Saint Barthelemy, commonly known as St. Barts, is a small, French-speaking Caribbean island known for its white sand beaches, high-end beach clubs, excellent restaurants, incredible villas, and world-class designer shops.
Located 17 miles southeast of St Marteen, St. Barts draws celebrities, jet-setters, and party seekers who flock to this beautiful, lively island from November to April when the weather is ideal. The small, chic capital city of Gustavia, is home to a yacht-filled harbor lined with high-end restaurants, boutiques and historical attractions.
St. Barts is expensive, but if you are looking for a fun, glamourous, luxury destination for your next girls’ trip look no further. The island of St. Barts has everything you could want for an unforgettable girls’ getaway!
Things To Do In St. Barts On A Girls Getaway
Despite being a small island, there are an array of things to do and see on St. Barts. I have visited this magical, volcanic island three times and on each trip, I have discovered new things about St.Barts that I love. Here are 11 fun things to do in St. Barts on a girls’ getaway!
1) Shopping in Gustavia
You can’t go on a girls’ getaway and not do at least a little shopping. The town of Gustavia has an array of high-end boutiques and designer stores. And most of the beach clubs and hotels have boutiques too, predominately filled with luxury beachwear, summer dresses, shoes, jewelry, and beach totes.
I personally love the boutiques in front of Nikki Beach on St Jean Bay and one of my friends (who has been to St. Barts over 20 times!) says these are her favorite local boutiques:
- Vanita Rose – French elegance mixed with St Barts casual style, linen blouses, beautiful beachwear
- Gisel St Barth – Chic beachwear store in Gustavia
- Sundays – Cute, snappy casual, island-chic, located at Shellona on Shell Beach
- Human Steps – All the big designers in one shop, the best place to grab a handbag or shoes, don’t miss their big sale in June!
- Terra Boutique – Beautiful dresses and jewelry
- Pop St. Barts – Luxury resort wear
- Viola – Best men’s clothing on the island
Additionally, here’s a list of some of the best shops in St. Barts and an insider’s guide to shopping in St Barts. Happy shopping!
2) Explore the Island in a Convertible
St. Barts is only eight square miles so you can easily explore the entire island by car. I recommend renting a convertible Fiat which is what most people drive on the island. You and your girls will enjoy zipping around the tiny roads with the top down, music cranked up, and your hair blowing in the wind.
Plus having your own car gives you room to explore the whole island when you want, how you want. You can rent a convertible Fiat from Turbé Car Rental which has a pickup location at the St. Barts airport – Gustaf III Airport. The car rental desk is at the far end of the airport by the parking lot. It is a little hard to find but it is there.
3) Cabaret Show At Le Ti
Spending a night at famed Le Ti is a must on your St. Barts trip! This iconic cabaret bar has been entertaining jet-setting guests and celebrities alike since 1995. Book a late dinner at Le Ti on your St. Barts girls’ getaway to enjoy a sexy cabaret show that includes singing, dancing, and a chance for guests to dress up and dance with the performers at the end of the night.
The food is not great at Le Ti but you don’t go for the food, you go for the entertainment. It’s a wild, party night where anything goes and a perfect way to celebrate a birthday, bachelorette party or just enjoy a fun night out with your girls!
Le Ti is an ideal spot to go to for dinner and show on Thursday. On the weekends most of the action is in Gustavia harbor (see my nightlife suggestions below).
4) Learn St. Barts History at Wall House Museum
If you are interested in learning the history of St. Barts visit the Wall House Museum in Gustavia. Here you can learn about the story of how the island came to be what it is today.
St. Barts was a Swedish colony for nearly a century. In 1784, one of French king Louis XVI’s ministers traded St. Barts to Sweden in exchange for trading rights in the Swedish port of Gothenburg. St. Barts belonged to Sweden until 1878 when the French repurchased the island.
