St. Barth is a mood. And let's be honest, it can be a little intimidating. Youโve seen the photos: supermodels draping themselves over yachts in Gustavia, billionaires casually sipping rosรฉ that costs more than my first car, and that infamous, heart-stopping plane landing that feels less like an arrival and more like a trust fall with gravity.
I've visited five times over the last decade, with my last trip being most recently in January 2026. If you know me, you know Iโm not someone who typically revisits destinations. With so much of the world waiting to be explored, why return to a place Iโve already checked off? But the fact that I do keep going back says everything you need to know about this magical slice of the French West Indies. Every time our car winds up the road to the villa or hotel, I feel my shoulders relax. The gray East Coast winter dissolves and all I can think about is swimming, eating coconut sorbet, and stuffed crab.
If youโre heading there for the first time, you probably have questions that go beyond "Where is the beach?" You want to know how to navigate the scene without sticking out like a sore thumb. From surviving the landing to navigating the reservations game, here is everything you need to know before your wheels touched down on that tiny strip of runway.
The 2026 Regular's Refresh
If you want to skip the glitz and find the "Old St. Barth" soul, these are my current top 3 non-negotiable stops:
- Dining:ย Nyama in Corossolย (The "OG" flavor)
- Boutique:ย Tawa B'Artย (Authentic island craftsmanship)
- Beauty:ย Idalmi St Barthย (The bohemian regularโs secret)
๐๏ธ The Regularโs Quick-Links
In a rush? Use these shortcuts to navigate the guide:
Let's Start With the Logistics
How to get to St. Barth?
Getting to St. Barth isnโt exactly straightforward. Youโll need to arrive by propeller plane or ferry, but trust me, the journey is absolutely worth the effort. The easiest way to reach this exclusive paradise is through the neighboring island of St. Maarten. From there, you have 3 options: hop on a small commuter plane, take the ferry, or fly a private jet charter.
If you ask me, the commuter plane and private jet charter is hands-down the best choice. Itโs the fastest, easiest, and, honestly, the most breathtaking way to arrive. Yes, the ride is a bit nerve-wracking...the plane skims a road, hovers over cars, dips behind a mountain, and glides onto a tiny airstrip that ends right at the waterโs edge, but the view makes it unforgettable.
Fun Fact
St. Barthโs airport, Gustaf III, has been making hearts race (and not just from excitement) since it opened in 1984. It has one of the shortest runways in the world, just over 2,100 feet long. Itโs so short that only small prop planes can make the landing, even the tiniest jets donโt stand a chance.
The Svadore Secret: How I Actually Get There
You know all those people on social who claim they traveled in business class or economy for free? This is the "cheat code." I use it to find those hidden Business Class seats for 65k points (instead of $8K). Whether Iโm flying Sibby to Milan or heading somewhere new with Patrick, I use Seats.aero.
Note: I only share the tools I actually use
The Svadore Reality Check
Iโve tried all three options: the commuter plane, the ferry (twice), and I've flown private. Trust me, no matter how nervous you might be about flying, take the plane. Both times I took the ferry, it wasnโt by choice, and letโs just say it wasnโt pretty. Seasickness got the better of me and everyone else on board for over 45 minutes...A literal nightmare. Picture everyone onboard (myself included) nonstop puking as if we were extras in some lost chapter of Moby Dick. Do yourself a favor, if you're planning on doing the shared propeller plane, book that seat now because they sell out early and there is very limited seating.
Is flying private worth it?
Flying private is absolutely worth it if youโre traveling with a group of six or more. By the time you add up individual tickets for a shared propeller plane, the cost is pretty much on par with booking a private planeโso why not splurge? Plus, itโs way more convenient. Instead of working around the shared plane schedules, youโre in controlโyou leave when you want, not the other way around. The company meets you at the transfer and escorts you to the propeller plane without having to go through security or customs. They even pick up your checked luggage for you. The only difference between a shared commuter plane and flying private is that when you fly private the plane is very, VERY small. Much smaller than the commuter plane as you can see from the pictures above. It's an amazing experience though!
