St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church where we renewed our vows.

Ah, St. Barts: my favorite place in the world. I’m fresh off returning from our 10-year anniversary trip to the lovely island and figured now is a good time to round up all of our favorite places: where to stay, eat, shop… you get it! Quick background, first: St. Barts is where we went on our honeymoon ten years ago in 2012, and it honestly hasn’t changed a bit…in a good way. St. Barts is unlike any other island in the Caribbean because it’s a little harder to get to, doesn’t allow cruise ships, doesn’t allow chain hotels.. but yet has a Cartier and a Louis Vuitton, so you’re definitely not in the middle of nowhere. It used to be owned by the Dutch, but now it’s French owned.. and you get elements of both (the amazing food is inherently very French and perfect). I haven’t been to Ibiza or St. Tropez, but I am guessing it’s similar vibe… luxury, exclusivity, party-centric… but this guide will help you get around so you don’t feel like a poor American tourist.

How to Get There

It’s not all that easy but with some guidance, you’ll make it! The fastest way to get there is by flying into St. Maarten. They then have small 10-minute (if that) flight to St. Barts via St. Barts Commuter or Winair.. try and get St. Barts Commuter, they are much more organized and you can skip customs. The issue with Winair: customs always takes forever through St. Maarten, so give yourself ample time. If you miss your flight (we have) they usually have a flight every hour or so. Now for the fun part: the 10-person or so puddle jumper plane! It’s honestly the coolest arrival as you land on one of the shortest (and most dangerous) runways in the world.

Once you’re there, you’ll need a car. There are few taxis on the island and although it’s small, you definitely need to drive. You can rent through common rental companies or - if you’re extra - rent a Moke through Cool Rental.

Where to Stay

There truly isn’t a bad place to stay on the island, but we have personally stayed at Le Sereno, Le Barthelemy and a private villa. If you’re going with a group, go private villa! There are several villa companies on the island. However, there is nothing like room service, in which case we really loved both Le Sereno and Le Barthelemy - and they happen to be right next to each other on the same beach. Both had incredible service and ambiance as well as great spas. Other great hotels are Cheval Blanc, Le Guanahani, Hotel Christopher…. oh and Eden Rock, obviously!

Where to Eat

Bonito - a classic must-go-to in Gustavia, it usually has a live DJ (even during the week) and has a superb seafood-centric menu.

L’Isola - This is a fancy, moody Italian restaurant in Gustavia and one of the bests for food quality. Love it for a date night.

Shellona - This is a fun, low-key Mediterranean-style restaurant on a beach. Great seafood and music, and you can rent a little spot on the beach if you want to hang for longer.

Eden Rock - if you’ve ever seen a picture of St. Barts, you’ve probably seen the classic Eden Rock hotel. It’s parked right near the airport so you can watch the planes take off while eating a delicious meal at the restaurant by Jean-George. I would give anything for his recipe for the lobster salad - it’s to die for.

Bagatelle - This is a great French restaurant with a sister restaurant in NYC. Try to get a late reservation on a weekend, because it turns into a nightclub after dark.

Nikki Beach - Always one of the highlights of my trip, Nikki Beach is an incredible beach bar (with light bites like sushi and pizza) with a live DJ and usually ends with dancing on tables. It has the best view of Eden Rock. Try to go on a Sunday for brunch, that’s when it is the most hopping.

Le Santa Fe - A hidden gem on the outskirts, it’s worth a little drive for the stunning 360 views and amazing seafood. Not at all fancy, I recommend for a casual lunch.

La Case - At Cheval Blanc, one of St. Bart’s most luxurious hotels, it’s next level when it comes to food and ambiance. Either lunch or dinner are great, and I recommend the deconstructed avocado and a signature cocktail.

L’Espirit - Hidden outside of Gustavia, this gives local but elevated vibes for dinner. Kind of feels like you’re eating in the jungle.

Orega - Asian fusion done so well!

Where to Shop

While you definitely need to hop into the luxury shops like Hermes and Cartier and take advantage of the VAT tax return, St. Barts has SO many boutiques that it’s actually hard to get through them in one day, so you may want to split it up. Here’s some of my favorites that I keep going back to after all these years. Check the opening times before you go since a lot of them close for lunch (lucky them).

Lolita Jaca - designed and made right in St. Barts, you’re destined to find dresses, tops, skirts and shoes that literally no one else has because they are designed right on the island.

Volver St. Barth - with brands like Sylvia Tcherassi, IRO, and ba&sh, there’s a nice mixture of edgy-meets-beach in this store.

Clic - right on the main strip, this store carries a wide range of xirena (a fav of mine) and other simple-but-chic basics and not-so-basics.

Carla - I’ve bought two of my favorite hats by Borsolino in this store! They mainly have shoes, bags, and accessories from the likes of Bottega Veneta and Celine.

Human Steps Trading - Luxury shoes and more luxury shoes. Can find Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, Saint Laurent and more.

Poupette St. Barth - You obviously have to stop into the shop known for its buttery soft swim coverups just to say you did!

Theres a TON more worth stopping in, including Orlebar Brown, 100% Lino, and Hartford… plus so many more I can’t remember.

View from our boat Charter to Colombia Beach.

What to Do

Big surprise, but the while you’re not poolside at your villa, the other hot place is the beach. All beaches are public to my knowledge.

Colombier Beach - this is one of the most pristine beaches I’ve ever been.. and it’s no surprise because you can only get there via boat.. or a 40 minute hike. I’ve done the hike many times, and it’s not too bad but you definitely don’t want to do it wearing flip flops. I opted for the boat version this time as a surprise to my husband, and we found a reasonably priced charter via Boatsetter. It’s worth the journey!

Salines Beach - Fair warning, this is a nude beach and a favorite of the locals. You just need to experience it.

St. Barts is the most magical place and I hope you enjoy is as much as I did!