Luxury St Barths Holidays

Small enough to explore in a day yet richly varied, St Barths brings a distinctly French sensibility to the Caribbean. Around its rugged, green hills, narrow roads wind towards secluded coves, dazzling white-sand beaches with hotels and villas tucked into the landscape. Gustavia, the island’s red-roofed harbour town, combines designer boutiques and waterfront restaurants with a lively sailing scene, while the quieter eastern coast feels wonderfully removed from it all.

Days here are best taken at your own pace. Swim in the clear waters of Gouverneur or Saline, take a boat to the undeveloped shores of Colombier, or linger over a long lunch overlooking the sea. Excellent French-Caribbean cooking is a particular pleasure, from relaxed beach tables to seriously accomplished restaurants. For those who value privacy, beautiful surroundings and the freedom to do very little, St Barths makes an exceptional island escape.