How to get around St. Barth?
When you arrive on St. Barth, whether at the โairportโ or the tiny harbor, youโll want to head straight to a rental car agency to pick up your wheels. The airport is as charmingly low-key as the island itself: an open-air building with one terminal, one waiting room, and about six small car rental booths lined up. A car is an absolute must here. The island is tiny and easy to navigate, but trust me, the smaller the car, the better, St. Barthโs narrow, hilly, bumpy, rustic and winding roads demand it! But hereโs the thing: finding your way around this island is a rite of passage. There are no street names, and the generic version of Google Maps is a liar, it will happily suggest you drive off a cliff or into a billionaire's private laundry room.
Because precision is everything when you're navigating 45-degree inclines, Iโve dropped 85+ custom pins on my St. Barth Google Map. I havenโt just pinned the restaurants; Iโve pinned the exact dirt-road turnoffs, the tiny "if you know, you know" parking lots that fill up by 11 AM, and the precise GPS start-points for the hidden hikes. Itโs the only way to avoid a 3-point turn nightmare while a local in a Defender impatiently waits for you to move.
At first, driving around St. Barth might feel a little intense, but give it a couple of drives, and youโll get the hang of it. The island is seriously hilly. It's so steep that spotting oncoming traffic can be a challenge. Drive carefully, because odds are, your villa is perched on a hill, which means youโll either be tackling a steep climb or navigating a bumpy dirt road. And letโs just say, there will be moments when youโre praying thereโs no car coming in the opposite direction, because if there is, get ready for a slow, careful reverse up that crazy incline. My video doesn't do it justice, but I tried to capture the topography of the island for reference.
Pro Tip
There are no street names on the island outside of Gustavia. Navigation relies on landmarks and local knowledge. With the islandโs small size and low population, street names were never much of a priority, everyone just knows where things are.
And just to keep things interesting, St. Barthโs has a lot of turtles. Think of them as the islandโs version of the Northeastโs squirrels. They love to hang out on the roads, so always keep an eye out while driving. And before pulling out of a parking spot? Always, always check under your car for turtles. Goats are around too, but they tend to stay on the side of the road, keeping their chaos to a minimum.
Pro Tip
Use the airport roundabouts as your home base, they connect to pretty much every part of the island, so no matter which way you go, youโll end up somewhere incredible.
Whatโs Inside the Svadore St. Barth Map
85+ meticulously vetted pins to help you navigate the island like an insider.
CATEGORY
THE INSIDER ADVANTAGE
๐ Logistics
12 "If you know, you know" parking lots. Avoid the 3-point turn nightmares.
๐๏ธ Beach
The "Baby-Friendly" shade spots. Keep your kids (and skin) out of the wind.
๐ด Dining
6 Clandestine Day Pass Locations. 5-star luxury for a fraction of the price.
๐๏ธ Shopping
11 "Anti-Big-Brand" Boutiques. Souvenirs with soul, not just a logo.
๐ฅพ Adventure
10 Hikes + GPS Trailheads. Find the secret natural pools on the first try.
Living Like a Local: The Essential
Where to stay in St. Barth?
There are 2 options for doing St. Barth the right way 1) A boutique hotel that pampers you to no end or 2) a private and secluded villa. I've done both and it really is a question of preference, no one option is better than the other. A stay at Gyp Sea Hotel gets you access to the ultimate in French experiences. Spa, gym, incredible food and service, boutique hotel vibes, impeccable dรฉcor, pool, cigars...and much, much more. Here are 15 reasons why I recommend Gyp Sea Hotel St. Barth as your must stay luxury boutique hotel in St. Barth (and yes, I list breakfast as a reasonโtwice).
