St. Barths Experience Guide by Karla Marques

Known as a little slice of paradise on earth, the Caribbean island of Saint Barthélemy, or simply St. Barths, goes far beyond the elegance we see in social media feeds. The place that combines blue waters and white sands also boasts an impeccable selection of hotspots. 

The island of St. Barths was officially discovered in 1493 by Christopher Columbus and was colonized by Sweden for over 100 years before eventually coming under French rule in the 17th century, being regarded as a little piece of France in the Caribbean. 

To learn even more about this destination that is a dream for many people, we have tips and contributions from Karla Marques, an executive, entrepreneur, and big fan of St. Barths.

Where to stay

When it comes to choosing where to stay on the island of St. Barths, Eden Rock is Marques’s first choice. “The hotel on the island’s most famous beach is, for me, one of the best hotels in the world, with all the charm and star-studded service.”

In addition, the newly renovated Rosewood Guanahani is also a great option for those looking to spend New Year’s Eve on the island. Finally, Cheval Blanc, Sereno, and Christopher also make the list as excellent options with all the sophistication the trip deserves. 

It’s important to remember that the island offers great local hotels and guesthouses, as well as villas for rent during the season, ideal for families and groups of friends.

Best restaurants

Just like the hotels, the restaurants in St. Barths also offer the very best of the island. For Karla Marques, “the restaurants are the highlight of the trip to the island. You eat very well there—different types of cuisine, with service and quality comparable to any international capital and all the flair of a tiny, exclusive island.”

When it comes to favorite restaurants, the Italian L’Isola stands out with the best panna cotta in the world, which, in addition to being beautiful, has the best drink and truffle fries on the island. “Atelier Joel Robuchon is always wonderful, with an intimate, private area. Kinugawa is a great option for those who can’t go without Japanese food. La Guerite offers music and a top-notch location. And finally, Restaurant Éden has the most beautiful view on the island,” says Karla. 

What to do in St. Barths

There’s no shortage of leisure and entertainment options in St. Barths, and Karla Marques makes clear the main priorities: “The beaches are unmissable; I love the transparent water of Salines, which is very down-to-earth, with no beach club, but that’s the charm—it’s totally worth the trip and the best for a soul-cleansing sea bath.”

For those who love to enjoy the sea, Eden Rock Beach is a quintessential St. Barths experience; the turquoise blue water is irresistible and impossible to ignore. To make the outing even cooler, the beach is very close to the island’s airport, giving tourists the opportunity to watch planes take off between one swim and the next. What a view, right?

For adventure seekers, there’s also the hike along the trail to the natural pools, which offers a breathtaking view. In addition, there’s the possibility of taking a boat trip around the bay of St. Barths; on this excursion, the boats anchor so you can enjoy the transparent waters and natural beauty.

And there are still plenty of options for those who won’t give up travel shopping. “Life in St. Barths is a paradise. The bluest beaches and the most glamorous brands.” Karla explains that Dior, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, and Prada are the main stores on the island and are worth checking out, as they often have city-exclusive collections. 

Day-to-day life in St. Barths

Despite the countless entertainment options, Karla Marques says, “the island has a delightful vibe that enchants and recharges your energy, the best place to relax and enjoy a few days of vacation.”

For those who want to make the most of every minute, the executive recommends a good morning walk and a trip to the beach to soak up the sun. In the afternoon, visit a beach club—Nikki Beach and Gypsea are the best for the 2022 season. Eden Rock and Shellona are the timeless classics, each in their own style, all with that atmosphere that combines beach, divine cuisine, music, and a lot of fun. A stroll through the town center is always welcome. And to finish, choose one of the restaurants to enjoy a delicious dinner. 

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