The island of Saint Barthélemy, or St. Barts to those in the know, is a French volcanic island in the Lesser Antilles, located southeast of Saint Martin Island.

Small yet prestigious, Saint Barthélemy is synonymous with luxury, serenity, and elegance, attracting celebrities from around the world. With its idyllic beaches, luxury hotels, and refined cuisine, Saint Barthélemy offers a paradise setting for an exceptional vacation.

Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, Saint Barthélemy was purchased by France from the Knights of Malta in 1674, before being sold to the Kingdom of Sweden in 1784 and finally returned permanently to France in 1877 following a referendum, while retaining its status as a free port.

Saint Barthélemy is best known for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, each offering a unique experience, whether you are looking to relax in the sun, enjoy water sports, or discover secluded coves.

• « Colombier » Beach is located at the northwestern tip of the island and can be reached by boat or by a trail after a long hike. As a result, this broad white-sand beach, sheltered at the end of the cove and surrounded by turquoise waters, offers an intimate setting and is considered one of the island's most beautiful beaches
• « Flamands » Beach is located in the northwest of the island and offers a wide stretch of white sand. When the swell is strong, it becomes a paradise for surfers
• « Gouverneur » Beach is located on the southern coast, west of « Saline Beach ». This beach offers a more secluded setting, ideal for couples and those seeking peace and quiet. Its turquoise waters and white sand make it a popular spot for snorkeling and swimming
• « Saline » Beach is located on the southeastern coast and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on Saint Barthélemy. Accessible by a short trail, this unspoiled beach is surrounded by sand dunes and offers a wild, peaceful setting for those seeking tranquility
• « Shell Beach » is located just south of downtown Gustavia. Dotted with seashells, this southwest-facing beach is an ideal place to enjoy beautiful sunsets

Saint Barthélemy is synonymous with luxury, with some of the Caribbean's most exclusive hotels offering high-end services in spectacular settings. Private villas are also highly sought after by visitors looking for privacy and breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.

Among the island's renowned properties is the iconic « Eden Rock », overlooking Saint-Jean Bay, as well as « Cheval Blanc » at Flamands Beach, which offers an exceptional luxury experience combining comfort, sophistication, and tranquility.

Beach bars and private clubs offer sophisticated nightlife, often featuring international DJs, particularly around Saint-Jean and Gustavia.

Saint Barthélemy is a true paradise for food lovers. Influenced by French cuisine and local Caribbean ingredients, St. Barts cuisine combines sophistication with exotic flavors. The island's restaurants are renowned for their excellence, from fine dining experiences to casual meals by the sea.

In Gustavia, the main port of Saint Barthélemy, fine-dining restaurants abound. Must-visit spots include Bonito and L'Isola, both offering creative and sophisticated cuisine, with a seafood-focused Peruvian menu at the former and Italian cuisine at the latter.

For more traditional local cuisine, head to the « lolos » !

Saint Barthélemy has no direct long-haul air service. Most visitors first travel to a nearby island, particularly Saint Martin, Guadeloupe, Antigua, or Puerto Rico, before taking a regional flight to Rémy de Haenen Airport in Saint-Jean. From Saint Martin, the flight takes only about 12 minutes, while the connection from Guadeloupe takes about an hour.

Saint Barthélemy's airport is famous for its spectacular approach over Saint-Jean Bay and its short 2,133-foot runway. Several regional airlines and charter operators provide service to the island, particularly from Saint Martin, Guadeloupe, Antigua, and Puerto Rico. Since schedules and routes can vary, it is best to check available connections before departure.

Saint Barthélemy can also be reached by sea from Saint Martin and Sint Maarten. Ferries regularly connect the two islands with Gustavia, with the crossing taking approximately 45 minutes to one hour, depending on the service. This option is particularly convenient for reaching Saint Barthélemy after an international flight arriving at Princess Juliana International Airport in Sint Maarten.

Arriving by ferry offers another way to discover Saint Barthélemy, with views of the coastline and Gustavia harbor from the sea. Since schedules and operators can change, it is recommended to check available ferry services before planning your connection with an international flight.

Legend has it that Monbars, a French pirate, buried his treasure on either Tortuga Island or Saint Barthélemy, both pirate hideouts at the time. So keep your eyes open when you head to the beach !

The main town of Gustavia takes its name from the Swedish king Gustav III.