Enjoy the French way of living in the relaxing atmosphere of the Caribbean
The hilly landscapes, hidden resorts and idyllic bays to the great restaurants, stylish boutiques in Gustavia, and the luxurious yachts in the harbor. This, and more, creates the ultimate ambiance for a luxury holiday. The perfect balance that is St. Barth puts everyone at ease.
Capital | Gustavia |
Language | French, English, Creole |
Currency | Euro |
Population | 9,961 (2019) |
Size | 21 square km |
St. Barth had two tribes known as the Arawak and the Taíno, who called the island ‘Ouanalao’, meaning Land of Salt. Next came the Caribs who witnessed the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1493. It was he who named the island St. Barthélemy, after his brother Bartoloméo. By 1648, the French had colonized the island. The 18th century saw the economy suffer at the hands of pirates like the notorious Daniel Montbars, or ‘Montbars the Exterminator’. King Louis XVI traded the island to Sweden in 1784 who declared the capital, Gustavia a free port. A series of unfortunate events followed, a devastating hurricane in 1852 was followed by a fire that plunged the island into economic despair and led Sweden to return it to France in 1878. Traces of this past can be seen, most notably in the street names of Gustavia, as well as in the architecture such as the ‘Swedish House’ where Sibarth’s headquarters are located.
Saint Barthélemy is an overseas collectivity of France situated in the West Indies arc or, lesser Antilles. It is part of the Leeward islands in the northeastern part of the Caribbean that make up the French West Indies, including St Barts, Saint Martin, Guadeloupe and Martinique. The capital is Gustavia, named after king Gustav III of Sweden. St Barth’s only airport, Rémy de Haenen airport, is serviced daily by small regional commercial aircrafts and charters. Commercial jet airliners can land on the Princess Juliana International Airport on Sint Maarten, with connecting flights to St Barths on regional carriers; a flight that is only around 10 minutes. Alternatively, visitors can brave the seas and come by ferry from the neighbouring island.
St Barth is a volcanic island with a tropical climate. Temperatures average 25-32°C year round, while sea temperatures sit in the area of 27°C. The cooler season, known as “the Lent” runs from December to April while the hotter season, known as “the Wintering” is from May to November. Sunshine is abundant year round, even during the rainy season, which falls between September and November. Outside of this period, generally rainfall is low on St Barths (around 1,000 mmPY). Hurricane season starts at the end of August running though until October. In this period, there’s an increased likelihood of tropical storms and hurricanes brushing our shores.
St Barths is blessed in many ways, but fresh water is not one of them. All the island’s water comes either from stored rainwater or from the desalination plant, which is not always able to keep up with demand. Please bear this in mind during your stay. Sibarth advises guests to use bottled water for drinking and cooking.
Use caution when entering the island’s roundabouts, vehicles already in the circle have the right of way. Many parking spaces in Gustavia are limited to 90 minutes. Your rental car will come with a blue parking- time indicator. Turn its dial to the time you parked and place it on the dashboard.
The two gas stations (by the airport and in Lorient) are closed at lunchtime and after 6 p.m. The pumps at the airport station accept credit cards after-hours.
You may convert cash or travelers checks into euros at either of the two currency exchanges in Gustavia, one located across the street from the ferry dock and the other at the corner of rue de la République and rue du Port. You may withdraw euros from the island’s ATMs using your U.S. bank card. Many shops will accept dollars as well, though the exchange rates they use can vary widely.
St. Barth’s electricity is 220 volts. Many chargers for mobile phones, tablets and laptop computers will accept both 110 and 220 voltage and therefore need only a small plug adapter to be used. Check the label on the charger, and if you are uncertain, bring it to Sibarth’s office so we can check it for you and provide a plug adapter or voltage converter as necessary.
Thanks to the exceptionally safe environment St. Barth offers its visitors, many villas have living areas that aren’t easily closed. We recommend you take the precautions of storing passports and valuables in your room safe, while keeping computers, cameras, and other portable items locked in bedrooms rather than in the open areas of the villa. Always lock the main door when leaving.
