For the most sophisticated of travelers, some destinations simply set a higher standard when it comes to living life lavishly. Come the new year, we say it’s time to treat yourself. Say goodbye to shoestring backpacking days, budget hostel accommodations, and sticking solely to street food with one of the world’s most expensive and luxurious vacation destinations.
Saint Barthélémy, almost always shortened St. Barts, is located in the Caribbean and a paradise for those who want to live out their most opulent travel lifestyles. The average cost of a week’s vacation in St. Barts for two people is approximately $4,285. However, as a frequent hideaway for billionaires around the globe, a trip to St. Barts can be much more expensive if you’re looking for a seriously lavish getaway. From luxury resorts costing thousands of dollars a night to an abundance of fine-dining eateries, St. Barts is arguably the most posh and swanky Caribbean island.
Treat yourself to the finest
For an island so lavish and luxurious, you can imagine the accommodation is second to none in St. Barts. For one of the most exclusive properties on the island, head to Hotel Barriere Le Carl Gustaf. If you have $19,000 to spare, book the hotel’s Villa Diane, with an indoor living space of 4,300 square feet and an extensive garden, it can comfortably accommodate up to 10 guests. The package comes with a private butler, a personal chef, and a large swimming pool with sweeping views of the St. Barts harbor. If Villa Diane isn’t for you, rooms at Hotel Barriere Le Carl Gustaf start at around $1,300 a night.
For some fine dining on the island, head to Amis St. Barth, where they’re serving up fresh fish and elegant dishes like filet with black truffles. Le Sereno Al Mare Restaurant has been recognized as one of the world’s best waterfront restaurants. The menu includes a wide variety of seafood pastas, mahi mahi tartare, and vegetarian and beef options for those who want to opt out of seafood.
Aside from where to stay and what to eat, you’ll want to hit some of the Caribbean’s finest beaches. Colombier Beach is a great place to kick back and relax after a short hike. To enjoy a proper hidden gem, take the more challenging trail to Petit Cul-de-Sac Beach and look for the natural tide pools.
How to get there and when to visit
Despite its exclusivity, you don’t need a private plane to get to St. Barts. Carriers including American Airlines, JetBlue, and Delta all offer direct services from several major U.S. cities to the neighboring island of St. Maarten. You can then hop on a short 10- to 15-minute flight to St. Barts.
Another option is to reach the island by boat. For example, Princess Cruises offers routes with stops in St. Barts. You can also take a public ferry from St. Maarten, but to really enhance the exclusiveness of St. Barts, a fine option is to take a private charter. While you can technically do this from anywhere in the world, a common, swift, and more affordable route is from the Dutch side of St. Maarten.
While Saint Barts is never a bad idea, the most ideal time to visit is between November and April. During these months, it typically seldom rains and the sun is beaming bright. If you’re concerned about crowds, visiting in the low season may make you feel like you have the luxury island all to yourself.