The Day Pass: The Insider's Golden Ticket
Why pay $2,000/night when you can pay $150 for the day? Most luxury hotels in St. Barth offer "Clandestine Day Passes" that include a sun lounger, a 3-course lunch, and access to those famous infinity pools.
| The Tourist Way | The Svadore Way |
| Spending $2k+ for one night of pool access. | Booking a $150 Day Pass. |
| Scrolling broken websites for "specials." | Using my Direct-Dial Concierge pins. |
| Arriving and being told "No." | Knowing the Off-Menu availability secrets. |
With only about 30 mini-hotels on the island, a true St. Barth experience involves renting one of the 2,500 lux villas available on the island. The pros of staying in a villa are obvious - private, secluded, kitchen, laundry, and not being around other people. You can always order a spa service or caterer to your villa - so why leave?
Where to get essentials and groceries in St. Barth?
Right across from St. Barthโs tiny, postcard-perfect airport, youโll find a small strip of shops that will be your go-to during your stay. This is where youโll find the main grocery store, Super U. While you might occasionally head out for a flaky pain au chocolat from La Petite Colombe or Boulangerie Choisy, or enjoy breakfast or brunch at Gyp Sea's dreamy poolside oasis, chances are youโll be savoring most of your pรฉtit dรฉjeuner, or breakfasts, back at your villa. Picture yourself on your terrace, sipping freshly brewed coffee and a glass of just-squeezed juice, soaking in those breathtaking views, itโs pure bliss.
While youโre at the store, stock up on essentials like cheeses, charcuterie, wine, and beer. Trust me, thereโs nothing better than unwinding at your villa with a gourmet spread after a day of exploring.
Before you even think about heading to the beach, make sure to grab some sunscreen if you didnโt pack enough. The Caribbean sun is no joke, itโs way stronger than what youโre used to in Europe or New York. If youโve brought SPF 30, upgrade to SPF 50. I canโt even tell you how many red lobster looking people Patrick and I saw waddling around the island, itโs painful to witness! Most of St. Barthโs beaches donโt have umbrellas or natural shade, so I highly recommend renting or investing in one while youโre there. Itโll make your beach days so much more enjoyable and keep you from turning into a crisp.
And just in case you forget to reapply sunscreen after your ocean dip and end up with a little too much sun, grab some aprรจs soleil to soothe the redness. You can find sunscreen, umbrellas, and all the after-sun essentials at the pharmacy conveniently located across from the airport.
Svadore Local Tip
I don't pack sunscreen with me to St. Barth anymore, I buy it directly on island. And I donโt just grab any bottle off the shelf. There is a specific $75 French "Holy Grail" sunscreen I buy the second I land, itโs the secret to getting a golden glow without the "lobster" burn, and itโs nearly impossible to find online. Iโve pinned my favorite "Holy Grail" products on my St. Barth Google Map for instant access. Or, letโs do a trade: provide your email below and Iโll send you my private shopping list. Iโm sharing the exact $75 sunscreen that gives you the "St. Barth Glow," the 2 local beauty brands I use for post-beach wellness, and the only communication method that actually works on island, because trust me, emails and phone calls will go unanswered.
16 Best Things to do in St. Barth
THE SCENE & THE SOUL
1. Beaches
Ranking The Best Beaches in St. Barth
They'll tell youย St. Barthย is home to 15 beaches, but if you've actually spent time exploring the jagged coastline between the 'iconic' stops, you know that number is just for brochures. There are countless hidden coves and nameless stretches of sand, but after 5 trips to the island, nine have earned a permanent spot on my must-visit list, the ones I keep coming back to, trip after trip. Whether itโs cliff diving at Shell Beach, sipping rosรฉ with a front-row seat to prop planes at St. Jean, or chasing that perfect, secluded stretch of sand, these beaches capture the islandโs magic in a way others just donโt. Hereโs my take on the best beaches in St. Barth, from someone whoโs been four times in the last decade.
Local Spotlight: The "Idalmi Manifesto"
I recently sat down with Idalmi Perez, the islandโs beauty queen and 22-year local, to see how a professional stylist actually navigates the "St. Barth uniform." While first-timers are dragging heavy suitcases and aerosol sprays through the sand, Idalmi is busy bottling the island's DNA, from the exclusive Eden Rock Red to the secret of "barefoot luxury."