With nearly two dozen beaches, lagoons and coves, St. Barth offers visitors an unbeatable variety of seaside experiences. Some beaches are more suitable for swimming (Saline, Gouverneur, Shell Beach, St. Jean), while others are better for relaxing with a book or exploring tidal pools (Anse des Cayes, Grand Fond).
Toiny is a lovely beach on the island’s côte sauvage, perfect for lying on the sand but extremely dangerous for swimming.
We can arrange a wide variety of treatments for you, all of which can take place in the privacy of your villa. Massages – including Swedish and Thai to hot stone – facials, skin treatments and aromatherapy sessions are just a few of the beauty and wellness options available to you during your stay.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion during your stay with us, why not arrange for a hairdresser and makeup artist to come to your villa? Together we can help make you look as fabulous as you feel.
Hire personal staff and treat yourself to a truly luxurious vacation. We can provide butlers to serve you, drivers to transport you, personal security and personal shoppers. We can also arrange special after-hours shopping trips so you don’t miss out on all St. Barth’s boutiques have to offer.
Of course, if you do feel like lifting a finger (or more) we’ll also arrange for personal trainers to help you reach the fitness goals you’re striving towards.
‘It’s a cool life, you know?’
St. Barth has long been a popular shoot location for fashion, film and television productions. An Islander for over thirty years, Jacques Zolty used to be the go-to man to organise such events. These days, the island’s multi-talented bon vivant divides his time between his perfume business, his art and photographic projects.
With so much natural sunlight and stunning tropical locations, it’s hard to take a bad photo in St. Barth. However, if you want some truly stunning photographs to remember your villa vacation by, you could hire a professional photographer for an island photo shoot. We can arrange all aspects of the shoot, from the photographer to the locations; all you’ll have to do is turn up and strike a pose.
‘We can have any type of flower at any time of the year’
The internationally renowned floral designer known simply as Varda first visited St. Barth in 2012. After just six weeks on the island he and his family loved it so much that they decided to stay for good. Previously employed by the Ritz Hotel in Paris, Varda has created floral designs for events all over the world, so the logistics of ordering fresh flowers to St. Barth didn’t faze him one bit.
Today he creates personalised floral signatures for events on the island, from intimate beach weddings to the most lavish parties in the island’s finest venues.
The beautiful surroundings make St. Barth the ideal place to celebrate a special day, and our experience and island connections make us the perfect people to help bring your event to life.
We have forty years experience of arranging every type of gathering, from catered dinner parties to weddings, so whether you’d like a bit of advice or to not lift a finger and leave it all to us, just get in touch and we’ll discuss all your options with you.
‘St. Barth has a cosmopolitan side you do not find in other Caribbean islands’
When Stephane and Bernard first started visiting St. Barth in mid-1970s there were no boutiques and certainly no fashion scene to speak of. Upon settling permanently on the island in 1982, they opened ‘Stephane and Bernard’s’, the island’s first designer couture boutique, and have been the heart of the island’s fashion scene ever since.
Today, St. Barth’s fashion boutiques and shopping experiences rival the finest streets in the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. This is the only Caribbean island upon which you’ll find hundreds of designers and every major fashion house well represented. Hermes, Cartier, Louis Vuitton and Bulgari are just a few of the big names to open their own shops in Gustavia.
Despite the clothing on sale ranging from classic men’s tailoring to outrageously flamboyant couture, the everyday style on St. Barth is far more laid back. After all, this is where the A-listers and elite come to escape the attentions of the world, not dress up for show. That said, during the high season and certainly around New Year, when some of the most exclusive parties in the world are thrown on our small island, a far greater effort is made.
If you’d like help finding the perfect outfit or would like to book a private after-hours shopping, just let us know and we can arrange everything for you.
There is plenty on St. Barth to keep young visitors entertained and amused for a whole vacation.
