach
Saline Beach