Read the full interview: 7 Secrets to Navigating St. Barth with Idalmi Perez โ
2. Walk & Shop in Gustavia
Imagine a tiny old world city, dotted with red and green rooftops, elegant boutiques, open cafรฉs and mega-yachtsโwelcome to Gustavia, the heart of St. Barth. Surrounded by various 17th century forts that line the harbor such as Fort Karl and Gustaf and a lighthouse, the town doesnโt span more than 1.3 square miles. So what is one to do in this small, elegant yet laid-back town?ย
- Walk down Cour de Vendome perusing through local shops on the Island. Beware, most of the items stores are for the ultra-wealthy (think Hermes, Patek etc...), but Iโve spent years digging past the big-name labels to find the "hidden" Gustavia. There are 21 specific local boutiques like my personal favorite, Tawa B'Art, that sell moderately priced, soulful goods you wonโt find anywhere else in the world.
- Admire the mega-yachts tide up in the harbor.
- Explore the monthly Gustavia Sunday Market.
- Read more in my full Gustavia guide below
Shopping Tip
Iโve pinned all 21 of these "anti-big-brand" boutique stores, so you can skip the intimidating luxury windows and head straight to the shops that have character.
The Regular's Spotlight: Tawa B'Art
Tucked into a modest blue building in Gustavia, Tawa BโArt is where you find the "soul" of the island through sustainable, "slow fashion" pieces you won't find anywhere else.
- The Vibe: Itโs unpretentious, airy, and grounded, a true "insider secret" for the eco-conscious traveler.
- Why itโs a Regularโs Secret: Itโs all about Tagua, or "Vegetable Ivory." It feels like animal ivory, but is 100% eco-friendly. They are South American seeds that harden in the sun for months before being hand-carved. Unlike gold or silver, Tagua stays cool against your skin during a sun-drenched lunch and doesn't tarnish in the salt air.
- Regularโs Tip: Look for the Panama hats, the accessory wrapped around the rim is actually a necklace you can unloop and wear to dinner. Itโs a genius 2-for-1 style hack that takes you from the sands of Flamands to a table at Nyama.
3. Experience the "Parisian-Grit" of St. Jean
The Svadore Guide to St. Jean: Beyond the Sparklers & Into the Soul of St. Barth
If Gustavia is the islandโs polished front parlor, St. Jean is its beating heart, a mix of "Parisian-cool" grit and high-octane energy. Most visitors never make it past the beach club valet, but after five trips in the last decade, Iโve learned the real magic happens in the backstreets. Itโs where youโll find the "Island Uniform" at shops like Kasa (my go-to for label-less linen) or Manon ComCiComCa, and experience the plane-watching "Money Shot" from a lookout most people drive right past.
St. Jean is a logistical maze of "Full" parking signs and hidden wine bars with no wine lists. To truly navigate it like an insider, from the wooden weights at Zion Gym to the "Coconut" cult tee thatโs a total rite of passage to find, you need a deeper playbook.
Iโve distilled ten years of secrets into my Deep-Dive Guide to St. Jean, which covers every corner of this neighborhood. But there are 25+ other tiny boutiques and local artisans hidden in the backstreets of St. Jean and Gustavia that I simply canโt list here without writing a novel. Iโve pinned every single one of these "Svadore-vetted" shops on my map, itโs the directory I use to find pieces that feel personal.
4. Le Select
As you reach the end you will find yourself in front ofย Select, the oldest restaurant in St. Barth that opened in 1949. The owner and founder, Marius, recently passed away at the age of 97.ย Selectย is famous for being theย kitschy dive bar tied to Jimmy Buffet's famous song, Cheeseburger in Paradise. The place is not what inspired the song. But the owner asked Jimmy, who was a regular there, if he could name a burger "Cheeseburger in Paradise." Jimmy gave him his blessing, as long as he could have a lifelong tab open at Le Select. The rest was history. It's one of the more down-to-earth bars in Gustavia, featuring locals and simple, affordable full. It is always packed with people and live music. It is a fun, more grungy restaurant for those looking for a more casual experience.
