You’ve already made a decision to spend your honeymoon in St Barts or perhaps trying to decide if this is the right destination for this special vacation.
But you want to know what to do, where to eat, and the best places to stay in St Barts.
This is exactly what we will cover:
St Barts is a great honeymoon destination. You don't have to worry about sharing beaches or restaurants with lots of tourists. However, being uncrowded doesn't mean there's nothing to do on the island. You'll find plenty of activities to keep you busy. These are some of our couples’ favorites.
Colombier Beach is located on the northwest side of the island, accessible only by hiking. 25 minutes along a goat path. Don't worry; your effort will be rewarded with a spectacular crescent-shaped beach. You'll also have a great tale to tell your grandchildren about your honeymoon hike.
Duration: Best to bring a picnic lunch and make a day of it. Make sure that you bring all your supplies since there are no amenities at the beach.
Why go: Not only is the setting lovely, but you're likely to be one of the only couples on the beach.
Insider tip: Park at the end of Flamands beach to access the most level trail. Once at the beach, you’ll notice a second trail that heads from the beach up a steep hill to the town of Colombier. Make sure that you stay right to get back to your car without a detour.
While St Barts, aka Saint Barthélemy is lovely on land looking out to sea, it's also beautiful the other way around. Taking a sunset cruise gives you the opportunity to explore the many beaches and islands of Saint Barts without driving up and down the sometimes rough roads. From a boat you'll have an unobstructed view of the sunset. You'll also get a glass of Champagne to toast the end of another day in paradise.
Duration: Two hours.
Why go: The sunset, the water, the sea breeze, the chance to be alone.
Insider tip: Make arrangements well in advance. These cruises are very popular. Your WIMCO concierge can help you with the arrangements.
Overview: What's more romantic than enjoying a couples massage for two right in your own private villa? Set up outside on your pool deck for an even better experience. If you're not staying in a villa, the Sense Spa at Rosewood Le Guanahani Resort offers a full menu of spa services and a lovely setting.
Duration: Most services last an hour.
Why go: Relaxing together and creating memories.
Insider tip: The fitness room at Sense Spa is one of the best on the island. Why not get a workout in before you relax in the spa.
Overview: Shell Beach, located within walking distance of the capital/port city of Gustavia, is one of the best places on land to enjoy the sunset.
Duration: 30 minutes.
Why go: The setting is lovely and offers a perfect angle to enjoy the sunset.
Insider tip: Check Google for the exact sunset time, and get there early or sip a cocktail at Shellona, a waterfront bar/restaurant, while you watch the sunset.
Overview: While naked swimming is technically illegal on St Bart's public beaches, it's pretty common at Saline Beach on the island's south side. Head to the right side of the beach for nude sunbathing and swimming.
Duration: An hour to an entire day, you choose. (Just don't forget the sunscreen).
Why go: This remote beach with a secluded cove is romantic and a great place for a little skinny dipping.
Insider tip: There are no restaurants or public restroom facilities on this beach, so plan ahead.
See other things to do in St Barts
There's arguably no place in the Caribbean with better food than St Barts. The varied and innovative cuisine you will find on the island is remarkable, considering most ingredients have to be imported.
It's all but impossible to get a bad (or even an average) meal on St Barts. For that one-of-a-kind romantic meal that you'll remember your entire life together, we recommend the following:
Overview: This new star is really two restaurants in one. You will find L’Atelier with an expansive counter seating area on the ground floor. Here you can choose from a variety of gourmet menus de degustation and watch your food prepared. The second floor is home to Le Rooftop, which has an exceptional view of the Port of Gustavia. Enjoy the simple yet delicious dishes created by Joël Robuchon.
Ambiance: A very sophisticated and chic design, lots of dark, warm, rich colors.
What we love: The procession of little plates and amuse bouches.
Insider tip: Request a window table on the second floor, overlooking the harbor.
