Only 22 km long, St. Barths is a picture-perfect Caribbean island with turquoise beaches, five-star luxury hotels and legendary parties. For decades it’s been considered the glitziest Caribbean island, a place where celebrities, billionaires and socialites congregate, particularly during the festive season.

However, you don’t need to be surrounded by champagne sparklers to have fun in St Barths, you can have a very chill time on the island too. Think morning snorkel sessions where you swim among a sea of turtles, some leisurely shopping and a relaxing dinner after a day spent in the sun.

Whether you want a chill island vacation or a celebrity-studded party extravaganza, here’s a list of places and things you’ll want to experience in St. Barths.

Best Hotels in St. Barths

The Eden Rock and Cheval Blanc are the most famous hotels in St. Barths but I haven’t stayed at either (yet). Here are my favorite hotels I’ve experienced on the island.

1. Fouquet’s St Barths

With stunning views of St. Barths’ capital, Gustavia, Fouquet’s St. Barths is a luxurious hotel in a prime location. If you want a car- and taxi-free vacation, this is the place to be; you’re steps away from Shellona, one of the most iconic beaches on the island. It’s mostly made up of shells, so not the comfiest on your bare feet, definitely bring flip flops or water shoes. There are only 21 suites on property and each one comes with a plunge pool, ample outdoor space and lots of privacy. For one of the best sunsets on the island, you’ll want to head to Beefbar for cocktails and it’s also a great place for dinner. As a corn enthusiast, their spicy rock corn is a must, as are their tacos chicos and milk-fed veal. You’re a short walk away from one of my favorite restaurants on the island, Bonito, but more on that later.

2. Le Toiny

Located far away from the thumping bass of St. Jean where most beach clubs are located, you’ll find Le Toiny, a tranquil beach oasis with spacious rooms and villas. The property sits on the only surf beach on the island, and the beach restaurant is the perfect place to have lunch and watch the waves crash. There’s a great boutique on property, a Defender to give you rides from the hotel to the beach and an all-wooden outdoor gym. For dinner you have to try the salmon crispy rice and grilled mahi mahi while you’re sitting poolside admiring the star-filled sky. If you love water sports and lunches in the sand, this is one of the best st barths hotels to book.

3. Le Barthélemy

Another boutique waterfront property, Le Barthélemy embodies French elegance on beautiful Grande Saline beach. The chic rooms and villas are designed by Sybille de Margerie with soft linens, natural wood and turquoise touches to match the water in front of the hotel. I stayed in one of their junior suites which comes with an outdoor pool perfect for a dip first thing in the morning. The spa at Le Barthélemy is a real treat with La Mer facial treatments and Nordic baths (1 warm tub and two cold plunges). The property also offers janzu, a water-based treatment during which a therapist guides you through the water of the hotel pool to stretch and decompress muscles.

@rana.good My guide to St Barths #saintbarths #saintbarths #travelguide #greenscreen ♬ original sound – Rana Good | Travel + Lifestyle

Where to Eat in St. Barths

1. Bonito

This restaurant has it all; chic interiors, great food, stunning views and playful cocktails that get the party going once dinner is over. Overlooking a hillside in Gustavia, you feel like you’ve entered your stylish and independently wealthy friend’s home. The cuisine here is French Pan-American serving flavorful dishes like lobster ceviche, lomo saltado and grilled fish adobo verde. At Bonito cocktails are taken to the next level with tipples like the Pinche Picante or Sex in the Bath served in unique glassware setting the fun tone for later when the restaurant becomes more of a club and everyone lets loose.

2. Le Tamarin

On the opposite end you have Le Tamarin, a secluded leafy restaurant perfect for a quiet sexy date in St. Barths. Arguably the most romantic restaurant on the island, you’ll dine surrounded by ponds, ylang-ylang and banana trees. Before tucking into one of their many delicious dishes, revive yourself from a day spent in the sun with one of their energizing Espresso Tamarini made with tonka-infused rum, Kahlua and coffee. Start your meal with their vitello tonnato dressed with a tasty mayo, tuna and anchovy sauce or lobster pie topped with avocado and papaya. Their Beef Wellington is delicious as is their pressed pork confit. Save a little room for their tangy and refreshing Le Citron dessert made with creamy lemon and cream cheese mousse.

3. Eddy’s

You’ll find familiar international names on St. Barths like Nikki Beach, Bagatelle, and La Guerite, but be sure to seek out at least one local spot that you can only experience here. On my most recent trip St Barths, I checked out Eddy’s which is a lush tropical garden hotel located in the heart of Gustavia. Beloved by locals and visitors, Eddy’s serves French and Creole cuisine with tasty dishes like goat cheese samosas, tuna four ways and a slightly spicy wild prawn curry. Pair your dinner with a tasty white burgundy from the extensive wine cellar offerings to enjoy an evening of tasty eats and local St Barths vibes.

Where to Party in St. Barths

1. Nikki Beach

If you want to go all out party-wise, the second seating at Nikki Beach is where it’s at. Think table dancing, champagne showers, and people being carried in on thrones like royalty. Table reservations aren’t cheap but you’ll remember being at the all-out beach rager fondly. The best part of celebrating here is that if you get too hot from dancing or sprayed by too much champagne, you can just go for a dip in the ocean just steps away from Nikki Beach.

2. Le Ti

Le Ti is an unforgettable cabaret dinner experience perfect for a night out with friends. Come here to enjoy exquisite cuts of steak, caviar and champagne while watching enthralling dance numbers and maybe being called to the stage yourself. After the show performers and revelers all find themselves on the dance floor to boogie the night away.

3. Nao Beach

With dreamcatchers and rattan décor, Nao Beach brings Tulum vibes to St. Barths overlooking the beautiful turquoise ocean while you dine and drink. The menu features Mediterranean and Japanese dishes like duck gyoza, riviera octopus, spicy tuna sushi and wagyu cheeseburgers. The second Friday afternoon seating turns into their famous Naomad party where the staff and guests dance on tables, so if you want to turn up, this where you’ll want to go.

How to Enjoy the Outdoors

1. Piscines Naturelles

The natural pools (piscines naturelles) in St. Barths are a sight to behold and a must in between your dinner and party escapades. After an easy and scenic hike you’ll reach this beautiful natural landmark and can float and swim around. Make sure to bring water and water shoes to access the water and a phone or camera to capture this beautiful spot.

2. Anse Grand Cul de Sac – Snorkel with Turtles

If you’ve wanted to snorkel with turtles, this is the beach you’ll want to come to. A natural reserve, this stunning lagoon is perfect for snorkeling, paddleboarding and sailing. The water is warm and calm, perfect for swimming and observing underwater life.