The "Clandestine" Life (Food & Spas)
5. Splurge on food
My Reviews of Restaurants in St. Barth
Discover my personal reviews of 13 restaurants in St. Barth, from French elegance to Caribbean flavors, beachfront gems, and baby-friendly spots.
In St. Barth, some of the best beach days don't happen on a towel in the sand, they happen at a tablecloth by a pool. Many of the island's top-tier restaurants offer a 'Lunch + Pool' special that is almost never advertised on their websites. You could spend your morning refreshing broken links, or you could do it like a regular.
Iโve vetted the restaurants that offer these 'off-menu' specials, where a three-course lunch grants you a dedicated sun lounger and infinity pool access for the afternoon. On my St. Barth Google Map, Iโve pinned the exact restaurants that offer this, along with the direct-dial concierge numbers you need to call to snag a spot. Iโve even noted which ones include spa access if youโre looking to go full 'Svadore' luxury.
The Regular's Spotlight: Nyama
This isn't just a restaurant; itโs the "Momโs House" of the island. Located at the historic site ofย Au Regal, itโs run by Juju, Tuti, and Chef Clรฉment.
- The Vibe:ย Authentic "OG" St. Barth. Bohemian, warm, and entirely unpretentious.
- Why itโs a Regularโs Secret:ย Located in the fishing village of Corossol, Nyama sits on the legendary site ofย Au Regal. Itโs run by the island-family trio of Juju, Tuti, and Chef Clรฉment. From the glowing lanterns and mismatched chopsticks to a secret passion fruit rum that just won a Silver Medal in Paris, this is where you go to find the "Soul" of the island.
- Regularโs Tip:ย Itโs incredibly baby-friendly (Juju is a baby-whisperer!), but remember they are closed on weekends.
6. R&R Day at a Hotel Spa
Most people donโt realize you can experience St. Barthโs most exclusive resorts without actually staying there, and for a fraction of the cost. Many luxury hotels offer Day Passes to non-guests, granting access to dreamy infinity pools, world-class spas, and gourmet beachfront dining. But here is the thing about St. Barth: they don't exactly advertise these deals on a glossy 'Book Now' button. Most Day Passes (especially the ones that include a three-course lunch, pool access, and spa entry) are clandestine. They change based on the hotel's daily occupancy. If theyโre at 95%, the answer is no. If theyโre at 80%, youโre in.
Iโve done the 'detective work' for you. Instead of spending your morning scrolling through outdated websites that don't list prices, Iโve pinned the direct-dial concierge numbers (the ones actually answered by a human) and the 'Off-Menu' specials for 6 different resorts exclusively on my St. Barth Google Map. Whether you want the 'Le Turquoise' spa package or a simple 'Lunch + Pool' afternoon, you have the direct line to make it happen.
Each property has its own versionโsome include a three-course lunch and poolside lounging, while others throw in Nordic baths, saunas, or a massage. On my last visit, I scored a pass that included pool access, a two-course beachfront lunch, and a choice between a massage or facialโall for a fraction of the cost. Itโs hands down one of the best deals on the island and the perfect way to soak up that signature St. Barth luxuryโwithout the luxury price tag.
The Regular's Spotlight: Idalmi
This is the islandโs beauty blueprint. Run by former international model and master stylist Idalmi Perez, itโs where the products "regulars" use to find the literal essence of the island in a bottle.
- The Vibe: Elevated "French West Indies" chic, polished enough for a superyacht, yet resilient enough for a barefoot morning in a secret bakery.
- Why itโs a Regularโs Secret: For over 22 years, Idalmi has been the "Double Insider" of the Caribbean, styling for Vogue and Dolce & Gabbana. She is the only person licensed to bottle the iconic Eden Rock Red, alongside a 55-shade collection that captures the island's actual DNA, from the "washing machine" surf at Toiny to the midday crystals of Colombier.