5) Rum Tasting
Island rum on St. Barts is the best ever! If you like rum then I suggest booking a rum tasting with your girlfriends at the Rhum Room. A bottle of island rum also makes a great souvenir or gift to bring home from your trip.
6) Sail Around The Island
Spending a day sailing around St. Barts is a great way to see the island and a fun way to spend a day with your girlfriends. Plus you will get to visit secluded beaches, snorkel, and swim in pristine areas you might otherwise not get to experience.
On my last trip to St. Barts we booked a private catamaran for the day and it was one of the highlights of our vacation! We used St Barth Sailing and had an all-around wonderful experience. Our captain and first mate were awesome, the food was excellent, the sea was clear and bright blue, and the beaches we visited were so beautiful that they looked fake.
Here’s an Instagram Reel sharing highlights from our sailing day!
7) Snorkel and Scuba Dive
St. Barts is known for its white sand beaches and warm, crystal blue waters. This Caribbean island is also home to an array of sea life making it an ideal spot to snorkel or scuba dive.
I have not been scuba diving in St. Barts but they did have snorkel gear on the catamaran we rented so I snorkeled for a few hours and it was magical. The water temperature is perfect and there are coral reefs, colorful fish, and sea turtles.
If you would like to dive during your girls’ getaway on St Barts these are three top-rated scuba diving companies on the island:
8) Surfing at Le Toiny Beach
St. Barts surprisingly has great surfing! The island has 10 bays that are home to fun point breaks, but my favorite spot to surf is the point break at Le Toiny. The beach club at Hotel Le Toiny is situated right in front of the break so if you are with friends who don’t surf they can sit and enjoy lunch or drinks at the beach bar and watch you surf.
They also have a little surf hut right in front of the break where you can rent surfboards and paddleboards making this spot very convenient to surf at. There is also free public beach parking at Le Toiny, just before the entrance to the hotel.
On small days this is a good beginner or intermediate spot but when there is a big swell the undercurrent can be strong here, so make sure you check the waves before you surf at Le Toiny to ensure they aren’t too big for your skill level.
9) Crepes at Le Creperie
If you’re a crepe person you must have crepes at Le Creperie in Gustavia! Every bakery here is amazing for croissants, pastries, and fresh baguettes but this is the best crepe restaurant on the island. Le Creperie is open Monday – Saturday 11:30am-2pm and 6:30pm-10pm and serves delicious crepes, burgers, ice cream, and more.
10) Ocean View Hike
Hiking is a great way to get outdoors, get active, and explore St. Barts. There are several great hiking trails on the island but arguably the best one is the trail to Columbier Beach, known as St. Bart’s most picturesque beach.
The Upper Trail to Columbier is quite steep but it only takes 25 minutes and offers incredible views. The Lower Trail to Colombier is much easier and can be accessed from Flammands Beach, taking you up a gradual incline – but you do miss out on the dramatic views when you take this easier route.
You can find more info on this hike and other hikes in A Hiker’s Guide to St Barts.
11) Sunday Funday at Nikki Beach
If you’re visiting St. Barts for a girls’ getaway, or with a group of friends, you can’t miss the day party at Nikki Beach on Sunday! Nikki Beach is the liveliest beach club on the island and goes off on Sunday with live music and patrons dancing on the tables.
The best time to book a lunch reservation at Nikki Beach is 1-2pm on Sunday that way you will have time to eat before the party really gets going in the late afternoon. You can also book day beds for after lunch, but we didn’t end up using ours because we were too busy dancing well into the early evening!
Best Hotels In St. Barts For A Girls Getaway
St. Barts has a multitude of incredible boutique hotels and luxury resorts to choose from. The main town of Gustavia is on the west side of the island. This is where most of the action is so this is an ideal area to stay in if you want to be close to everything. St. Jean Bay is also a great location to stay in. It is a little quieter, especially at night, but it is only an easy 8-10 minute drive to Gustavia.
