Touching down on one of the world’s most thrilling runways, I discovered that a weekend in St. Barths is less about checking boxes and more about savoring luxury at a slow, sun-soaked pace.
Highlights
- Expect high costs: Nearly everything is imported, so dining, beach clubs and hotels come at a premium.
- Go without a strict plan: St. Barths rewards slow travel; wandering, lingering lunches and spontaneous swims are the point.
- Getting there is part of the adventure: The short prop-plane flight from St. Maarten is quick and dramatic.
St. Maarten airport: When I stepped onto the small commuter jet operated only by propellers and the professional precision of the pilots, I felt reminded of the many “world’s most dangerous airports” lists I’ve scrolled through over the years. I readied myself to take off from one of those airports, and minutes later, arrive at another.
The pilot sat merely at an arm’s reach away, muttering French as he scanned the manifest. He shot a glance at me, as if he sensed my excited energy, with my phone out ready to capture the journey – a staple mark of the dreaded tourist.
No warning or gentle build-up accompanied our lurch into the air. As the runway disappeared behind us and we climbed in altitude, I adjusted my eyesight as it all happened so fast. Below us, clear waters stretched out as mountains served as the backdrop ahead. Another runway came into view. We braced for the swift landing. The pilot shot another look at me, perhaps assessing my state of emotions. He might’ve uttered “amateur”, but what the rest of the passengers heard was “Bienvenue à Saint-Barth” – welcome to St. Barths.
Editor’s Note: The writer was hosted.
What to Know Before Traveling to St. Barths
History
While St. Barths feels like a European extension, it’s geographically located in the Caribbean. Before the Swedes and French influenced the land with their language, culture and cuisine, the first settlers of the island were of Carib descent. This quieter history appears in smaller details in how the island operates, most prominently in their pursuit of an unhurried, intentional life.
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Cost
Because of its geography, economic stance and cultural influence, it’s worthy to note that traveling to St. Barths comes with higher prices. Mostly everything on the island arrives by boat or air. These import costs are reflected in the pricing of food, transportation and accommodation.
As a result of the higher cost of living, St. Barths typically attracts travelers of an affluent nature. Entrée into the more popular beach clubs, such as Nikki Beach or Gyp Sea Beach Club, will come at a cost – and the ROI may yield you rubbing shoulders with names you’ll likely find on an Oscar ballot (hi Leo!).
What to Do in St Barths
It’s imperative to let your days in St. Barths unfold without an agenda, and if you must adhere to one, keep it light. Through this approach, you’ll find that opportunity presents itself. There’s an abundance of luxury on this island, with a good amount of it rooted in the luxury of time.
Explore Without Agenda
An afternoon along the cobblestone streets of the capital of Gustavia allowed me to weave in and out of boutique shops as I pleased, until I found myself at the quiet corner of Shell Beach. With my beach bag in tow, I set up camp near the shore and caught up on some reading that I’ve put off in my otherwise on-the-go life. A young family lounged nearby. The children remained immersed in collecting the unique seashells while mom and dad enjoyed a crisp bottle of white wine. I noted the dripping condensation on the bottle, which promptly propelled me to jump into the ocean to cool off.
Enjoy Lunch
After taking a dip in the clear waters, I realized my proximity to the famed Shellona restaurant. I threw my cover-up on and enjoyed a fresh salad for lunch (shoutout to my girl Bethenny Frankel for the recommendation via Tiktok.).
Sail Along the Island
I then met Jean and Virginie, a couple who’re known around the island for their love and passion for sail boating. Together, they operate their sailing services, Sailin Soun. I climbed on board for a tour around the island. Between my sips of chilled wine, they provided me with commentary on the history of St. Barths. We touched base on the popular Colombier Beach, and after learning to steer the sailboat myself (indulge me, “steer” is too kind a word as I nearly ran us into rocks), I jumped off the boat and took another plunge into the ocean to cool off from the sun.
Catch the Sunset
After an afternoon of sun and sailing, I made my way to Bonito, a French cuisine restaurant known for its exceptional menu items and stunning views of the sunset. Sipping on a cocktail, I took in the fading rays of the light…a perfect day, curated solely by my whim of fancy.
Safety
For context on how small this island is, you can travel from one end to the other in a span of 20 minutes. This intimacy creates a safety that can only come from building a community where nearly everyone knows each other. Crime levels remain low.
Having circled the globe a time or two as a solo traveler, I take safety as a priority. While I was pleased to find that I felt safe enough to relax, as with everywhere one goes, you’ll want to make sure you take standard safety precautions, such as not leaving your belongings unattended or wandering around late into the night.
Best Time to Visit
I found that there’s no single perfect month, just the right one for your style of travel. If you want energy and a social scene, December through March feels ideal. The weather stays warm and dry, and everything on the island remains open late into the evening. Beach clubs stay busy, restaurants fill up and the island feels alive.
If, like me, you prefer peace and open space, late April through the summer offers the best pace. The beaches feel quieter, and reservations to the hot spots are easier to obtain. Summer tends to remain less popular due to hurricane season, with seaweed often sweeping the shores on some beaches.
SheBuysTravel Tip: If you’re looking to budget, you’ll want to aim for the summer months.
Where to Stay
Eco-friendly, Hotel Manapany provided me with the luxury and privacy I tend to strive for. While I arrived during the slow season, it became clear to me that the quiet intimacy of its location would still remain present had I stayed during peak months. The staff carry a commitment to providing guests with the superior service that stands behind its name, with personalized service and amenities to support your needs.
Amenities
Their wellness offerings include ocean-side spa services, yoga workshops and an inclusive fitness center. The property is complete with two pools, onsite dining with French and Caribbean influence and an array of room categories to choose from. Nearby, guests can walk along Saint Jean Beach.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Depending on the season, you may be able to take a yoga class helmed by St. Barths local, Diana Bourel. With over 25 years of experience, Diana will guide you on an elevated wellness journey.
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