From the moment your small plane touches down in St. Barth, almost right onto a glorious sandy beach, you will feel as if you have arrived somewhere very special. Having been aptly described as ‘eight square miles of France under the Caribbean sun’, it seems as if many of the nicest things about France have been transferred to this idyllic island with its green, hilly landscape, long white sandy beaches and year round summer temperatures.
The island does have the reputation of being very chic and very expensive. Most food supplies are shipped in from France and a small food shop on St. Barth can feel like the equivalent of a top class Parisian delicatessen. Boulangeries bake delicious French bread and croissants daily. There are some superb restaurants but also plenty of choice for cheaper, casual dining. The charming capital and shipping port of Gustavia offers an interesting mix of local shopping, exclusive designer boutiques and some excellent dining options.

The villas we have here for rent are all in great locations, some right on the beach and some in the hills with wonderful sea views. On such a small island, none are more than 10 minutes drive from a beach. St. Barth’s airport is well known for its impressive landings, and only accepts less than 21 seater aircrafts. You will therefore have to arrive via a regional international airport, such as St. Maarten/St. Martin or Guadeloupe. There are daily flights with Air France from Paris/Charles de Gaulle to St. Maarten and from Amsterdam with KLM every Tuesday and Saturday. Then there are several companies which fly the 10 minute route to St. Barth, Winair, Air Caraibes and St. Barth Commuter. Alternatively, you can take the Rapid Explorer, a 45 minute crossing by sea. Alternatively, Air France has daily flights from Paris/CDG to Pointe à Pitre/Guadeloupe, and then Air Caraibes have a 50 minute flight to St. Barth. Air Caraibes also offer charters from Paris/Orly to St. Martin and Guadeloupe.

ST. JEAN BEACH - Divided by Eden Rock, this beach has both a small, calmer side, great for young children, and a larger side, mainly the site of several hotels and restaurants as well as the infamous airport landing strip.
LORIENT BEACH - This reef protected beach has very little surf and good swimming. It is located on the north side of the island and affords pretty views of the reef and small fishing boats.
GRAND CUL DE SAC BEACH - Also reef protected, its calm, shallow water is perfect for small children. Hotels, restaurants and wind surfing are here.
FLAMANDS BEACH - This is a classic, wide, white sand beach with some shade and surf, and a few hotels and restaurants. Even though it is known for its beauty, it is never crowded. Take a packed lunch and spend the day.
MARIGOT BAY - Small, calm cove with a narrow shoreline, offering good swimming and snorkelling by the rocks. Towering palm trees line the small beach.
COLOMBIER BEACH - Accessible only by boat or a 25 minute hike along a path (Take the path just beyond Flamands Beach), Colombier is a picturesque cove. Bring a picnic lunch or take one of the catamarans from Gustavia and spend the day swimming and snorkeling.
SALINE BEACH - This popular surf beach is on the southern side, unspoiled and quite spectacular. Park just past the saltpond and walk up the rocky path which leads to a sand dune, with breathtaking views. Bring plenty of sunscreen because there is no shade on this gorgeous stretch of sand.
GOUVERNEUR BEACH - Also unspoiled and on the southern side, Gouverneur is a beautiful white sand cove with surf, snorkelling by the rocks and no shade.
PETIT CUL DE SAC - This calm, protected lagoon with beautiful white sand beach, is nestled in the north-east corner of the island.
SHELL BEACH - Located in Gustavia, Shell Beach is very calm, and, as the name suggests, is covered with shells.