First-Timer’s Guide to St. Barths: What to Know Before You Book

First time in St. Barths? We break down transportation, ideal beaches, and amazing restaurants to give first-timers the gritty truth about busy crowds and demanding prices. Is it better to take the ferry? Do you need a car? Read more below!

The arrival experience — St. Martin connection, the famous short airstrip, the approach. How do you prepare clients for it? Ferry?

St Barths- do not let seasick people take that ferry, especially if it is windy. I had to because I missed my flight and there were no more flights for the rest of the day. I threw up! Also, if they do have to take a ferry, there are two ferries and the one from Saint Phillipsburg I think is faster because it’s closer to St Barths (Dutch side), as opposed to Marigot Bay (French side) Also, we like St Barths commuter better than Win Air for commuter flights.

It is very hilly here and some of the roads are super narrow. Tell people to get a small car.

Which beach for which traveler: Flamands, St. Jean, Gouverneur, Grand Cul de Sac — give us your quick cheat sheet?

St Jean is bustling, I think it’s the most fun for a big group of friends with all the shops and beach clubs, and multiple restaurants.
Flamands is lovely, but secluded, the only luxury hotel is Cheval Blanc, and if you’re a beach walker, it’s only about a 10-min walk until you hit a turn around point.
Grand Cul de Sac is nice because there are a handful of properties on the same beach, Le Sereno, Le Barthelemy, and Le Guanahani, it’s calm water, flat and you can get picked up by a boat in this cove.

Best restaurant you ate at on this trip that wasn’t on a hotel property?

I loved Tamarain- the secluded garden and chalkboard menus were very charming.
I loved Bonito- a lively atmosphere and prix fixe menu that allowed us all to try a variety of dishes. Their ceviche is incredible!

The driving situation: how complicated is it really, and when would you tell a client not to bother?

A car is a must have. The only time you’d maybe really not need a car is if you were doing a very short stay and staying somewhere like the Gypsea Beach houses or Eden Rock. Taxi’s are limited and very expensive.

When to go and when to avoid : the season, the crowds, the prices?

Avoid the holiday-it’s insanely expensive and over-crowded.

Shoulder season is a great time for better rates, less crowds but still really good weather.

 

St. Barths vs. somewhere else in the Caribbean: when do you choose St. Barths and when does a client need a different island?

You choose St Barths for French flair, and if you love to shop, and expect high-end beach clubs, bars and restaurants. You need a different island like Anguilla or British Virgin Islands for a quieter scene. I wouldn’t consider St Barths overly kid-friendly, I’d go with Bahamas or Turks & Caicos over this island.