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About St. Barts
Less than ten square miles in size, St. Barts is surrounded by white sand beaches and crystalline blue water. It was first sighted by Christopher Columbus in 1493 and named in honor of his brother, Bartolomeo. The island traded hands between the Swedish and French and was ultimately bought back by France. The island’s Swedish influence is found in the name of the capitol port city of Gustavia, named after King Gustaf II of Sweden. Interesting enough, St. Barts is the only island in the Caribbean with Swedish heritage.
Click to read about St. Barts on Wikipedia
A distinct European feel laces the island’s personality and atmosphere. It is most obvious in Gustavia as it is considered by many to be the fashion headquarters of the Caribbean. Many of the top European designers are well represented.
There are a number of delightful places to eat at one of the many waterfront restaurants and they have many superb bottles of wine.
The Beaches
Shell Beach is the closest to the town of Gustavia and is only a ten-minute walk from the capital. The name comes from the tiny shells that make up the sand. There is lunch or dinner available almost at the water’s edge.
Saline Beach is a local favorite. It is a long, pristine, and is just a short drive over the mountain from St. Jean. It is popular for body surfing and naturalists.
“The world’s best beaches, wherever you’re wintering” Financial Times
St. Jean Beach is decorated by gourmet restaurants and hotels. This beach is divided in two by the Eden Rock Hotel. One half of the beach is located at the foot of the airport runway where you will find La Plage Restaurant. There is a protective reef that helps prevent any high surf. Wind surfers flock here.
Gouvereneur Beach is at the bottom of some winding roads, however, well worth the trip. There are no restaurants on this peaceful beach, so you may want to bring a picnic.
Flamands Beach has a local name of Anse de Flamands. One of the widest and prettiest beaches with white sand and rolling waves.
Public Beach is close to the Port of Gustavia, the neighborhood of Public has its own beach, which also houses the island’s sailing school. The water is generally calm and pleasant for swimming.
Corossol Beach it has slightly brownish sand gives this beach a certain charm. You will often find many traditional fishing boats or dories.
Colombier, the beach of Colombier, boasts one of the most beautiful panoramic views on the island. The clear, turquoise water is ideal for snorkeling.
Anse des Cayes Beach is like its name suggest, as “cayes” refers to coral rocks. It is also one of the more popular beaches for surfers when the big wave roll in.
Lorient Beach is what the locals call it the “little pools.” It is true the beach in Lorient is different from other beaches on the island, with one side is clam enough to swim safely (the little pools) and is frequented by families since the area is protected by a coral reef that offers extra security for children. The other end is popular with surfers as there are large waves that come in over the rocks and coral.
Marigot Beach has a nice little coconut grove near the beach
Grand Cul de Sac Beach is a lagoon with shallow, clear water, and home to many small fish. It is a perfect spot for great outdoor water sport activities.
Petit Cul de Sac Beach is the spot where friends and families often gather for picnics.
Toiny Beach is for those who love surfing and challenging waves. Swimming is discourage because of the strong currents and surfing is the principle activity.
Grand Fond Beach is the most mysterious and not a great place for swimming because of the rocky coast line and stones in the water.
Top 20 Restaurants For Dinner & Beach
Le Bagatelle: Ideally located in the heart of Gustavia, by the quayside, Le Bagatelle brings its joie de vivre and celebration to the art of the table as well as quality food. Great French cuisine, the best wines and champagnes on the island and the famous legendary atmosphere of Les Bagatelles.
Bonito: The most popular restaurant in Saint-Barth since its opening. Comfortable and welcoming, large spaces, an exceptional and superb ceviche bar. A cuisine with Peruvian and Venezuelan flavours. High quality dishes cooked in an enchanting atmosphere. We go as friends and go back with friends.
La Case de L'Isle Le Cheval Blanc : Recently, the unavoidable Chef Jean Imbert, has taken up residence in St Barth and more particularly at the breasts of the Hotel St Barth Isle de France. He runs the ovens of La Case de L'Ilse. Discover his cuisine, it's an authentic culinary experience. (link to article)
Isola: Probably one of the best Italian restaurants. Refined cuisine, products from Italy, service at the height of the dishes and the setting. In short, an unforgettable culinary experience in the heart of the capital of Saint-Barth:
La Guérite: Cannoise atmosphere in St Barth. La Guérite de l'île Saint Marguerite is located in St Barth, at the Gustavia Point, just off the quays where billionaires from all over the world anchor their Mega Yachts. La Guérite offers a cuisine from the South of France. A charm, an authenticity that seduces both the island's residents and the tourists of St Barth. To discover imperatively
Ti St Barth: Dinner show and refined cuisine, since 1995, Ti St Barth is the place where to be. Fish or meat, excellent wines, dancers and entertainment, this is the menu of this night establishment. And the recipe is prized by all the stars that Saint-Barth welcomes all year round.
