St Barts

Technically 'St-Barthélemy', St-Barts is probably the Caribbean's most sophisticated island. Both the beauty and the atmosphere draw the rich, famous and beautiful, so the best places to stay on St-Barts range from opulent to majestic. But out of season, there are some excellent value deals to be discovered.

A beautiful volcanic outcrop in the Leeward Island group, St-Barts is less French West Indies than metropolitan France. Though of course in a daydream setting of turquoise waters, white sand, windswept granite cliffs and sprouts of bright green.

Around 200,000 people visit this tiny island each year - sold on the beauty of the place. But, St-Barts actually has a fascinating history. Discovered by Columbus it was settled by the French, then briefly sold to Sweden, before being bought back by the French. This little pocket of Swedishness is quite apparent in the architecture, and certainly adds to the unique flavour of St-Barts.

Gustavia is St-Barts' pretty capital. Its smart beach bars and restaurants attract an affluent crowd and it's full of mega-yachts at Christmas and New Year - making it great for people watching - and there are also some great shopping spots. Gustavia is where you'll find the majority of the excellent small hotels.

You don't have to be wealthy to enjoy St-Barts though, as the beaches are all public and easily accessible.

What Not To Miss

• Hike half an hour away from the main road until you hit the wonderfully secluded Colombier Beach. This lovely spot offers stunning scenery, crystal clear water, lots of privacy and there are a variety of shady spots all around. Plus, this is a great area to head off snorkelling.
• St. Barth Municipal Museum details historical life on the island with a wide range of artefacts, photos and documents.
• The Toiny Coast is a great hike with rocky cliffs, natural pools and wonderful views. Be warned though, it may be a bit too challenging for young children.

The Hotel Guru's selection of the best places to stay in St-Barts is mainly located around the bay of St Jean and on the Eastern side of the island. Whilst none are exactly cheap, they reflect the going rate on this smart island.

For a Special Occasion

• Le Toiny is a selection of colonial style villas overlooking the ocean in a secluded spot on the island's eastern coast. The decor is contemporary, with plenty of terraces and outdoor dining to take advantage of the spectacular views.
• Le Sereno is a stunning beach hotel overlooking spectacular Grand Cul de Sac. The design is simplicity at its best by Christian Liaigre; white washed walls and dark wood in a happy marriage of Caribbean and cool. Direct beach access and an excellent seafood restaurant. Very sleek, and secluded.
• Emeraude Plage, overlooking the Baie de St-Jean, is a stylishly low-key property, set in bougainvillea and hibiscus filled gardens. Superb restaurant, great beach bar and direct access to the beach. Unfussy, but perfect.
• Hotel Villa Marie is a luxurious spot offering boutique, independent villas and suites with bright colours and stunning vistas. Tuck into splendid French cuisine at the restaurant and spend your days exploring the nearby beaches.

For a tropical island break

• Tom Beach is a 12 room, boutique hotel right on the beach at the Baie de St-Jean. The decor is modern and they make as much of the perfect views as they can. Buzzy and fun, there's plenty of watersports to try and lots to do at all times of the day and night.
• Isle de France is an elegant white and blue hotel right on the white, sandy beach, nestled in amongst banana trees and bougainvillea. Very French and very stylish.
• Villa Lodge Quatre Epices offers just four chic villas, overlooking beautiful Grand Cul de Sac Lagoon. The decor is modern, with plenty of brushed steel and concrete. Self-catering and plenty of do in the area.
• Salines Garden Cottages offers individual cottages set amidst lovely gardens. The accommodation is traditional chic in design, featuring four poster beds, white linens and the odd splash of bright colours. Plus, you're just a short distance away from a number of stunning beaches!

For families

• Guanahani is the perfect family beach resort destination. It's built above a spit, so there are back-to-back beaches, with calm turquoise water on one side and slightly rougher seas on the other. And plenty of palm trees. Elegant but colourful there's also an enormous pool and there are kid's clubs for both younger and older children.
• At the other end of the price scale is Eden Rock a five star resort overlooking coral reefs. Villas have full kitchens and enormous living spaces - and some have jacuzzi terraces or private pools. There are a number of family-friendly restaurant choices and every opulent spa service you can imagine.

For An Apartment

• If you think that a self-catering option would best suit your needs then browse through the options available with our partner, booking.com.

Travel Information

• St Barts is beautiful year round, with only a 3ºC difference in temperature between the winter and the summer. That said, December through May is the dry season, whilst June to November is the rainy season.
• Also be warned that, as well as rainstorms, hurricanes can occur at any time on the island (though the most likely time is September).
• Visitors can fly into St Barts Airport (SBH), aka Gustaf III Airport, located in the village of Saint Jean.
• If you're coming from the UK then Air France fly from Heathrow to St Barts via St Martin, or you could fly with British Airways to Antigua and then go on to St Barts with Liat.
• For car hire prices, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay on St-Barts.
• Expand your search to the best places to stay in the Caribbean.
• Or, contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.