The northeast side of the island is where many of the luxury resorts are. This is the quieter side of the island. This is the side to stay on if you want a peaceful, relaxing vacation away from the tourist crowds. However, both sides of the island are stunningly beautiful – I have not seen an ugly spot on St. Barts!
Here are 9 of the best hotels to stay at during your St. Barts girls’ getaway:
- Eden Rock – This iconic, ultraluxe hotel perched on a rock overlooking St Jean Bay has been welcoming guests since the 1950s and helped make St. Barts the jet-setter hot spot that it is today. 10 minute drive to Gustavia.
- Cheval Blanc– Located on Flammands Beach, this resort is an ideal place to stay if you are looking for quiet, relaxing accommodations that are still fairly close to the action. 12 minute drive to Gustavia.
- Hotel Le Toiny– Located on the northern, quieter side of the island, perfect to stay at if you want to surf or want a peaceful, relaxing island experience. 20 minute drive to Gustavia.
- Rosewood Le Guanahani – Also located on the quieter side of the island, this new resort offers casual luxury, comfort, and elegance in a peaceful, private setting. 20 minute drive to Gustavia.
- Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf – Overlooking Gustavia and just a stone’s throw from famed Shell Beach, this 5-star hotel offers rooms, suites, and bungalows with incredible views of the harbor in a convenient location.
- Le Sereno Hotel – Iconic resort located on the ultra-private, peaceful Grand Cul De Sac on the quiet northern side. 19 minute drive to Gustavia.
- Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa – Set on a crescent bay on the northern side, this hotel’s stunning beachfront location has helped make it a top resort in the Caribbean. 20 minute drive to Gustavia.
- Pearl Beach Hotel – Chic, intimate boutique hotel (formerly Tom Beach Hotel), located on beautiful St Jean Bay, short walk to Eden Rock and Nikki Beach. 8 minute drive to Gustavia.
- Hotel Christopher – Five-star resort on the north side of the island, 42 rooms and suites, chic, casual, luxurious. 20 minute drive to Gustavia.
Best Villas In St. Barts For A Girls Getaway
Booking a villa is ideal if you are visiting St. Barts on a girls’ getaway or group trip. There are an array of incredible luxury villas on St. Barts to choose from.
During my last trip to the island, we booked a villa through Eden Rock. Their villas are pricey but they come with a dedicated concierge who will be available 24/7 to cater to your needs and make all your reservations, and a dedicated chef who will prepare a gourmet breakfast daily and private dinners at the villa upon request.
If you are looking for a more affordable high-end rental for your St. Barts girls’ getaway here are 12 top-rated luxury villas that are less pricey but still amazing:
- Villa Roc E Mar – 3 bedroom / 4 bath / Sleeps 6
- Villa Skrutten – 4 bedroom / 3 bath / Sleeps 8
- Villa Whalhalla – 4 bedroom / 4 bath / Sleeps 8
- Villa On The Beach – 3 bedroom / 3 bath / Sleeps 6
- Villa Lama – 3 bedroom / 3 bath / Sleeps 6
- Source in Colombier – 6 bedroom / 6 bath /Sleeps 12
- Villa Vogue – 3 bedroom / 4 bath / Sleeps 6
- Datcha Villa – 3 bedroom / 3 bath / Sleeps 6
- Villa Roy – 4 bedroom / 4 bath / Sleeps 8
- Hurakan in Colombier – 3 bedroom / 3 bath / Sleeps 6
- Paradisal Villa – 7 bedroom / 6 bath / Sleeps 14
- Villa Amancaya – 7 bedrooms / 7 bathrooms / Sleeps 16
- Deluxe Villa – 3 bedroom / 4 bath / Sleeps 6 – Budget Villa*
Villa Idalia – 3 bedroom / 2 bath / Sleeps 6 – This is not a luxury villa and only has a 4.5 star rating but if you are looking for an affordable accommodation with killer views this could be a good option.
MONEY SAVING TIP: Many of the villas on St. Barts can be rented at a discounted rate if you aren’t using all the rooms. So if you are renting a 4 bedroom villa but you only need 3 rooms, ask for the 3 bedroom price.
