The French-speaking island of St Barths is known for its luxe, celebrity vibe, but the real head-turners are the beaches par excellence. Among the Caribbean’s best, they’re what island dreams are made of: immaculate, fine, white sand stretching to ethereal turquoise waters.
In this tiny tropical paradise, shallow coral reefs protect pristine beaches and provide great snorkeling and diving as well. Each is beautiful with its own personality, from quiet and secluded shores to lively beach club scenes. When it comes to deciding which beaches to spend your time at, you will have a wealth of options to choose from.
How to get to St Barths is an easier decision. Due to the short runway and exhilarating approach to St Barths’ airport, large commercial and private aircraft are unable to land on the island. Not even jet-setters can arrive by jet, since only aircraft of a certain size can navigate the landing, rendering it the perfect destination for the Pilatus PC-12 that Tradewind operates. These modern, pressurized, and air-conditioned aircraft seat eight comfortably, with ample room for luggage. For those traveling with furry friends, there’s even room for your pet.
Pack your resort wear and book a Tradewind flight today – here’s a guide to five of the best beaches for soaking up the summer sun, along with their accompanying dining spots and beach clubs. On this jewel of an island, you’re never far from a perfect beach.
1. St. Jean Beach
If you want to see and be seen in the heart of the action, head for St Barths’ St. Jean Beach. This mile-long, crescent-shaped beach is located in the center of St Barths overlooking the Bay of St. Jean. The calm waters are perfect for watersports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing in a clear blue sea. The beach is famously bisected by the runway of the small airport, offering beachgoers up-close looks of arriving and departing planes.
Take a long stroll along the coastline to see restaurants, shops, the iconic Eden Rock hotel, and beach clubs with plush sunbeds and umbrellas (topless sunbathing optional). The most popular luxury beach club on the island is Nikki Beach, known for its lively parties and famous faces. Dine at a table or on the beach in stylish teepees. If you’re with a group, order a bottle of champagne or rosé and a Sushi Dragon, a large sushi platter made for sharing. Music by the resident DJ keeps the party vibe alive throughout the afternoon.
Another spot to dine with laid-back glamour is Sand Bar, a beach restaurant at Eden Rock known for its spectacular view of the bay and innovative menu by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Linger over watermelon and goat cheese salad, black truffle and fontina pizza, or a wood-fired St Barths’ lobster.
2. Shell Beach
If you’re seeking a more secluded spot, Shell Beach St Barths is a short walk from Gustavia, the island’s main town with upscale boutiques, restaurants, and nightlife. The beach is rarely crowded and is unique for St Barths due to its pinkish-hued sand, covered with tiny pink and white seashells. This is an ideal spot for beachcombers who want to take a dip in the sea and spend time searching the shore for lovely shells and seaglass. Some locals (and visitors) dare to jump off the rocky cliffs into the deep water below. Most just wade into the water for a refreshing swim.
Indulge in a leisurely lunch with your toes in the sand at Shellona, a Greek restaurant and beach club. Order a mezze to start, like feta cheese wrapped in filo and honey, or grilled calamari. Follow with charcoal-grilled skewers of beef, lamb, fish or chicken to share. This is also the best beach for watching the sunset, so be sure to reserve a sunbed at Shellona for the golden hour and watch the show with a tropical cocktail in hand.
3. Gouverneur Beach
Gorgeous and undeveloped, Gouverneur Beach is privately-owned, but open to the public in accordance with French law, with public access and a parking lot. You can walk along this lengthy beach and not see a single building. It’s ideal for those seeking privacy and natural beauty (there’s even sunbathing au naturel at the far end of the beach). Calm and shallow waters make swimming here a joy, and there’s good snorkeling near the rocks. Legend has it that the Caribbean pirate, Montbars, buried his treasure there, so be on alert for shining pieces of gold, at least in your imagination.
After a few hours, head back to Gustavia for lunch at Fish Corner, a small restaurant serving the catch of the day with Caribbean flavors, or dinner at Le Tamarin serving French-Caribbean fare in a tropical garden.
4. Flamands Beach
The longest beach on the island, Flamands is known for consistent, rolling waves that attract boogie boarding and body surfing enthusiasts. Gentle winds make this a favorite spot for kite surfers. There’s also a natural cove that’s a peaceful place for swimming. Take a walk, lounge in the sun, then enjoy a French-inspired lunch at Cheval Blanc, a luxurious five-star hotel at the end of the beach.
La Cabane, Cheval Blanc’s beach restaurant, serves salads, pastas, or black truffle croque monsieurs just steps from the sea. Or, try La Langouste where you can pick your own lobster, cooked Creole-French style overlooking the Bay of Flamands.
5. Colombier Beach
It’s a hike (literally) to get to this secluded, scenic beach, but those willing to make the trek will be rewarded with a breathtakingly beautiful crescent of white sand, an abundance of sea life, and fewer people. Located on the western end of the island where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea, you’re likely to spot leopard rays, sea turtles, and starfish while snorkeling. This natural site is so stunning, David and Peggy Rockefeller chose the hilltop as the place to build their vacation home back in 1957.
In the village of Colombier, be sure to stop at St Barthsʻ best boulangerie, La Petite Colombe. Their pastries, baguettes, and sandwiches are perfect picnic fare to take to the beach.
No matter which stretch of sand becomes your favorite, the beaches of St Barths offer a certain je ne sais quoi that’s hard to beat. Whether flying Tradewind scheduled or private service, either way you’ll arrive stress-free and in style, ready to sink your toes into the most heavenly beaches on earth.
To learn more about booking a flight to St Barths with Tradewind Aviation, please visit our website. For scheduled flights, contact scheduledservice@flytradewind.com or call +1 203-267-3305, option 1. For private charters, contact sales@flytradewind.com or call +1 203-267-3305, option 2.