When it comes to the world’s most exclusive luxury holiday destinations, St. Barts is one of the very first that comes to mind. Set amidst the warm, turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, it is known for its breath-taking white sand beaches and swaying palms, and is a veritable playground for the rich and famous, attracting more than just a handful of billionaires and celebrities to its shores each year.
Thanks to limited development and only low-rise buildings allowed on the island its natural beauty has remained well-preserved, with limited accessibility via just one small airport. Characterised by upscale accommodations – like Le Collectionist’s luxury villa rentals in St. Barts – and offering up a selection of enticing gourmet dining options and designer shops where visitors can enjoy no-expense-spared shopping sprees, it’s easy to see why St. Barts holds quite the appeal it does to those for whom money is no object, but this idyllic Caribbean hideaway still offers an authentic experience alongside a healthy dose of exclusivity and opulence.
If you’re considering visiting this sun-soaked island hideaway for a luxury holiday you’ll never forget, then you can expect pristine beaches, charming towns, a rich and vibrant culture and high-end experience aplenty. Here, we take a look at four incredible things you simply must add to your itinerary whilst visiting St. Barts, also known as St-Barth, St. Barths and Saint Barthélemy.
Stay in a lavish private villa
St. Barts is a destination that understands that its visitors are seeking privacy and exclusivity just as they are a luxury experience, which is why aside from its sophisticated array of five star hotels, it is also home to some truly awe-inspiring luxury villas that you can rent for the duration of your family’s stay on the island. Le Collectionist offers up a breath-taking collection of villas boasting a host of high-end amenities, including private infinity pools with panoramic views, sprawling terraces and state-of-the-art entertainment set-ups, and whether you’re seeking a stylish beachfront property or a secluded mountain hideaway, will create a tailor-made dream holiday for your family that is the stuff dreams are made of.
The beauty of a private villa is that you can truly relax and unwind in the lap of luxury whilst enjoying all of the same services you would a hotel – from a private chef to whip you up delectable daily dinners, to housekeeping and exclusive transport to get you around the island and to and from the airport.
Relax and unwind on world-class beaches
St. Barts is home to some of the most breath-taking beaches in the world, which because of the island’s exclusivity, remain pristine and unspoilt. The powdery white sands of Shell Beach are the epitome of the Caribbean dream and strolling along them barefoot or taking a dip in the crystalline waters that lap the shore is a blissful experience you won’t want to miss. Over at the iconic Flamands Beach, you’ll find a similarly paradisiacal stretch of shoreline that is one of the best spots on the island for sunbathing, while Anse de Grand Cul-de-Sac is a playground for water sports enthusiasts.
Of course, if you’re staying in a private luxury villa or at one on the island’s opulent five star hotels then you may well find that you have access to your own private stretch of beach to enjoy – but it’s still worth venturing a little further afield if you have time and exploring the other beautiful swathes of palm-fringed sands the island has to offer.
Explore the surrounding islands on a private luxury yacht
St. Barts attracts wealthy luxury yachting enthusiasts from across the globe, and thanks to its privileged location it serves as the perfect launchpad from which to explore the surrounding islands. As well as circuiting around St. Barts itself to see it from all angles and seek out its hidden coves, you can sail at a leisurely pace over to nearby St. Vincent, and St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands.
Chartering a luxury yacht is undoubtedly one of the best ways to get to know the Caribbean and to create an itinerary that suits your tastes. You can either take the all-hands-on-deck approach or opt for your own experienced captain to do the hard yard for you whilst you relax and enjoy the ride, with a private chef on board to serve up gourmet cuisine throughout the day and champagne and cocktails flowing.
Explore the charming capital of Gustavia
No trip to St. Barts would be complete without paying a visit to its charming capital. Gustavia is a charming harbour town that exudes traditional Caribbean charm combined with a good dash of French flair. Its streets are lined with colourful buildings, luxury boutiques and art galleries – making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering, perusing and simply soaking up the vibe. A leisurely stroll along the waterfront is a must, and here, you can pause for a mouth-watering meal at one of the many restaurants or a glass of fine wine at one of the sophisticated bars, whiling away another dreamy evening on the island with a spot of people watching before you head back to your luxury villa.
