Go to the Caribbean for your winter family holidays in the sun

What if you swapped hats and gloves for a more summery outfit this winter? We invite you to enjoy winter under the Caribbean sun, in the company of your family, by heading to the refined islands of St Barts and Saint-Martin. 

The Caribbean is a vast playground to discover. To enjoy their best days, there's nothing better than to fly away in winter, in the dry season. With an average of 27 ° c, unparalleled sunshine, sandy beaches, and turquoise water at the ideal temperature, the Caribbean is the ideal haunt to get your dose of vitamin D. 

ST BARTS

Nestled in the blue topaz waters north of the Antillean arc, the small French island of St Barts enjoys a very chic reputation. A paradox between Creole traditions and popular luxury spots, St Barts is one of our luxury holiday destinations for luxury family holidays . Discover the pearl of the Caribbean and all its riches.

What activities are there to do in St Barts? 

St Barts is a small territory of volcanic origin with rugged reliefs which forms an idyllic setting. Along its coasts, the fiery colour of the cliffs meets the crystal clear Caribbean waters. Between relaxation, sporting activities and unusual nature, it is a trip to the sun that will delight your whole family. 

• Family hike around St Barts 
• Discover the islands around St Barts 
• Enjoy the beaches on the islands 
• Celebrate the holidays in St Barts

Family hike

The magnificent island of St Barts is crossed by many hiking trails. Start your walk after a visit to the village of Flamand and its colourful houses. The path overlooking the sea is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and offers an extraordinary picture of the island.

Be careful, on your way, you could meet unexpected people. On the shore, linger to watch the spectacle of the island's most experienced fishermen, the pelicans. With their large beaks, they dive at breakneck speed in shallow water. Continue on your way and let iguanas and turtles, great lovers of hibiscus flowers, cross in front of you. Do not forget to collect one on the way for the greatest happiness of these small animals.

At the end of your getaway, tranquility awaits you. The sheltered Colombier beach is a small sanctuary for lazing around and swimming.

For the more sporty families, we also recommend the ascent of the highest point of the island, Mont Morne de Vitet. Leave before sunrise for the chance to experience the wonderful spectacle of the golden light that floods the bay of Saint Barth in the early morning.

Discover the islands

How about getting on a boat, to play sea explorers? Discover the islets of the archipelago that surround the island of St Barts. On the program, crazy race with dolphins, lunch near Chevreau Island and contemplation of the coasts of islands with evocative names, Coco Island or Tortoise Island. 

This is a getaway that can also be enjoyed aboard a catamaran for a more sporty experience or alongside Tony to discover big game fishing. Feel the air in your hair and the swell under your feet, this is a perfect getaway for a luxury family beach holiday.

Enjoy the beaches

It's no secret that the beaches of the Caribbean are some of the most beautiful around. Off the beaten track, it is possible to find protected, unspoiled beaches. For the youngest, we recommend the beaches of Lorient and Grand Cul-de-Sac, more frequented but supervised. For teenagers, we take our first steps in diving and we practice endless water sports. 

Enjoy the holidays in St Barts

Spending a St Barts holiday for your winter family holiday in the sun doesn't mean depriving your family of the festivities that surround Christmas. On the contrary, the island has many events in store for its visitors.

The spirit of Christmas is also experienced in the tropics. Each year, the cities host many Christmas markets. On the quays of honour of Gustavia, the Christmas Market amazes young and old. Musical entertainment, photos with Santa Claus, many craftsmen and artists, everything is there to experience this magical period with the family.

When New Year's Eve comes, the port of Gustavia is invaded by yachts from all over the world, coming to celebrate the New Year. At midnight, the sirens of the boats echo the exceptional fireworks fired in the port.

Where to eat in St Barts?

Saint Barth is a haunt of popular restaurants. With its upscale clientele, gastronomy is a must on this island. Here are some restaurants where you can book your end-of-year meals during your luxury escape.

Typical lunch at Eddy's

To start your day right, visit our our favorite on the island of Saint Barthélémy. Chez Eddy's has managed to maintain a pronounced Creole style in a friendly and refined atmosphere. In the heart of a green paradise in Gustavia, this wooded restaurant offers fresh and local products cooked traditionally. 

Address : Rue Samuel Falhberg, Gustavia 97133 St-Barthélemy FW
Contact : + 590 590 27 54 17

Relaxing evening at Bonito

Overlooking the port of Gustavia, the Bonito is an upscale place where we like to relax after a long day on the island's beaches. Its French cuisine associated with South American flavours is accompanied by a very popular musical atmosphere. Our little extra: the cocktail bar, suspended above the water and its particularly well-executed menu. 

Address : Rue Lubin Brin, Gustavia, 97133 St Barthélémy
Contact : + 590 590 27 96 96

Where to stay in St Barts?

Neo Villa

After a good meal in St Barts, it's time to come back to curl up in the warm space of Villa Neo. In the early morning, you can decide between a dip in the water of the heated swimming pool near the tropical garden or descend to the beach a few steps away.