- Regularโs Tip: Don't leave without her green-based self-tanner. Itโs the secret to achieving that golden French West Indies Glow without the orange "fashion crimes" seen at Nikki Beach.
7. Drinks and Live Music in Gustavia
Arawak is an example of a laidback oasis. Think of it as a spot for fresh juices or smoothies with the grand yachts in the background. But at night, it turns into cocktails, tapas, and live music every Thursday and Saturday. They offer mezcal tastings twice a month among other fun events.
Beyond the dinner table, St. Barth has a double life.
If you know which unassuming, unmarked door to knock on in Gustavia, youโll find a speakeasy that feels like a fever dream of old-world glamour. Or perhaps youโre looking for that specific rooftop where you can watch the yachts glow in the harbor while a DJ spins two floors below...or a low-key dive bar with live music and sports.
I don't share these "gatekept" locations in my public guides to keep them quiet for those who know. However, Iโve pinned the speakeasy, my favorite secret rooftops, and the best live lounge singers on my Svadore St. Barth Google Map.
The Wild Side (Hikes & Water)
8. Find a Natural Pool
There are 2 well-known natural pools in St. Barth: Le Grand Fond and Petite Cul de Sac. What are natural pools? They are small coral bio-built reefs where sea water pools in creating a sort of natural pool. They are the true definition of a hidden gem, but they are notoriously hard to reach. That's what makes them so special, secluded, and worth the while. The path to Grand Fond isn't marked, and if you miss the turn-off, youโll end up wandering the volcanic coastline until you're as crisp as a panini. Iโve marked the exact "secret" entrance to the trail on my St. Barth Google Map so you can find the pools before the midday sun hits.
The Petite Cul de Sac one has, as of recently, become off limits due to how dangerous it is. Someone recently had an accident there that led to a casualty. This prompted locals to raise awareness of how you need to be super prudent going to these places, or just not go at all.
9. Explore the Wild Side: Anse de Toiny
Anse de Toiny & The Toiny Point Hike: Exploring the Wild Side of St. Barth
While most tourists never leave the calm waters of St. Jean, a true regular knows when to head to the windward coast for a dose of raw Atlantic power. The experience starts with a bumpy, cinematic descent in a Land Rover Defender, the only motorized way down the cliff, to reach the Le Toiny Beach Club. This is barefoot luxury at its peak: toes in the sand, an "insane" bread service, and front-row seats to surfers navigating the "Toiny Break" while a DJ sets the rhythm. You can show up in a bikini or a sundress; itโs effortlessly chic and perfectly shaded.
Beyond the lunch, Toiny is home to the island's most dramatic scenery. You can hike the 45-minute loop around the Point to spot local goats and Turkโs Cap cacti, take a shot on the famous Instagrammable swing, or pop into the boutique hidden inside a historic 18th-century stone Case. Itโs the unpolished soul of St. Barth that most people miss.
10. Explore the island on water
After havingย lunch with the President of St. Barth Tourism, Nils Dufau, we took his recommendation and decided toย seeย the island from theย sea. Pat and I booked a 1 hour 30 minute St. Barth jet ski tour.ย I had only jet skied one other time and it was on a lake, so I honestly thought the ride would be very similar in nature. I obviously hadnโt thought it through. The ocean is not still like the lake, itโs wavy and rough, even on a calm day. As we immediately started riding out towards the water, I started to realize this. The experience was very bumpy for my standards. I later on found out, this was one of the calmest days theyโve had in months. Thank god or I would have been traumatized!
11. Paddle board with Sea Turtles
At Grand Cul de Sac, you have the opportunity to rent canoes, paddle boards and much more. I recommend you take a paddle board out on a calm and non-windy day and enjoy some casual exercise with sea turtles right below you.
12. Hike
St. Barth is a hiker's paradise, offering a mix of well-trodden paths and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. While the popular hikes to Colombier Beach and the natural pools are a must, there are a handful of lesser-known trails that are equally captivating, if you know where to find the trailheads. On my St. Barth Google Map, Iโve pinned all 10 of my favorite island hikes, including two secret natural pools and these three personal favorites:
- Morne du Vitet: A 90-minute climb to the islandโs highest peak for the ultimate panoramic view.