Location: Gustavia, Address: Rue Du Bord De Mer 15, Phone: +590 (0)590 77 30 30
Overview: Located in Gustavia, L'Isola has been serving Italian cuisine for over a decade. The chefs here make their pasta fresh every day and use only the finest ingredients, many of which are imported from Italy. Menu favorites include grilled artichokes and thick sage-topped veal chops. Reservations are recommended as the dining room is small, and this restaurant is very popular.
Ambiance: Elegant and cozy, with white linen tablecloths, gilded mirrors and sparkling crystal.
What we love: The beautiful dining room and the friendly, mostly Italian wait staff.
Insider tip: Take advantage of the valet parking, a rarity on the island, as self-parking can be a challenge in this area. (note: there is a charge for valet parking here.)
Location: Gustavia, Address: 33 Rue Roi Oscar II, Phone: +590 590 51-0005
Overview: Le Tamarin is located in a lush tropical garden in the hills midway between St Jean and Saline. The restaurant, which includes outside tables and those in a colonial manor house, serves modern French cuisine with an emphasis on fresh fish and seafood.
Ambiance: Casually-elegant and graceful, with lots of off-set lighting, top-notch china and crystal, and a lovely collection of reflecting ponds.
What we love: The romantic setting. This is arguably the most romantic restaurant on an island that has no shortage of romantic dining spots.
Insider tip: Book a table on the grass and eat barefoot.
Location: Grand Saline, Address: Located in the center of the island, midway between Saline and St Jean, Phone: +590 590 29 27 74
Overview: Situated on the main strip in Gustavia, Ocean Club offers sweeping views of the harbor. With a blend of French and Caribbean cuisine, Ocean Club is the place to go for visually stunning dishes and innovative tastes.
Ambiance: Sophisticated interiors with warm woods and chic elevated club house vibes.
What we love: This is a perfect spot to witness a fiery sunset over Gustavia.
Insider tip: Be sure to get their signature dishes, the Tree of Life and Our Island.
Location: Gustavia, Address: 19, Rue de la Republique, Gustavia 97133, Phone: +590 590 51 25 36
Overview: Located in the heart of Gustavia, Bonito St Barts. The menu features Peruvian cuisine with a Caribbean twist. Favorite entrées include grilled red snapper and sautéed duck breast.
Ambiance: White linen tablecloths, sparkling crystal glasses and an open-air bar surrounded by a wrap-around dining terrace with a great view of the town and harbor beyond.
What we love: Bonito has live music in the evening on weekends.
Insider tip: The bar at Bonito is a great place to watch the sunset, but get there early to secure your spot.
Location: Gustavia, Address: Rue Lubin Brin, Phone: +590 590 27 96 96
St Barts offers some of the most romantic accommodations in the Caribbean. Whether you stay in an intimate St Barts hotel or your own private villa, you'll have plenty of privacy and, most likely, a view of the sparkling Caribbean Sea.
Some villas and hotels are located right on the beach for easy access to the water; others are nestled in the hills with incredible views of the lush landscape and turquoise water beyond.
You can't really make a wrong choice of accommodations on St Barts. Both the luxury villas and hotels offer great views, service and amenities. If you prefer a greater degree of privacy and seclusion, a villa is probably best. Villas also give you room to spread out and feel at home. And the fully-equipped kitchen gives you the option to make some of your meals in your villa. Or we can even arrange for a private chef to prepare your meals for you.
On the other hand, a luxury St Barts resort offers more amenities close to your suite. You'll have a restaurant and bar nearby as well as spa services and shopping. You'll also have other people to socialize with at the bar or on the beach.
You’ll Love: The seductive French vibe.
What to Know: Unlike other hotels that boast a "see and be seen" beach scene during the day, Le Sereno is a total hide-out, largely free from day visitors.
Insider Tips: Le Sereno has a ‘cool factor’ that’s unmatched on the island.
With a sister property in Lake Como, Le Sereno brings a European sensibility and style to Grand Cul de Sac. The Christian Liagre designed rooms and suites ooze sophistication, making this one of the best spots for couples. The cuisine at Le Mare, the resort's restaurant, is simple yet exceptional traditional Italian.
