For more information and to book please visit www.mrandmrssmith.com or let us arrange your whole trip, by calling +44 (0)20 8987 4312 or from the USA dial 1 866 610 3867.
It’s not just about ladies who lunch on flip-flop leave from their Louboutins; this safe, friendly island has plenty of appeal for the athletic beach bunny and the foodie, as well as party people and celeb-watchers. The French influence makes it a unique Caribbean experience, with brasseries instead of beach shacks, and chanson crooners more popular than soca singers on the radio; the locals are mainly of European descent. It’s OK, though – there’s that gorgeous turquoise ocean and uncrowded beaches to remind you where you are.
Sundowners at Hotel Carl Gustaf, set high over Gustavia and looking out beyond the harbour to St Maarten.
Spotting a local in a quichenotte, the traditional French-provincial bonnet still worn by older women in a few communities.
Our round-up of the hippest hideaways and romantic boutique hotels in St Barths
A boutique resort on the French island of St Barths, Hotel Guanhani & Spa is dotted with brightly coloured Caribbean cottages, coconut groves and vividly hued hibiscus.
Boutique hotels in St Barths have a lot to live up to now that Eden Rock is on the scene; vibrantly colourful and set on a silk-sanded Caribbean beach, it’s a tropically spiced slice of A-list Saint-Tropezian glamour.
A simple and serene tropical hideaway by St Barths’ sugar-white Lorient Bay, La Banane comprises nine jungle-wrapped huts – a Caribbean dream come beautifully, boutique-ishly true.
Planes, trains, automobiles, or maybe even helicopter – we tell you the best way to go.
January St Barths music festival, with classical, jazz and more. February Costumed Mardi Gras parade in Gustavia. March–April St Barths Bucket is a three-day mega-yacht race. March–April St Barths Film Festival, a showcase for Caribbean-themed and -produced cinema. 14 July Bastille Day, with fireworks and parties. August Fête de St Barthelemy, when more fireworks are let off in Gustavia to commemorate the feast day of the island’s patron saint.
An all-day stop where you can go for cheesy crêpes at lunchtime, ice-cream-laced at teatime, and tarragon-chicken-filled for dinner. Great for breakfast, but always buzzing, sometimes with queues. Closed Sundays.
Rue Oscar II, Gustavia
The deli-style outpost of the original Maya’s (see below), across the road from the airport in St Jean, open all day for Creole salads and sandwiches, and popular as a picnic suppliers. Closed Mondays.
Les Galeries du Commerce, Gustavia
A St Barths institution, quirkily cool, with director’s chairs in rainbow colours and kitsch cotton placemats. Menus are short, simple, pricey and delicious – you might eat tuna sashimi, or shrimp yellow curry. Dinner only (open for sundowners from 4pm), closed on Sundays.
Gustavia harbour
It’s a bit touristy (yo ho ho!), but the Creole-influenced French food is delicious and the setting provides prime people-watching at the marina.
Rue du Bord de Mer, Gustavia harbour
The French and Créole food at this little harbourside gem has a great reputation, so book ahead for snails and asparagus Napoleon and ‘surf and turf’ tarte tatin, made with lobster and veal filet mignon. Closed June–September.
Gustavia harbour
Open from 6am, this harbourside brasserie with whitewashed interior is a classic spot for a croissant or a full Creole feast; the apple tart brûlée is a signature confection. There are pool tables, reggae, and live music at weekends.
Rue de la République, Gustavia harbour
French-Asian fusion with a harbour view. The mixed tapas-style hors d’oeuvres is a good place to start.
Rue de la Mandala, Gustavia harbour
Restaurant upstairs, snack bar downstairs, owned by Boubou, who runs Le Select, among other island hang-outs. The food is more French-Asian than Brazilian; the beach location’s the real draw.
Shell Beach, Gustavia
A top-end menu – foie gras, French beef fillet, roast turbot – served in a romantic dining room with white table linen, wicker sofas and a wraparound verandah. The wine list features many organic French wines.
Hôtel François Plantation, Colombier
Set by the hotel pool, this relatively formal alfresco restaurant has gorgeous views over Anse de Toiny (Toiny Bay). The refined French cuisine features imported foie gras and cepes. Great for Sunday brunch. Closed on Mondays, and annually during September and October.
Le Toiny Hotel, Le Toiny
Christian Liaigre-designed hotel restaurant majoring in simply prepared fresh fish, with bouillabaisse on Fridays, and a beach menu of delicate summery salads, lobster club sandwich and catch of the day. Open for breakfast, too.
Grand Cul de Sac
No frills, but excellent fresh fish at this beach-front restaurant on the northeast corner of the island.
Grand Cul de Sac
Ignore the wacky Carib-Moroccan decor and concentrate on the seabass baked in salt or tuna sashimi.
St Jean Beach
The quintessential St Barths cold-beer pit stop, a dive-bar pub decorated with bumper stickers and jet-setters.
Rue de Générale de Gaulle, Gustavia
There are barely a handful of nightclubs on this teeny-tiny island; this cocktail bar-lounge caters to the chichi yacht crowd docking in the harbour, with live music and DJs every night till 4am in high season.
Gustavia Harbour
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