The gentle waters and golden sands, particularly on Lorient, St Jean and Little St. Jean, make water sports and beach activities a no brainer. We can arrange for a wide variety of hired beach and sports equipment to be ready and waiting in your villa so you don’t miss a minute of precious beach time, or you’ll find Carib Waterplay on St. Jean beach, should you wish to hire items on the day.
Keep a look out for the Yellow Submarine in the waters around Gustavia! Named after the Beatles’ classic, this eye-catching attraction is a glassbottomed boat – perfect for taking a tour around the island and discovering St Bath’s beautiful marine life without even getting your feet wet.
If you want to celebrate or seriously treat your little ones, we can help you throw a party with inflatable castles, cotton candy machines, crepe makers and a whole host of entertainment for children of all ages.
And finally, as it’s your holiday too, why not take advantage of our great babysitting service and enjoy an evening or day to yourselves?
‘I prefer to work out surrounded by nature; hear the animals around me, the noise of the waves, the wind, that’s the best feeling.’
The stunning natural environment and temperate weather of St. Barth give active visitors plenty of opportunities to stay fit. Loïc Lapeze, a personal trainer and triathlete who has lived on St. Barth since 2011 recommends a trip to Colombier for a complete body workout. The walk down is a bit of a hike, but you’re rewarded with a secluded beach that’s ideal for a run and plenty of stabilising rocks that are perfect for practising yoga on.
St. Barth also has a track, a gym and lots of tennis courts to keep visitors and islanders happy and healthy. We can also arrange for a personal trainer to come and visit you in the privacy of your own villa for some one-on-one training.
‘In St. Barth the ability to be out of doors is so liberating.’
Yoga practice is increasily popular on St. Barth. You’ll find teachers of Iyengar, Vinyasa, Kundalini, Hatha and Ashtanga yoga among others, and classes and personal lessons can take place in studios, on the beaches, or in the privacy of your villa.
Diana Bourel is a yoga instructor and transpersonal therapist who has lived on St. Barth since 1988. Every summer she runs a Yoga Challenge – a comprehensive five-week course of walks, hikes, meditation and yoga. Designed to help people reconnect with themselves physically and spiritually, it’s also a fantastic way to appreciate the natural beauty of the island.
If you wish to truly unwind and get in touch with the spiritual side of St. Barth, then we can also recommend the meditation group, which has met every Thursday for over a decade.
In the village of Lorient you’ll find Jojo Burger, two grocery shops and a bakery all within walking distance of the popular family-friendly beach.
Visit the colourful surf hut on the beach itself to book lessons, hire boards and pick up some surfing tips from the experts.
On the weekends, we recommend taking the time to visit the Fruit Market for a taste of the freshest fruit juice on the island.
St. Jean is one of the most popular destinations on St. Barth, and for a good reason. Centred around one of the most famous beaches on the island, the long stretch of white sand is surrounded by a string of popular hotels, restaurants and shops which cater to visitors of all ages.
Whether you’re an experienced water athlete or a first-timer, St. Jean is the place to go. We can arrange hired sports equipment (and lessons!) for you when you book your villa with us, or you can head to Carib Waterplay on the beach itself. The island’s sports complex is also nearby, should you wish to participate in a wide variety of sports, including tennis, football and archery.
It’s easy to see why Gustavia is seen as the capital of St. Barth. Unique independent boutiques and the world’s most desirable fashion sit cosily next to each other on palm-shaded roads, all surrounded by a glittering, yacht-filled harbour.
When it comes to getting a bite to eat, you’re spoiled for choice. Dining options range from laid-back cafes to haute cuisine. Italian, Japanese, American, Thai, Vietnamese and of course Creole are just some of the many cuisines served well by the Gustavia restaurant scene.
‘The rocking of the sea ages the wine and when it comes here it’s absolutely perfect to drink’
It’s possible to import nearly any wine in the world to St. Barth – just ask Pasquale Irace. The island’s resident wine expert, he runs St Barth’s Wine: a fine wines purveyor, wine consultancy, catering and wine tasting service. In fact, despite our remote location, St. Barth has some of the most refined dining and drinking opportunities in the Caribbean.