Nuts & Bolts: 36 suites, 3 villas; fitness room; 1 restaurant; spa; $$$
You’ll Love: The complete feeling of privacy at your one-bedroom villa suite located within the grounds of the hotel, and the generous square footage.
What to Know: Guests access the Toiny Beach Club via a Land Rover Defender escort. While the beach is beautiful, swimming here is considered risky and best suited to surfers and sunbathers. There is a pool there for cooling off.
Insider Tips: The former owner of Isle de France took over Le Toiny, infusing it with charm and a hip beach club.
A regular favorite among honeymooners, Le Toiny offers both suites and private villas with plunge pools. This is a great choice if you prefer total anonymity and privacy. Located on the most remote area of the island, the hotel feels simultaneously one with nature and is one of the most elegant of hotels on island. The hotel’s chef is award-winning and presents an upscale, innovative menu.
Nuts & Bolts: 22 private villa suites; fitness studio; spa, 2 restaurants; $$$$
You’ll Love: The sunset views and the well-appointed Sisley spa.
What to Know: Although there is no beach at Hotel Christopher, the hotel’s infinity pool stretches out to the ocean.
Insider Tips: Runners and power walkers will love the hillside loop here.
Situated on the coast of the island’s chic Pointe Milou neighborhood, Hotel Christopher has a devoted clientele who return for great value, unbeatable sunsets and friendly service. Arguably the best pool on the island, the daybeds and chaise lounges here are prime real estate, and a feet-in-the-sand lunch experience at Mango is right nearby. The hotel has a younger clientele than most of the other St Barts luxury resorts.
Nuts & Bolts: 42 rooms, 19 suites, fitness room; 2 restaurants, spa; $$+
Read Our Insider Guide to the Best St. Barths Hotels
Overview: Located in Corossol, this one-bedroom/one-bath villa sits atop a small hill, offering dramatic views of the harbor and sea beyond. The villa's Moroccan decor gives it a romantic, carefree ambiance. The small infinity-style swimming pool sits at the edge of the property and offers a view of the harbor.
You'll love: The central location. St Jean and Gustavia are only five minutes away by car.
What to know: This villa's hilltop location gives you privacy and a great view, but you're only a ten-minute walk from the beach.
Insider tips: The breeze on the hilltop means you can leave your windows open at night and stay cool.
Overview: This luxurious, one-bedroom villa is located near the island's northwestern shore. Nestled in the hills, it offers a sweeping view of the Caribbean Sea. The villa has a well-equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances and all the goodies for making at least some of your meals if preferred. The air-conditioned bedroom is on the second floor with a wraparound patio. The swimming pool has an infinity edge and a spacious deck.
You'll love: The outdoor kitchen for grilling and entertaining new friends.
What to know: You're only a short drive to Flamands Beach.
Insider tips: Let WIMCO stock your kitchen and pantry before you arrive. This villa is particularly well-suited for those who like to create romantic meals for two.
Overview: Located near Anse des Cayes, on the northwest portion of the island, Villa Silhouette is newly-constructed and offers dramatic sea views and gentle sea breezes. The villa has all the amenities, including a fully-equipped kitchen and a cozy plunge pool to cool off in the middle of the day.
You'll love: The "his and hers" dressing rooms.
What to know: While this villa has a remote, secluded feel, you're only a five-minute drive to the beach and a 10-minute drive to Gustavia and St Jean.
Insider tips: This villa has both US and French satellite TV and a state-of-the-air sound system.
Overview: Located on the northeastern side of the island, this one-bedroom villa is more remote than others on our list for privacy. And you're still within a 20-minute drive from Gustavia and St Jean. The villa sits on the hills with an ocean view and It features a swimming pool, a gourmet kitchen and patio deck.
You'll love: The seclusion and luxurious ambiance.
What to know: Maid service, six days a week, is included with this villa rental.
Insider tips: Pointe Milou is one of the more exclusive areas of St Barts. Who knows, you might just be seated near a celebrity at dinner.
Overview: Unlike the other villas on our list, Villa Isia is located near St Jean, the heart of the St Barts dining and nightlife scene. The villa is just a short drive from the beach, but located far enough in the hills to offer privacy and a spectacular view. Amenities include a large terrace and an infinity pool, as well as a modern kitchen and both an indoor and an outdoor dining room. Both bedrooms have en suite baths.