Best Beach Clubs & Lunch Spots In St. Barts
One of the best things about St. Barts is how many top-notch restaurants and beach clubs there are on this tiny, eight-square-mile island. Party goers and foodies alike will easily find what they are looking for in St. Barts. Here are 6 of the best beach clubs and lunch restaurants in St. Barts:
- Nikki Beach – As mentioned above, book a table here on Sunday afternoon to enjoy the best day party on the island! You can also reserve sunbeds here for after lunch or take a walk around St Jean Bay.
- La Cabane at Cheval Blanc Hotel – Located on Flammands Beach, this is a great place to go for a quiet lunch at the water’s edge. You’ll sit with your feet in the sand and enjoy a delicious gourmet lunch. After lunch, you can rent sunbeds and enjoy cocktails overlooking this gorgeous bay – or burn off your meal with a hike to Columbier which can be accessed from Flammands Beach.
- Shellona – This beach club and restaurant on Shell Beach is not to be missed! The food is excellent (innovative Greek) and this cove is one of the prettiest on the island. Reserve sunbeds here after lunch and enjoy a peaceful afternoon swimming and soaking up the sun.
- Gyp Sea – This spot is next door to Nikki Beach on St Jean Bay and is one of the coolest new beach clubs on the island. The decor is stunning, the food is incredible (fresh, local, seasonal, prepared on the BBQ) and it’s lively and fun. Reserve sunbeds after lunch to enjoy stunning views of the bay.
- Sand Bar at Eden Rock – Overlooking beautiful St. Jean Bay, this restaurant is great for a quieter lunch experience that is still a place to see and be seen. Reserve sunbeds here after lunch to enjoy the beautiful white sand beached of St. Jean Bay.
- Le Toiny Beach Club – The menu changes often and offers fresh fish, grilled meat, and delicious, fresh salads. Enjoy a truly relaxing lunch with your feet in the sand watching the waves and surfers.
Best Dinner Spots In St. Barts
St. Barts is known for its world-class restaurants and there are so many to choose from. But be warned these hot spots get booked up quickly, especially during high season, so make reservations well in advance. Here are 10 of the best dinner restaurants in St. Barts:
- Bonito – This is my favorite restaurant on the island, with incredible locally inspired French cuisine, and beautiful views of Gustavia. TIP: After dinner walk a few doors down the hill to SkyBar for drinks.
- L’Isola – The best Italian food on the island, small, upscale setting in the heart of Gustavia.
- Eden Rock – Sand Restaurant & Remy Bar at Eden Rock are great for lunch or dinner. The bar area will have a DJ so it will be a fun, lively scene.
- Bagatelle – Serving upscale French cuisine, this is a bustling dinner spot in the harbor. On the weekends, Bagatelle turns into a party scene in the late evening hours.
- Black Ginger – Authentic Thai cuisine in an upscale setting, perfect for a quieter evening with your girls.
- Amis St. Barts – Upscale Mediterranean food served in a stylish seaside setting.
- Le Ti – Book a late dinner here on Thursday night for the awesome show and not the (mediocre) food.
- Kinugawa – Best sushi spot on the island, fun, lively setting, cute waiters!
- Eddie’s – Great casual dinner spot in Gustavia, charming garden setting, quiet, not a scene, great locally inspired French cuisine.
- Le Santa Fe – Hidden gem dinner or lunch, French cuisine, quiet, not a scene.
Best Nightlife Spots in St Barts
St. Barts is more of a day party island, but there is some fun to be had at night, especially on the weekends. On Friday and Saturday nights, there is usually a fun crowd in the harbor drinking and dancing at bars and restaurants along the water, and partying on yachts.
So despite the island not being a big nighttime party spot, you and your girls will easily find something fun to do. Here are a 5 of the best nightlife spots on the island:
- Le Ti – Book a late dinner here on Thursday or the weekend to enjoy a cabaret show and a lively party scene.