The Jarad: Chef Jarad McCarroll has been named Caribbean Chef of the Year 2020 by the famous Guide Gault & Millau Antilles Guyana. His simple, contemporary cuisine combines the timeless elegance of the Mediterranean. Located in the magnificent Hotel Le Toiny with a breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea, it is an essential gastronomic experience to discover.
Le Tamarin: A chic place par excellence, a lush garden around a magnificent hundred-year-old tamarind tree. A cuisine where meat, pasta and fish go hand in hand. The dishes are finely cooked. An essential gastronomic experience during your holidays in Saint Barth.
L'Esprit: Jean Claude Dufour, an essential chef for an exceptional table in Saint-Barth. The spirit is a table of great reputation in a magnificent tropical garden in Saline. The map is based on the daily arrival. L'esprit is a gastronomic stopover on the island, which is very famous in Saint-Barth.
François Plantation : Perched on the heights of Colombier, the charming hotel with a colonial spirit aptly named "François Plantation" and its mythical restaurant considered as a true institution on the island is reborn under the label Maisons & Hôtels Sibuet while keeping, as a tribute to the place, its François Plantation restaurant is a wink to the history of the island. A must-see.
Fish Corner: In the heart of Gustavia, the Fish Corner offers fish dishes (snapper, tuna, mussels, knives, monkfish, lobsters) and seafood, etc... all from the daily fishery. Relaxed and colourful atmosphere and decorations. An experience and a place to discover imperatively.
Beach Restaurant
The Sand Bar: The Sand Bar, the restaurant at Eden Rock is a must on the bay from Saint John to St Barths. Enjoy the colonial style dishes of famous chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. He is well known in New York, so it's no surprise to see New Yorkers seeking peace of mind and fine dining in St.Barts.
The Nikki Beach: The beach restaurant par excellence. The temple of pleasure and gastronomy in St Barth. Salads, sushi, seafood or grilled lobsters. Exquisite dishes and a festive atmosphere accompanied by non-stop music for the pleasure of the party.
La Cabane de Isle : This is the other restaurant of the Cheval Blanc Isle de France. La Cabane de L'Isle for lunches with your feet in the sand while admiring the bay of Flamands. A tasty cuisine and impeccable service for unforgettable lunches. La Cabane is one of the must-see restaurants on the island of Saint-Barth.
Lil Rock: A pleasant beach restaurant in St. John's. Caribbean style, homemade planter, menus with flavours and fresh products of the day, tartars, lobsters, salads niçoises, tapas, etc... a must for a lunch until the end of the day on one of the most beautiful sites of Saint-Barth. (see our article ->Article Lil Rock ).
Le Perl Beach :Caribbean spirit and tropical atmosphere for a menu offering local fish, salads and Creole-influenced dishes. The spot of the island. Planes taking off and landing on the beach are a typical attraction of St. Barths. A must in the bay of St. John's.The Cabane du cheval Blanc (White Horse Hut).
La Langouste : Facing the magnificent Baie des Flamants, within the Baie des Anges hotel, the Restaurant La Langouste is the lobster specialist in St Barth. But not only, sole meunière, bats, raw fish in ceviche and tataki, fresh local fish, tuna, sea bream, colas and lamb mouse, chicken brochette, beef fillet and veal chop for meat lovers. A nice stopover.
Shellona: A change of scenery guaranteed. Ibiza or Mykonos style atmosphere. The glasses fill up so that the atmosphere lasts all day long. From the sweet menus of the lemon trees of Amalfi to the rich cuisine of the Cyclades, via grilled meats and marinades, in short, at Shellona, it is Greek tradition that is in the spotlight on one of the mythical beaches of St Barth, especially for those sunsets.
Aux Amis: nestled in the hollow of the Grand Cul de Sac bay within the hotel Le Barthélemy, Aux Amis is the promise of a pleasant, restful and tasty trip with a menu of French and Creole dishes. You'll feel like you're in a beef Wellington, truffled apple puree or roast octopus with Romesco sauce, potatoes and broccoli... a must to discover.
Le Sereno: Also nestled in the bay of Grand Cul de Sac, within the magnificent Hotel Le Sereno, the Restaurant Le Sereno offers a cuisine with an Italian accent while combining local products, but not only... Salt-crusted fish or Gnocchi from Lake Como, or Hotel Le Sereno has another establishment. In short, a chic, quiet and welcoming place for lunch on the idyllic beach.
The Beach Club: The beach restaurant of Hotel Toiny offers a magnificent view of the island's wild coast. A surfer's paradise. Here you will find a chic and cosy atmosphere. Lunch, enjoy the swimming pool, massage cabins. In the shade of the palm trees, rocked by the waves. A chic and shocking place to discover for a day of relaxation and flavours.
Provisions
AMC – located in Gustavia. Fresh fish, vegetables, and fruit imported from Europe on Thursdays. Also has many American brands.