Villa Cairn

Nestled in the heights of Saint Barthélémy, Villa Cairn offers an unparalleled panorama over the bay. On its wooden terrace with clean lines, we like to relax and enjoy a sumptuous sunset. 

SAINT-MARTIN

It was only 25km from Saint Barthélémy that in 1493, Christopher Columbus discovered the smallest island in the Caribbean, Saint Martin. This island is shared between a Dutch part, very festive and a French part, more relaxed.

What activities to do in Saint-Martin?

The island is full of natural, gastronomic and cultural treasures. We invite you to live your luxury family holiday on this human-sized island, enjoy the 37 paradisiacal beaches and coves available to you and discover the history and culture of Saint-Martin with your family.

Discovery of the fauna and flora of Saint-Martin

Take your tribe to the butterfly farm near the Salines d'Orient. The 900m2 of greenhouses are full of species of butterflies that will amaze young and old.

Then set off to explore the peak of Paradise, the highest point of view on the island at 424 meters above sea level. It is possible to access it by car or through a hiking trail, through the lush vegetation of the island. At the top, an exceptional panorama of the Caribbean Sea and the French capital of Marigot stretches out before your eyes.

On the way back down, stop for a sensational family experience at Loterie Farm. Take a tree-climbing course suitable for the whole family and discover the endemic species of the island. In the heart of the branches, you can meet iguanas and green monkeys.

Cultural tour of the towns of Saint-Martin

It is by strolling through the alleys of these towns and villages that one can fully discover the atmosphere and the culture of the island.

In Philipsburg, we like to shop in the colourful alleys and visit the museum which trace the great periods of the island, from the Indian Arawaks era to present day.

In Marigot, we get drunk on the smells and colours of the market, we let the children walk between the fish stalls in the typical huts built at the edge of the water before enjoying a glass of rum or cane juice pressed in front of you. What a delight! We end with a visit to Port Louis for a breathtaking view of the sea. 

Let's finish this tour of the must-sees with the typical fishing village of Grand Case. Here local gastronomy is in the spotlight, lolos, traditional restaurants, dot the beaches and serve customers with Creole cuisine, grilled meats and fried foods. Grand Case is also a city full of life where you can relax on the terrace of a beach bar with a cool cocktail. Its lively streets, transparent turquoise sea, and the many nautical activities make it one of the most popular spots on the island.

Enjoy the riches of the sea

For our friends, the humpback whales, the mating season begins in December. This is the opportunity for your family to marvel at their passage in the crystal clear waters of Saint-Martin. Sit in front of the Creole Rock to admire the curious dolphins of Tintamarre and the islet of Scrub, near Anguilla.

Beyond its many beaches, Saint-Martin can also be discovered through its rich seabed and its many islets.

The festivities during your family trip in winter

Discovering Christmas in Saint-Martin is a unique experience. During this period, American, Dutch, and French influences mingle to create a very special atmosphere that will delight the whole family.

Take your tribe to Santa's house for a fairytale Thanksgiving at Cripple Gate. The owner decorates the place with thousands of lights every year and transforms it into a real palace. We like to listen to Christmas carols and taste traditional sweet treats. 

Everywhere on Saint-Martin, at this time, the Christmas markets are present. We recommend that you visit the Christmas Sérénade in Marigot in the Orleans district. Between pudding and pie contests, punch tastings and live concerts, it's a must to experience a winter in the sun. 

Where to eat in Saint-Martin?

Fine dining at Sol e Luna

Well kept in the heart of the 5-star Sol e Luna hotel, the eponymous restaurant is a green setting that offers refined cuisine made from fresh and local products. We advise you to sit under the gazebos at noon, and let yourself be guided by "the lunch menu" carefully prepared by the chefs of this restaurant. 

Address : 61, Mont Vernon, 97150 Saint Martin FWI
Contact :  + 590 590 29 08 56

Typical dinner in a lolo at Yvette's

A lolo is a small typical restaurant where locals meet in a simple and warm atmosphere, as close as possible to their homes. Welcome to Yvette! This is a lolo recommended for those who want a real approach to the local cuisine. We advise you to taste their famous meatballs. The portions are generous and the flavours are excellent. 

Where to stay in Saint-Martin?

Villa Ecume Des Jours

Close to the water, Villa Ecume des jours welcomes you in its immaculate white exterior. Inside, the retro style of the sixties armchairs blend harmoniously with the modern design that dresses the house with incredible charm. 

Our favorite activities nearby: exploring the Devil's Hole cave with the older children.

Villa C'est la vie 

Nestled at the edge of a forest of palm trees, along the fine sandy beach of Baie aux Prunes, the villa C'est la vie amazes us with its modern Creole architecture and its astonishing shapes. Stroll with the family on the terrace of this luxury holiday homes , with your feet in the warm water of an undulating swimming pool. On the horizon, the beach of this paradise island stretches out in front of us.

Seeking more inspiration for where to put down your bags in the Caribbean for your family vacation in winter? Explore our guide to the best kid-friendly Caribbean islands.

With Le Collectionist, the luxury villa rentals in the Caribbean has never been easier. Let our Tailors organize your best parties under the sun and discover our other ideas for your luxury holiday .