You'll love: Relaxing in the "hammock" chair overlooking the sea.
What to know: Maid service, six days a week, is included with this villa rental.
Insider tips: There are screens on the windows, so you can enjoy the sea breeze at night.
With 14 different beaches from which to choose, you can experience a different one every day of your honeymoon. While each beach on the island has its individual merits, we think these three are the most romantic.
Description: You have to hike for 20 minutes from Flamands down a goat path to reach Colombier Beach… but it's worth the effort. It's so remote that many frequent visitors to the island have never even heard of it.
The beautiful, crescent-shaped beach has no hotels, no dive shops and no restaurants...and that's just how its fans like it. This is the beach for that romantic afternoon, proposal or picnic lunch (if you don't mind carrying your food in).
Why it's unique: Colombier's remoteness makes it usually secluded.
Best for: Couples
Amenities: None, so plan ahead
Accessibility: You have to park by the side of the road in Flamands and hike a mile-long path to get to the beach.
Know before you go: Make sure to pack everything you need; this beach is remote.
Insider tip: This land was once owned by billionaire David Rockefeller (of Rock Resorts fame). You can still see the ruins of his former residence on the peninsula that runs along the western side of the beach.
Description: This picturesque beach is located in the heart of the fishing village of Corossol, on the southwest part of the island. You'll see dozens of colorful fishing boats on the beach and moored just offshore when the fleet is in. The scene looks more like you'd find on a Greek island than in the Caribbean.
Best for: taking in the view. Corossol Beach is also one of the best on the island for water sports.
Amenities: There are no restaurants, shops or public restroom facilities here, so plan ahead.
Accessibility: Parking is available along the sea wall.
Know before you go: Make sure that you bring everything you need to the beach. There are no restaurants or shops within walking distance.
Insider tip: While most people visit for the picturesque setting and the unique brown sand, the snorkeling here is excellent.
Description: There's not a hotel or home insight along this lovely beach on the south side of St Barts. You reach it by driving along a salt pond (hence the name). A coral formation just off the beach on the left side is excellent for snorkeling.
Best for: Adults. A section at the far end of the beach is clothing optional, tres francais.
Amenities: There are no restaurants or public restroom facilities on this beach, so plan ahead. A short walk will get you to a restaurant called Le Grain de Sel.
Accessibility: There is a small parking lot behind the dunes. It's about a five-minute walk from there through a tropical forest to the beach.
Know before you go: There is a restaurant named Le Grain de Sel just a short walk from the beach parking lot. This is an excellent place to stop in for lunch, or to cool down after a long day at the beach.
Insider tip: Head to the left if you are with a family group. Head to the far right side of the beach if you prefer to enjoy the beach in the nude.
We’ve got you covered. WIMCO is a trusted local expert with our concierge services office located directly across the St Barts airport - ideally positioned to serve you.
Feel free to contact us at your convenience to inquire about how we can make your honeymoon a truly memorable one.
All-inclusive resorts aren't an option in St Barts. That's actually a good thing, since there are so many diverse and delicious restaurants to try around the island. That said, many hotels do include special amenities in the price of a room, like free continental breakfast, so be sure to ask when booking .
It's a good idea to make a dinner reservation on St Barts, especially if you want to dine at one of the most popular restaurants like Atelier Joel Robuchon, Bonito or L’Isola. Your friendly WIMCO concierge will be happy to make the reservations for you.
St Barts stays warm throughout the year. However, there's a rainy season that runs from mid August to the end of October. The most enjoyable time of year to visit the island, climate-wise, is between mid-December and mid-April. For honeymooners, May and June are ideal times to vacation in St Barts. The temperatures are mild, it's outside of peak season so there are fewer people on the island, and the price of accommodations is lower.
Topless sunbathing is acceptable on all beaches. However, total nudity is illegal on St Barts, but officials look the other way on the more remote beaches, such as Saline and Gouverneur.
