Saint Barthélemy (also called St. Barts or St. Barths) is a dreamy island and a go-to destination for the rich. This 9.2-square-mile French overseas collectivity is located in the eastern part of the Caribbean Sea. A St Barts honeymoon is sure to give your and your loved one a trip of a lifetime.
Table of Contents
Is St Barts a Good Place for a Honeymoon?
St. Barthélemy is a premier honeymoon destination. It has everything you could ask for in a post-wedding Caribbean vacation: incredible views of crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, lush greenery, mouthwatering cuisine, and equally breathtaking neighboring islands. It’s also home to tropical beachfront hotels and resorts.
What Activities Can You Do on a Honeymoon in St Barts?
- Hit the beaches. Grand Cul-de-Sac, Anse de Grande Saline, Colombier Beach, Flamand Beach, Saline Beach, and Gouverneur Beach are a few of the best beaches in this tiny Caribbean jewel. Though each has its charms, what you’ll surely enjoy is having quality time embracing the fresh breeze.
- Explore marine life. Snorkeling, which lets you meet the vibrant marine life, is popular in any Caribbean destination. Beyond that, you can do other water sports and aquatic adventures, including kitesurfing and yachting.
- Go hiking. St. Barths has rolling landscapes, and St. Colombier has the best hiking trails. If you want to hike to natural pools, the best place to visit is Anse Grand Ford (Side note: The beach here is filled with pebbles).
- Enjoy retail therapy. Gustavia is the island capital and the top spot if you want to splurge on designer items. Planning for your wedding is no easy task, so if you need to reward yourself with retail therapy, don’t forget to add shopping to your list of must-dos.
- Visit nearby islands. Want to make the most of your St Barts getaway? Dedicate a day or two to exploring its neighbors. Nearby islands include St Maarten and Anguilla. You may also want to visit Antigua and Barbuda, Nevis, and St Kitts.
What Is the Best Month to Visit St Barts?
St Barts’ peak season is from December through early May, although it is generally a year-round destination. If you want a thinner crowd, try booking your stay there in November or June. Note that the worst of the hurricane season is from mid-August to October, and some establishments remain closed (including the hotel Cheval Blanc).
Is a Honeymoon in St Barts Expensive?
This Caribbean gem is a high-end honeymoon spot. For a one-week trip, your budget should be around $5,000 to $7,500 per couple. The cost can go upward, from $8,000 to above $20,000.
How To Plan a Budget Honeymoon in St Barts
- Visit during the aforementioned low season.
- Bring towels or chairs to the beach to avoid paying for rentals.
- For your meals, shop for ingredients at a supermarket and cook in your lodging.
- Opt for budget hotels. But if you want to experience staying in a luxury resort, book your stay there for just a few days.
3 Best Cities to Stay In St Barts
Gustavia
St Bart’s capital city is also the island’s central tourist hub. You can shop and dine here, wander the dock, and explore the historic Fort Karl (first built in the late 1700s). The city is also brimming with bars, beach clubs, and live music venues. From the port, you can ride sailboats or luxury yachts and admire the aquamarine waters of the Caribbean. If you want a unique souvenir, stroll along Shell Beach and pick a shell or two.
St. Jean
Since St. Jean is also centrally located, it’s an ideal place to stay if you’re in St Barts. It has its own shopping scene and is also home to luxury hotels and hidden villas. With its range of spectacular beaches, your days here won’t ever be dull. Soak up the sun, swim, and enjoy various water sports.
Lorient
This village has a quaint and serene appeal. It’s a Catholic beach town tucked in the quiet north coast of St Barts. While it’s an excellent spot for surfing, the right end of the bay is perfect for a casual swim. If you’re a fan of French rock and pop icon Johnny Hallyday, his grave at the Cimetiere de Lorient is a must-visit.
What Is the Best Way to Travel to St Barts?
To get to St Barts from the US, you must first fly into Juliana Airport (SXM), located on the Dutch side of St Maarten. Direct flights to SXM are available in Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington. Meanwhile, seasonal flights are available from Boston and Newark.
From SXM, you can fly to St Barts Airport (SBH). If you prefer to go by sea, you can book a ferry ride from Simpson Bay or Philipsburg Terminal and arrive at the Terminal of Gustavia.
Traveling Within St Barts
Keep in mind that the island has no public transportation system. You can rent vehicles, like a car, a motorbike, a scooter, or a bicycle, to get around. Though taxis are available, they’re scarce and can be costly.
What Types of Honeymoon Accommodations Are Available in St Barts?
Several accommodation options in St Barts include luxury hotels on sandy beaches, private villas with stunning ocean views, and homey bungalows. Popular establishments include Le Sereno Hotel, Hotel Le Toiny, Eden Rock, Nikki Beach Saint Barth, Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa, Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth, and Villa Pointe Milou.
3 Local Foods To Try in St Barts
- Accras. Found all over St Barts, accras is a Creole dish referring to salt cod fritters with spicy sauce.
- Cristophine. This is also known as Chayote squash. It’s made by removing the flesh of the squash and mixing it with veggies and langouste. Then, the chef puts it back into the shell and tops it with loads of cheese before grilling it.
- Stuffed crabs. Gifted with incredible marine life, it’s no wonder why St. Barts’ cuisine highlights seafood. A must-try is the stuffed crab; common ingredients include scallions, garlic, hot green chili, curry powder, crab meat, coriander leaves, parsley, and crab liquid.
Are There Any Cultural Experiences to Include in a St Barts Honeymoon?
St Barts is a laid-back hideaway that touts an interesting past. French settlers occupied the island in the mid-1600s and brought over enslaved Africans back in the 17th and 18th centuries.
You can enjoy its rich Creole heritage by attending Carnival celebrations and visiting landmarks such as the Gustavia Church, Gustavia Lighthouse, St. Barth Historical Museum, and the Wall House Museum.
What to Pack For a Honeymoon in St Barts
Mosquitoes are a general concern on the island, so bring an insect repellant. As for your attire, casual and lightweight clothes, swimsuits, and evening wear are all essentials. To be prepared, bring a light rainproof jacket. Shield yourselves from sun rays with umbrellas, hats, shades, and sunscreen.
Is St Barts Safe to Visit?
One of the safest Caribbean islands, St Barts, is the destination for a worry-free honeymoon. But, just to be safe, here are some tips to remember:
- Even though petty crimes are rare, securing your valuables is a must.
- Never overexpose yourself to the intense sun, as you can experience heatstroke.
- When hitting the beach, always exercise caution and follow warning signs.
- Never self-drive if intoxicated (the island has a vibrant nightlife).
- Avoid isolated areas, especially at night.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit St Barts?
American travelers aren’t required to get a visa to enter St Barts. Your passport must have a six-month validity to enjoy up to 90 days on the island.
St. Barts Travel Tips
- Tap water on St Barts is generally safe, but some tourists prefer bottled water.
- It’s always a good idea to bring cash. You can exchange your US dollars for euros at ATMs in airports and banks. $1 is about €0.91 as of writing.
- If you want to use credit cards, note that American Express is the least accepted. Visa, on the other hand, is the most accepted.
- Though French is the official language of St. Barths, most locals are also fluent in English.
- Tipping isn’t mandatory since service charges are often included in the bill, but you can do so as a token of appreciation for their service.
- Greet people with “bonjour” (hello) or “au revoir” (goodbye) to show politeness.