Saint Barth:
A Le Collectionist Guide

Discover the shores of this idyllic island, between the bustling hub of Gustavia, the quiet sands of Saline Beach, and the jaw-dropping panoramas throughout! Restaurants, beaches, and activities: here are our favourite things to do in Saint Barth.

A don’t-miss activity that’s fun for the whole family, get your photo taken on the beach beside Saint Jean Airport. Whether taking amateur shots yourself or with the help of a more experienced photographer, time the photos just right so the aeroplanes seem to be taking off or landing right above your head! You’ll be able to cherish these quirky yet beautiful holiday photos as an unforgettable memento.

In a nutshell
Unique / Family friendly

If you find yourself at Grand Fond Beach, don’t miss your chance to dip in dazzling turquoise natural pools, shining like rare gems in the grey rocks. Follow the path through the rocks on the shore, marvelling at the sea out to one side and the mountains on the other. Though the path can sometimes be jagged and narrow, the secluded natural pools are well worth the effort.

The waters off the coast of Saint Barth are nothing if not inviting, whether limpide or shimmering in shades of blue and green. Dive beneath the surface to see the world they conceal. Colourful corals, shipwrecks overtaken by marine flora and fauna, and vibrant sea life like turtles and eagle rays await. There are diving sites for all levels, so whether you’re an experienced diver or you’ve never worn scuba gear, the ocean floor has something for you.

Up on a hill in Gustavia, the island’s capital, a red and white lighthouse peers over the city, standing as a tall and proud beacon into the harbour. After a leisurely seafront walk through a tropical garden with endemic plants, you’ll find the still-operating lighthouse, vestigial cannons, and a stunning view of the port. The view from the lighthouse showcases the best of Gustavia’s coast, particularly when the sunset paints the horizon. Plan to bring a bottle of champagne and toast to your unforgettable holidays!

In the crystal-clear waters off the shores of Grand Cul de Sac Beach, discover native marine flora and fauna. Put on your snorkel and flippers and float through the lagoon and mangrove, coming face to face with schools of tropical fish and sea turtles weaving through the coral. With shallow waters, this is a great spot for a family excursion, sure to delight young and old alike.

If you want to be close to the action, see our luxury rentals near Gustavia, Lurin, or Saint Jean. You’ll be able to walk right into downtown and visit the authentic shops, bars, and restaurants just a stone’s throw from home!

If you prefer soaking up the unspoilt Caribbean landscapes, you’ll have a choice of stays between Toiny, Grand Cul de Sac, Petit Cul de Sac, Marigot, and Pointe Milou. Here, wake up to the sound of birds and the fresh scent of dew on the palms surrounding your home.

Can’t choose between downtown and nature? Have it both ways! Stay near Gouverneur, Lorient, Saline, Flamands, Colombier, or Corossol to enjoy both the lively city life and secluded calm out of town, with the beach right on your doorstep!

Nestled between Gouverneur and Grand Fond, on the southern coast of Saint Barth, Saline is a secluded and untouched stretch of sand. With the sea rippling out in front of you, sand dunes in back, and mountains encasing you on both sides, you’ll feel completely disconnected from the world in your own pristine slice of paradise.

Even as you drive up to the beach, you’ll be stunned by the panorama: white sand, turquoise water, lush vegetation, and towering mountains provide an unspoilt landscape perfect for lounging the afternoon away on the beach. In this private cove, you can snorkel in calm waters or hunt for buried treasure — rumour has it Captain Monbar, a famous French pirate, hid his gold in one of the caves!

Colombier Beach is perfect for adventurers. To reach this pristine stretch of coastline, you’ll need to hike through a serpentine path taking you along the jaw-dropping cliffs and rugged caves. You might even run into some of Saint Barth’s emblematic iguanas on the way, as well as turtles and goats! The hike is well worth it, leading you to an unspoilt and often uncrowded beach. If you aren’t much of a hiker, know that you can also access Colombier by boat.

Shell Beach is unlike any other beach in Saint Barth. Its secluded and sheltered location not only makes it a tranquil visit, it also causes many seashells to wash up on its shores, giving the beach its name. With many restaurants nearby, it’s entirely possible to spend the whole day here soaking in the view and hunting for the most beautiful shells. If you visit in winter, the sunset is also particularly striking in this secluded cove.

More lively than other beaches on this list, Flamands is perfect if you’re looking for a more vibrant afternoon on the sand. One of the longest beaches on the island, it’s also one of the most popular. Here, you’ll find students playing soccer on the sand, waves of kites soaring through the wind on the sand, strong waves making the sea feel like a whirlpool, and one of Saint Barth’s most popular resorts: Cheval Blanc.

Get a perfect start to your day with breakfast at Cheval Blanc Isle de France. Savour an all-you-can-eat buffet showcasing Caribbean flavours with your feet in the sands of Flamands Beach, enjoying one of the island’s most prestigious resorts.