- Bagatelle – On the weekends book a late dinner here and you’ll likely end your evening dancing your dinner off on your table.
- La Petite Plage – This chic beach-inspired spot in the harbor goes off on the weekends with a DJ and people dancing on the tabletops.
- SkyBar – Fun, lively bar, great cocktails, on the weekends, they have a DJ and it gets pretty lively. As mentioned, this is just down the hill from Bonito so it’s a great spot to head for cocktails after dinner there.
- Quarter – This is an excellent cocktail bar to have a quiet drink before or after dinner. It’s not a wild party scene but it gets busy and the drinks are top-notch.
How To Get To St. Barts
Besides being expensive, one of the only other downsides of St. Barts is that it is not the easiest island to get to. Gustaf III Airport, aka the St. Barts Airport, is tiny with a very short runway so only small planes can land there. Because of this, you have to fly to a nearby island, usually, Princess Juliana Airport (SXM) in St. Marteen, or San Juan Airport (SJU) in Puerto Rico, and then get a connecting flight on a small plane to St. Barts.
I live in Los Angeles so I usually break up the trip from the West Coast to St. Barts with a one-night layover in Miami, then I fly onto St. Marteen the next day and then on to St. Barts. But if you are coming from the East Coast you can fly directly into St. Marteen from New York or Miami and then it is just a quick 15-minute flight to St. Barts.
Or you can charter a private helicopter with West Indies Helicopters from St. Marteen to St. Barts. It costs about 1,400 euros each way and can fit up to four passengers with luggage. This is the most expensive option but if you are heading to St. Barts with your girlfriends for a birthday or bachelorette party and want to splurge and experience the best views of the island, this is the way to go!
The other, more affordable option is to fly into St. Marteen and then take a high-speed ferry to St. Barts. I flew into St. Barts on my first two trips but this past trip we took the Great Bay Express ferry over from St. Marteen and it was surprisingly quick and peaceful.
The ferry takes about 45 minutes to and from St. Barts and is about $110 per person round trip. There are three ferry rides per day to St. Barts from St. Marteen and back, and they provide a shuttle from the St. Marteen Airport to the ferry for $10. Just make sure you leave plenty of extra time when returning from St. Barts to St. Marteen. The shuttle service is on “island time” and can be slow-moving.
Best Time To Visit St. Barts
The winter months from December to February are high season in St. Barts and are considered the best time of the year to visit because of the perfect weather. But these are also the most expensive months to vacation on the island.
St Barts Girls Getaway Guide Wrap Up
I hope you’ve found this St Barts girls’ getaway guide helpful and you are now excited to visit this magical island with your girls! Here are a few more tips for your trip: the currency is euros, the official language of St. Barts is French but everyone speaks English, the calling code is +590, and the power outlets are European style with two round holes so don’t forget to bring an adapter.
If you have questions about St Barts or tips for our readers please leave these in the comments below! And if you’re interested in visiting other areas in the Caribbean, you can check out all our Caribbean articles for inspiration or all our girls getaway guides for other trip ideas.
We hope that this article has inspired you to visit St Barts. If you have any questions or advice to share with our readers, please leave these in the comments below.
Want to share your own travel tips by guest writing for We Are Travel Girls? Go to our Contribute page for guidelines and to submit your article.
Read More About The Caribbean
- 5 Things To Do In Las Terrenas
- Tips For Traveling In Cuba
- Exploring Jamiaca
- 12 Things Not To Miss in Grand Cayman
- Quick Guide To St John & The Virgin Islands
Author
We Are Travel Girls Co-Founder Vanessa Rivers
Connect with Vanessa Website | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube
Pin For Later
DESPINA NEAMONITIS says
Hi! I came across this blog and wanted to tell you it’s very helpful! I have a question regarding transportation. Do you recommend a car service? We are staying outside of Gustavia and will need cabs. Thank you