Perfect Luxury Escape or Honeymoon to St. Barth: What to Do and Where to Stay

If you’re looking for the hottest and trendiest island to visit, St. Barth probably comes to mind. Somehow though, even with celebrities and elite clientele, this posh island has managed to retain a charming and laid-back vibe. But don’t let its chill demeanor fool ya! This island is crazy expensive, which is why it remains so exclusive. And even though it requires either a commuter jet or a ferry to reach it, I promise the extra effort spent getting here will be well worth it! Until I visited St. Barth this past summer, I didn’t think that I cared too much for the Caribbean–turns out I was way wrong! Once you’ve been here you’ll be a cult follower for life! Right from day one of my trip I spent hours brainstorming ideas that would allow me to live here permanently! Bizarrely, before I arrived, I tried to research things to do and had a difficult time finding reputable bloggers or magazines with recommendations. For such a popular vacation destination there was surprisingly little written about what to do once you were here–especially for honeymooners and luxury connoisseurs! I hung out with two girls who lived on the island for most of my trip who were definitely plugged in to the coolest things going on around the island. They were far cooler than I am! Here are my top picks for what to do in St. Barth and where to stay for honeymooners and luxury travelers!

Life’s a Beach

First things first–you’re in St. Barth for the beaches! And while there really aren’t any beaches that aren’t gorgeous, there are a few that were my favorites. Saline and Gouverneur are the best if you’re looking for gorgeous scenery. These beaches are less developed so you’ll find lots of locals sunbathing (many of them nude–ooh la la!) or simply relaxing in the calm waters here. Shell Beach is a cool and chill beach with a prime sunset viewing locale. Come here and grab a drink from Do Brazil, one of the hippest bars on the entire island, known for its delicious tropical drinks! Next, Baie de St. Jean is my personal favorite beach! This is the party beach but also the poshest place to hang out. La Plage restaurant and the iconic Nikki Beach are right on the beach.  If you’re looking to class it up and rub elbows with a celebrity or two you can visit The Eden Rock Hotel for cocktails at their famous bar, On the Rocks.

I personally recommend La Plage, which honors the island’s spirit and laid-back beach vibe. I far prefer the clientele at La Plage versus Nikki Beach, which to me is a little trashy/flashy. Its name alone brings images of people dancing on tables and pouring champagne all over themselves. But to each his own!  La Plage is also the best spot to witness planes departing from the island right over the beach. Finally, if you’re in the mood for a romantic picnic, grab a bottle of wine and a picnic and take a short 25-minute hike to Colombier and chill. It’s pretty secluded since the only way to reach it is by hike or boat ride.

The poshest hotel on the island is unquestionably The Eden Rock Hotel. When I was in town Robert DeNiro was staying here. I went over there for drinks and to explore as its only a few minute walk from Tom Beach but found it a little uptight. My favorite place to stay is Tom Beach Hotel, I stayed here as part of a press trip–that means my room was paid for. It’s a tiny hotel and it isn’t over-the-top luxe but it’s still very classy! I mean, a bottle of Veuve upon check-in for honeymooners? Yes, please!

You can read in my review, I was a little hesitant before I left for my trip here. I was worried that it wouldn’t be luxurious or worse that it would be sketchy–but it wasn’t. It’s a boho-chic island gem. A stay here isn’t just a room, it’s an experience. It’s home to La Plage restaurant and you have a prime seat to all the action here.

Dance Until Dawn

In addition to its cool and casual spirit, St. Barth is also famous for its party scene, which is likely the reason that so many visitors sleep until noon! Dance on a table at beachside hotspot, La Plage at their I Love Friday Parties (can you tell I love it here), have a late dinner and party all night right at your table at Le Ti St. Barth (perhaps the island’s most famous and long-lasting club), or hit the latest and trendiest spot, the Yacht Club.

Shop Your Heart Out

Since the island is brimming with rich clientele, it’s no surprise that their shopping scene is off the hook! You won’t find another island in the Caribbean with better shopping than here. In addition to selling nearly every luxe label you can think of, the island also has several local stores selling island inspired products and resort wear. Take a walk down Gustavia’s main drag and you’ll find luxe stores like Louis Vuitton, Chopard and Hermès. There are also great boutiques like Stephane & Bernard and Human Steps, which feature designers like Missoni, Prada and Valentino.

Prices are higher (or at least as high) as in the states so when I shopped it was exclusively for unique goodies I couldn’t find back home. But if where you’re from doesn’t sell designer duds, you’ll have a fun time here for sure. My personal favorite store I found was wo, which many of the locals sport (and now me too!). A great bathing suit store is Sun Barth. Here you’ll find a fab selection of interesting beach attire.

If you’re looking for unique cosmetics the coolest store to visit is Ligne St. Barth, a natural cosmetic line  inspired by St. Barth ingredients. You’ve never smelled products like these. They are heavenly. They’re super pricey but I am obsessed! Plus–insider note, Tom Beach stocks rooms with these goodies for guests!

And you know, Christiane Celle, Calypso St. Barth? The original store was on St. Barth? Grab fun and flowy garments here and you’ll fit right in on the island!

Indulge Your Senses

You cannot visit St. Barth without visiting a spa–or even better? Having a spa come to you! While there are several spas that are located  around the island, my favorite part of my visit was when Art & Bien-Etre Spa came to my hotel suite and set up massage tables on our deck and transformed the space into our very own private spa. The masseuses come equipped with everything they’ll need–ipod dock, oils, tables, and magical hands! You can also get a massage on the beach in many locations. I would recommend doing this over staying inside a spa–it’s too beautiful to be inside! Why not listen to the ocean or feel the sun on your skin during your massage!

Where to Eat

If you know me, then you know that I’m little Miss Piggy when I vacation! I’ve actually written up a separate post about Where to Eat in St. Barth so be sure to check it out!

Do you have any St. Barth favorites? Be sure to let me know in the comments! I’m always dying to hear your favorite spots! Share the knowledge!