If you’d like recommendations on the island’s best eateries and help with all those hard-to-get reservations during your stay, you simply have to ask us. However, if you’d prefer to dine in your villa, it’s easy to arrange for a private chef to come to you. We also provide a breakfast service, so you can wake up every morning with the most important meal of the day ready and waiting for you.
For budding gourmands, why not book a wine tasting class or private cooking lessons? What could be better than leaving the island with a new skill, as well as a suntan?
Together we can help you experience all the best dining and gourmet experiences St. Barth has to offer during your stay.
‘I try to create the atmosphere of the Caribbean’
Creole is possibly the most traditional cooking you can enjoy on St. Barth, but the French influence means the island has a long history of outstanding French cuisine.
Despite being a small island, you can dine on cuisine from all over the world without even leaving Gustavia. Thai, Japanese, American, Italian and Vietnamese are just a few of the dining options available in the picturesque red-roofed town. Wander the cobbled streets and you’ll find an eclectic mix of eateries, with laid-back cafes nestling next to chic restaurants serving the finest haute cuisine.
Eddy is a life-long Islander who runs Eddy’s, a charming restaurant tucked away in a leafy courtyard in Gustavia. He mixes the Creole food of his childhood with Asian influences picked up on his travels. The result is an authentic, yet inventive cuisine you won’t find anywhere else on the island.
Some of the most striking panoramic views of the island can be seen from Corossol beach.
Situated next to the village of the same name, it’s a laid-back place surrounded by traditional and picturesque houses. Take the time to buy a sun hat or other straw items from the local ladies who weave and sell wares from outside their houses, using authentic island techniques.
Peaceful, unspoiled and just remote enough to never get too crowded, Saline beach is certainly worth a visit.
It’s good for beach soccer and other games that require a lot of space. The choppy water makes it a great place for body boarding, although it can be a bit dangerous on a rough day.
It’s a 5 – 10 minute walk from the road to get there, but the sand dunes you’ll climb over make the beach feel private and secluded as a result. So private, in fact, that it’s a popular spot for nudists!
Saline is a great place to lie back and get lost in a book, or work on your tan when it isn’t too windy.
An ideal beach for children due to its calm waters, Little St. Jean is a firm family favourite.
Located just next to its larger namesake, it has the same golden sands and clear waters, but weaker currents that make it far more suitable for more peaceful activities like swimming and snorkelling. Pop your mask and fins on and there’s a chance you’ll see sea turtles by the rock that Eden Rock sits on.
Little St. Jean is easily accessible and close to shops, and there is plenty of shade from the trees of nearby villa gardens.
For grown up visitors, the party at the popular Nikki Beach restaurant on a Sunday is not to be missed.
St. Jean is one of the most popular beaches on the island, with its long stretch of fine golden sand and a wide range of beach and water activities on offer.
The area close to the airport runway is great for windsurfing and body boarding – not to mention dramatic scenes of planes taking off and landing!
Equipment can be hired from Carib Waterplay on the beach itself, making it a great place to try out water sports for the first time.
By night it’s the perfect spot for a romantic picnic. Gently lit and perfectly peacful, if you’re lucky you’ll get to spot stingrays as they swim to the surface to feed.
Rumored location of buried pirate treasure, Gouverneur beach is a great place for families as the short distance between the beach and the sea means it is easy to keep an eye on little ones, both on the sand and in the water.
Beautiful turquoise water and a pristine natural environment make Gouverneur feel like a charming secret getaway. There isn’t much shade however, so remember to pack the beach umbrella and sun hats.
Colombier is one of the hardest-to-reach beaches on the island, but one that is certainly worth the effort!
The beautiful beach – only accessible by hike or by boat – is listed as a natural marine reserve. Wild and unspoiled, it’s the place to go to swim with fish in crystal clear turquoise waters, whether you’re snorkeling, learning how to scuba dive or just looking to escape the crowds for an afternoon.
Studded with (surprise surprise) shells and large sea-smoothed stones, Shell Beach is within easy walking distance of Gustavia.
