Undeveloped and utterly seductive, Saline Beach ranks among the most beautiful beaches on St. Barts, and perhaps in the Caribbean.
Those seeking a sense of pristine tropical ambiance while relishing the across-the-board pleasures of the “Gem of the Caribbean” should definitely steer for Anse de Grande Saline.
Location: Saline Beach lies on the south coast of the island, to the east of Gouverneur Beach. The drive to the beach parking lot edges a salt pond, which explains the name.
Why it's unique: Saline Beach is a stunning representation of the untouched beauty of the French West Indies, with no hotels, resorts, villas or restaurants to distract from its natural glory.
Best for... A sense of unspoiled seaside beauty and soul-nourishing tranquility.
Accessibility: Getting to St. Barts’ Saline Beach requires a roughly five-minute walk from the parking lot.
This is part of the charm!
You’ll walk through tropical woodland, then top a dune for a splendid view down to the shining sand and turquoise waters. (Get a sense of the access path and the vistas of Saline Beach inthis video.) The other way to access Saline Beach is of course by boat.
Amenities: You won’t find any amenities directly on Saline Beach, so bring your own beach gear and refreshments. Restaurants, however, await just a short walk or drive away.
Restaurants Nearby: For a pre- or post-beach feast on a Saline Beach visit, you don’t have to work hard. Within easy walking distance from the beach parking lot is Le Grain de Sel, serving up great salads and burgers.
Also walkable is Jean Claude Dufur’s L’Espirit, among the best island eateries, offering garden dining and a gourmet seasonal menu. Establishments a short drive from the beach include Le Tamarin and the locals’ hangout Le Glacier.
Activities: The waters of Grand Saline Beach St. Barts are often calm and welcoming for soaking and swimming.
Know Before You Go: Nude beachgoers often frequent the far right end of Saline Beach
WIMCO Insider Tip: There’s not much shade on the beachfront — and, again, no concessionaires here — so bring your own umbrella.
Villas Near Saline Beach
You’ll find a variety of outstanding luxury private villas within convenient proximity to Saline Beach. You can check out a full list right here.
Bear in mind that only one is really within walking distance: the six-bedroom Villa Les Dunes (WV DUN). This is a showstopper property, set on a hillside with grand seashore views and just a short amble to those unblemished sands.
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