Mon–Fri 8am–7pm. | Wed 8am–1pm | Sat. 8am–5pm
ASB Grocers – With an experience and a knowledge handed down from 5 generations of grocers in St. Barths for over a century, ASB is driven in its search for Progress and Innovation in the field of food.
JOJO – located in Lorient. Small but has a good choice of cheese and deli products.
Mon–Sat 9am–7pm. | Sun 9am–12:30pm
La Cave du Port Franc – close to Gustavia harbor, one of the best wine cellars in the world.
Match – across the street from the airport. It is the largest grocery store on the island.
Mon–Thur 9am–1pm and 3pm–8pm | Fri–Sat 9am–8pm | Sun 9am–1pm and 4pm–7pm
Primantilles specializes in importing and distribution of fresh, “super-fresh,” and frozen foods.
Superette de L’Aeroport – close to St. Jean gas station. Smaller, but has many American brands.
Mon–Sat 8am–7:30pm | Sun 9am–1pm and 4pm–7:30pm
Supermarche de L’Oasis – in Lorient opposite K’fe Massai and La Banane Hotel.
Mon–Sun 9am–9pm
Weather
The island has a tropical maritime climate. The air temperature only varies between 80 degrees F in the winter and 86 degrees F in the summer, or as high as 90 degrees F in July and August, while ocean temperatures can rise as high as 86 degrees F in the summer.
There are two major seasons: the “dry season” from December 1 through May 30, when the air is cooler and the temperature lower, and the warmer “rainy season” from June 1 through November 30. The hurricane season as a general rule is between September and October when there is the highest risk of tropical storms.
Languages
The official language of St. Barts is French. English is widely spoken.
Currency
The Euro is the official currency, but the US Dollar is accepted almost everywhere along with credit cards. American Express is not widely accepted.
Electricity
The current is 220 volts/60Hz as compared to 110V/60Hz in the United States
Water
St. Barts is a very dry island without a natural source of fresh drinking water. City water is provided through desalination of ocean water. Rainwater is also collected in large cisterns at the villa, which is where a large percentage of the water used comes from.
Local Time
St Barts is in the Caribbean Time Zone: UTC/GMT — 4h
France - 6 hrs in summer; - 5 hours in winter
East Coast USA - same in summer; +1hr in winter
Immigration
Citizens of the United States, and Canada must have valid passports and must be valid for more than three months from the date of entry to St. Barts. No other paper work is necessary for a stay of less than or equal to 90 days.
Citizens of the European Union must have valid passports.
Citizens of other countries, except Brazil, must have a valid passport and a tourist visa provided by the French Embassy or Consulate closest to their home
Arrival by Plane
The runway at the airport in St. Barts (SBH) measures just 2100 feel long, and does not allow large aircraft to land or night landings. It is just 15 miles away from the neighboring island of St. Martin, which is an international airport — Princess Juliana (SXM) - from which it is easy to reach St. Barts in about a 10–15 minute flight.
Gustave III Airport (SBH) Telephone +590 (0) 5 90 27 65 41
Airlines Landing in St Martin (SXM)
Air France
American Airlines/US Air
Corsair
Caribbean Airlines
Jet Blue
KLM
Delta
Spirit Airlines
Air Canada
Selected Charter Companies
Tradewinds Aviation
Inter Island Express
Tyden Air
Carib Aviation
Nevis Express
Airlines Arriving in St Barts from St Martin, Anguilla, Antigua, San Juan (Puerto Rico), Guadeloupe, St. Thomas, and St Croix include:
Air Antilles Express
Air Caraibes Express
Carib Aviation
Saint Barth Commuter
Winair
Windward Express Airways
Tradewind Aviation
Trans Anguilla Airways
Arrival by Boat
From Saint Martin (the French side), Sint Maarten (the Dutch side), or Anguilla, there are ferries as well as charters companies that run regular connections to St. Barts.
Scheduled Ferries
Great Bay Express Tele: +590 (0) 590 524 506, sbh.ferry@orange.fr
Voyager 1 & 2 Tele” +590 (0) 590 87 10 68, reservation@voy12.com
Car Rental Agencies
Alamo National +590 (0) 590 29 60 12, alamonational@wanadoo.fr
Avis +590 (0) 590 27 41 43, avis.sbca@wanadoo.fr
Budget +590 (0) 590 27 66 30, budgetsaintbarth@wandadoo.fr
Europcar +590 (0) 590 27 73 33, europsbh@wanadoo.fr
Gumbs Rental +590 (0) 690 27 75 32, gumbs.car.rental@wanadoo.fr
Hertz +590 (0) 590 27 71 14, hertz.stbarth@wanadoo.fr
Maurice Car Rental +590 (0) 590 27 73 22, fsm@wanadoo.fr
Top Loc +590 (0) 590 29 02 02, toploc@wanadoo.fr
Turbe Rental +590 (0) 590 27 71 42, turbe.car.rental@orange.fr
Food & Dining
Click here to download a list of Restaurants on St Barts.