Cheval Blanc Isle de France
Baie des Flamands, 97133 Saint Barthélemy

Located on “Pelican” Beach in Saint Jean, Nikki Beach is not to be missed! With locations all over the world, the menu reflects international influences, especially including Caribbean spices! On weekends, you can expect a festive atmosphere to overtake the white sunbeds in a sophisticated yet exciting setting.

With a menu imagined by Michelin chef Arnaud Faye, now boasting Romaine Derenne at its helm, RIVYERA brings a touch of the French Riviera to an idyllic Caribbean setting. Simple, authentic, and delectable Mediterranean cuisine with your feet in the white sand: what more could you ask for?

Climb aboard a shuttle that takes you on a safari-style drive, destination Hotel Le Toiny. There, settle into the sophisticated beach club, feet dug into the sand, to savour dishes centred around fish, grilled meat, or refreshing salads. The tranquil atmosphere and gourmet cuisine are sure to delight!

Nestled in a secret tropical garden in the heart of Gustavia, Eddy’s Restaurant offers a fusion of French and Creole cuisine. In a perfectly traditional setting, enjoy an intimate meal sharing creole curry, seared wahoo, or wild prawn.

If you’re after a gourmet meal in an intimate setting, Restaurant L’Esprit is the perfect place to book a table. Using fresh seasonal produce and ingredients from across the globe, chef Jean-Claude Dufour and his wife Sonia offer a one-of-a-kind experience just beyond the Saline beach.

With an utterly staggering view of the Gustavia port, Bonito wears the drapings of a traditional Caribbean beach house while offering an inventive menu. Conceived by chef Owner Laurent Cantineaux, dishes here blend French and Pan-American influences for a mouth-watering experience in the vibrant heart of Saint Barth.

This emblematic snack bar in Gustavia embodies the best of Saint Barths. Here, you’re sure to get a taste of local culture and experience an authentic ambiance, a glass of Caribbean rum or beer in hand. Founded by local legend Marius Stakelborough, this bar is a meeting point for locals and visitors alike. 

Perched above the city of Gustavia, enjoy some of the best cocktails on the island with a stunning view of the red roofs and boat masts that make the Gustavia port. With delicious food and ambrosial drinks, Sky Bar adds a touch of sophisticated nightlife to Saint Barth.

Just beside the sea in Gustavia, Bagatelle guarantees a festive atmosphere. Conceived by French jet-setters Rémi Laba and Aymeric Clemente, the restaurant brings French joie de vivre to the Caribbean, met with eager local energy.

What makes Arawak Café a truly special and spirited address is the live music. As day turns into night, trade your smoothies and fresh-pressed juices for cocktails while the volume on the Latino music is turned up and mezcal is poured into your glass.

Once you’re feeling truly warmed up from the other addresses on our list, make your way to CASA, a nightclub in the heart of Gustavia. Just below Sky Bar, come here to dance the night away to ​​Julien Roussel’s music mixes in a trendy yet elegant setting.

Every first Sunday of the month, Gustavia hosts a market gathering a variety of stands. Stroll through the colourful stalls selling local cuisine, artisanal crafts, and more. Afterwards, you can either weave through the town streets window-shopping in luxury stores or make your way up to the lighthouse. With the variety of stands, shops, and activities, everyone in the family is sure to find something they enjoy.

Between surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, kite surfing, snorkeling, fishing, windsurfing, and more, there’s bound to be a watersport fit for any age and interest here in Saint Barth! Make your way to the crystal-clear turquoise waters on the coast and try your hand at a nautical activity.

At Le Collectionist, we love creating unforgettable family memories, so why not let us organise a treasure hunt for you and your little ones on your family holiday in the Caribbean? Hunt for treasure across Saint Barth, deciphering clues as a family to lead you to prizes scattered around the island.

Take a boat trip across the island

Fly above the island in a helicopter

Treat your body with professional care

In winter, temperatures are cooler in Saint Barth, sitting at a balmy 25°C and making this island one of the best destinations to find winter sun. Peak season in the Caribbean, local establishments host festivities one after the next. You can admire the marvellous firework show on New Year’s Eve from your yacht or luxury villa!

Saint Barth is relatively deserted in September since it’s an active month in the cyclone season, but things pick up again in mid-October with the “Grand opening” season. Watch as businesses begin to welcome guests anew, with the Saint Barth Gourmet Festival giving you a perfect excuse to visit: in November, the island invites some of the world’s best chefs to the delight of vacationers!

In summer, temperatures are hot and hurricane season is underway, so we recommend you steer clear of the island, especially in late August and September. However, outside of these critical weeks, local businesses stay open to welcome visitors and offer a full and authentic experience of the island.

Spring is a calmer season in Saint Barth, though you can still take advantage of the island’s many activities. In April, admire some of the world’s largest (and most beautiful!) sailboats at Les Voiles de Saint Barth! In May, as the weather gets warmer, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the magnificent beaches during a refreshing swim.