- Pointe Milou: A rugged 45-minute coastal trail that hugs the dramatic, rocky shoreline.
- Toiny Beach Trail: My favorite "wild" walk where youโll see goats grazing on volcanic cliffs and sweeping views of the crashing surf.
Iโve marked the exact "hush-hush" parking spots and the hidden stone stairs for these trails on the map so you donโt waste your morning getting lost in the brush. Each of these trails captures a different side of St. Barthโs natural beauty, offering moments of awe that feel like your own little secret.
10 Hikes. 0 Trailhead Signs.
Don't waste your morning getting lost in bushes. Iโve marked the exact GPS start-points for all 10 trails, including the secret natural pools.
13. Walk Toiny
Toiny isnโt exactly the spot for a lazy beach day. With its powerful waves and strong currents, swimming is actually prohibitedโthis is strictly surfer territory. But what it is perfect for? A breezy, scenic walk along the wilder side of St. Barth. It's one of the few spots on the island with an actual built in walk path that spans the entire coast. In the early mornings, youโll spot locals and visitors alike jogging or strolling the stretch from Toiny Beach to Grand Fond Beach, soaking in the salty air and rugged coastal views. Want to take it up a notch? Keep going until you reach the Grand Fond natural pool, a hidden gem worth the extra steps.
Hack
Hereโs another insider Day Pass move: book a toes-in-the-sand lunch at Le Toiny Beach Club. Get there around 10 AM so the staff can point you toward the hidden hiking trail just to the leftโperfect for a little morning adventure. After that, settle in for a full day of beachside bliss, whether that means lounging under the palms or indulging in a massage at their dreamy beachfront spa.
The Views & The Night
14. Watch the planes land into Gustaf III Airport from the viewpoint
From the Gustaf III airport, make your way up the hill towards the main roundabout. To the left of the roundabout is an overlook built purposefully so you can watch the airplanes fly in and out and see the gigantic yachts residing over Gustavia. There's also another overlook, just a few minutes from here with another epic view of the runway and Gustavia behind you pinned on my St. Barth Google Map.
15. Sunset at Fort Karl
Once youโve caught a glimpse of the dazzling sunsetting behindย Fort Karl from Shell Beach, itโs time to make your way up to Fort Karl! This is a secret gem kept amongst locals, not many tourists know of Fort Karl or how to get there to be exact. To find the local path, you have to look for an unmarked residential turn-off just before Shell Beach. Iโve pinned the exact trailhead on my map so you don't miss the 10-minute window for the best light.
The walk is steep so be prepared for a quick 5-10 minute hike up the cliff. But make it quick or youโll miss the sunset. Once at the top, you can enjoy the contrast of the crystal clear turquoise sea against the orange cliffs and white shells ofย Shell Beachย on the left. When you look out to sea, a mix of orange, red, purple, pink, yellow and blue light blends into a sea of yachts and sailboats outliningย Les Petits Saints, tiny rock islands clustered around Gustavia that breach out of the sea. Behind you is the view of the town of Gustavia as it prepares for the nights festivities.
Iโve pinned the exact hidden trailhead and the best "sweet spot" for photos on my St. Barth Google Map, along with my other favorite sunset perches at the Phare de Gustavia and Pointe Milou. Most tourists miss the entrance entirely, don't be one of them.
16. Party at le Ti
If a party is what you seek...aside from Nikki beach during the day, you got the renowned Le Ti at night. It's a cabaret club, restaurant, and bar. I personally have never been...maybe this time I will? It is a grandiose show for those looking for some exuberant entertainment. It's open Tuesday to Saturday, 8 PM to 4 AM. It transforms from dinner with a Cabaret show to a night club. They have a dress up corner that lets you immerse yourself into the show. Choose a wig, mask, or outfit to join in on the fun and become your own "character."
>> Next: Lunch with Nils Dufau, President of the St. Barth Tourism Board