We recommend working up an appetite with a swim or some snorkeling before eating lunch at the Do Brazil restaurant on the edge of the beach. Get the timing right and you’ll enjoy some of the most spectacular sunsets the island has to offer.
Lorient beach is a great place to visit with family. The waters inside the coral reef are calm so small swimmers can play safely, and there is plenty to do for people of all ages.
It’s a great place to go snorkeling and discover sea turtles and fish, and the strong waves further away from the shore make Lorient something of a surfing hot spot. The beach is also the location of the island’s surf hut and it’s here that people of all abilities take lessons from retired professional surfer David Blanchard in order to join in on one of the island’s most popular pastimes.
A firm favourite with islanders due to its fine white sands and sporting pitches, Flamands is also the largest beach on the island.
The length of Flamands makes it the perfect location for a long healthy walk. After working up an appetite, stopping off for lunch at The Cheval Blanc or Taiwana hotels is highly recommended.
The waters off Flamands are a great place for body boarding or skim boarding. They are, however, not recommended for small children as the big waves can occasionally be dangerous.
‘I fish most of the time with a handline. Sometimes you can catch tuna up to 60kg just by hand.’
A fishing trip is one of the finest days out you can have while visiting St. Barth. Yellow fin tuna, mahi mahi and wahoo are all abundant in the deep waters further away from the coast, while lobster can be trapped closer to the shore.
If anyone knows about fishing on St. Barth, it’s Patrick Laplace. The son of a fisherman, his family have lived and fished on the island for seven generations. When not supplying local restaurants with fish caught that very day, Patrick takes visitors out on fishing excursions on his boat. A fierce believer in catching fish with a handline, Patrick teaches this traditional technique to his guests, and let you (quite literally) reap the rewards.
With safe waters and a vibrant local scene, St. Barth is a great destination for fans of all water sports.
Head to the main St. Jean beach for paddleboarding and windsurfing. Bring your own boards, hire from Carib Water Play right there on the sand, or we can arrange for hired equipment to be waiting for you in your villa upon arrival.
When it comes to surfing, Lorient beach is a great choice as it’s a prime spot and location of the island’s surf hut. Surfing is also possible at St. Jean and Toiny, while the professional surfers often head straight to Pointe Milou.
Kitesurfing is also popular on the island. Don’t worry if you’re not a pro – lessons can be arranged should you be tempted to quite literally take the plunge and try a new activity during your vacation.
‘The island has so many surfing spots that we can visit two or three in a day. If the wind changes we can change spots. That’s the easy thing here.’
Surfing is one of St. Barth’s most popular water sports. Different spots exist for surfers of all abilities and the warm waters mean even children can surf from sunrise to sunset nearly all year around. It’s no Hawaii, but during hurricane season bigger swells come in from the north-east, and the island’s size means if the waves change you can simply move to another area. In a marked difference to many popular surfing islands, friendly relations between visitors and locals help keep surfing in St. Barth fun and safe for everyone.
St. Jean and Toiny are both great surfing beaches, and at Lorient you’ll get waves and the chance to visit the island’s surf hut. David Blanchard, a retired professional surfer who runs the hut, was born and raised on St. Barth. He now trains the next generation of young surfing stars and provides lessons for visitors of all ages and abilities.
‘People believe diving is very hard but in fact it’s easy and peasy’
St. Barth is an ideal place to scuba dive. Four shipwrecks and a protected marina ensure that there is plenty to explore for divers of all abilities. There’s a wide variety of underwater life to discover, including pretty little angelfish and parrotfish, stingrays, turtles, barracudas and even the occasional whale.
Bertrand ‘Birdy’ Caizergues has run diving tours of the waters around St Barth’s with his company – St. Barth Plongée – for over twenty years. Over the course of 6,000 dives he’s become an expert on a part of St. Barth that few get to experience: the world that exists just below sea level.
We can arrange personal lessons, equipment hire and even underwater weddings, should you feel like making one of the most important days of your lives truly unique.
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