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Best things to do

IN ST. BARTHS

in 72 hours 

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St Barts (often spelt Saint Barthélemy, St Barts or St Barth) - officially the Collectivity of Saint Barthélemy - is an overseas territory of France.

 

Too hilly and dry for large-scale farming and agriculture, St Barts, a former longtime French possession, has been used as a station for pirates until the French King Louis XVI gave St-Barth to Sweden in exchange for trading rights.

 

The island was sold back to France in 1878 and from the Swedish time, St Barts has kept its duty-free status and some of its typical Scandinavian architecture including the horseshoe-shape harbour of Gustavia. The town itself has been named after the Swedish King Gustaf III.

Known as one of the safest island in the Caribbean, visitors not only enjoy its peacefulness but also its 14 different beaches and its incredible food scene and nightlife. 

What are the 10 best things to do in St Barts? 

Hike towards Colombier and laze around the prettiest beach of St Barts

Anchor in Colombier or from the land, take the 15-min breath-taking path leading to the
cove which is surrounded by a natural reserve where no construction is allowed. Through
forested path, cacti groves and cliffs, you could encounter some tortoises and mountain
goats before reaching the secluded beach of Colombier.
For a truly feet-in-the-sand experience, a picnic is a must do.

St. Barts Beaches- St. Barth - YPA - Private Yacht charter

Sunset walk in Gustavia and Boutique hopping

Undeniable shopping capital of the Caribbean, Gustavia is the essential stop for all fashionistas. From luxury designer Maisons to local designers, St Barts benefit from a tax-free status which makes it an even more desirable shopping destination. Some of the most renowned fashion brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana or Prada have also created exclusive St Barts collections that can only be found on the island.

After a long afternoon of shopping, head toward Shell Beach for some bubbly refreshments at Shellona and admire the most spectacular sunset of the island. 

To finish the day, Bonito will be the perfect spot for the best cocktails in town while overlooking the dusk on the harbour. While you are there, why not sample some of their delicious peruvian-inspired ceviches?

Shopping in St. Barts boutiques- St. Barth - YPA - Private Yacht charter

Take pictures in the most ‘instagramable’ spots of St Barts

While the island is only 5sqm, memorable snaps are around the corner in all parts of the island. We have selected some of the secret spots for the best Instagram photos in St Barts:

  • Fort Gustav for the view

  • The phone booth at Le Select

  • The Yellow Caribbean “Case” in Rue General de Gaulle

  • The Airport Landing from the La Tourmente round about at the top of the hill

Instagram wothy selfies- St. Barth - YPA - Private Yacht charter

Take a dip into Grand Cul de Sac and swim with turtles in the lagoon

On the eastern tip of the Island, Grand Cul de Sac is where the Atlantic Ocean fuses with the Caribbean Sea. Watersport lovers will find there a shallow, sheltered bay but with some strong winds for those in need for speed. The lagoon is ideal to practice windsurfing, canoeing, paddle boarding , kitesurfing and fly fishing.

Offering great snorkeling conditions, turtles and manta rays are in abundance.

Swim with turtles - Grand Cul de Sac- St. Barth - YPA - Private Yacht charter

Spend the afternoon on gorgeous Flamands Beach

Hidden and an exclusive address of the Island, La Cabane at Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France is a well kept secret for anyone looking for privacy and spectacular views over the beach.

Toes-in-the-sand, try some of the freshest caught local fish. Elegant simplicity and thoughtful service are the mottos in this Palace, the first and only one outside from France

La Cabane - St. Barth - YPA - Private Yacht charter

Sipping cocktails in St Jean

Iconic beach that is host to one of the most famous hotels in St Barts, Eden Rock, St Jean is also the liveliest and most fun-loving beach on the island. 

Turquoise waters set as a backdrop, feel the glitz and glamour vibe of the Island while enjoying a drink or two at one of the several beach bars the bay has to offer. 

Often referred to as the St Tropez of the Caribbean, hit to Nikki Beach on a Sunday to get a real sense of what the magic of St Barts is all about.

Exotic Drinks- St. Barth - YPA - Private Yacht charter

Discover the Swedish heritage of St Barts

Stroll around the streets of Gustavia and learn how to read the manually produced enamel street signs and its street names all translated in Swedish. From the quiet backstreets, walk towards the Swedish clock house and admire the view over the typical red-roofed houses of St Barts.

Throw yourself back in time and visit the wall house and its distinct colonial architecture. Once inside the museum you will discover centuries-old confines and artifacts.

Sweidish Heritage- St. Barth - YPA - Private Yacht charter

Private dinner on Gouverneur Beach

One of the wildest beach of St Barts, Gouverneur is also much-liked for its accessibility. 

Ivory-white sand and turquoise water makes it one of the preferred beach for St Barts lovers.

Secluded, it is also the perfect spot to organize a private under the stars diner on the beach.

Let the tropical breeze caress your skin under the moonlight while enjoying an intimate moment with your loved ones and being lulled by the waves.

Private Dinner in St. Barts- St. Barth - YPA - Private Yacht charter

Watch the Bucket Regatta from the sea

Every March, St Barts welcomes the Bucket Regatta during three thrilling days of race. The glamourous, by-invitation only, nautical event welcome 40 (and sometimes more) sailing superyachts. 

Watch the races from your yacht to get a glimpse of the thousand sails dancing on the sea or when the night comes, attend one of the champagne popping parties in the harbour.

Bucket Regatta- St. Barth - YPA - Private Yacht charter

Enjoy St Barts bustling lifestyle

Food scene and all-night parties are part of the St Bart experience. One will find it hard to choose between all that the island has to offer.

From the 80 restaurants of the island, beach clubs and night clubs, here is our handpicked selection:

  • Orega, gourmet franco-japanese fusion cuisine

  • Bonito, South American influences for this restaurant with fabulous views overlooking the port of Gustavia

  • La Guerite, made-to-order Mediterranean cuisine

  • Isola, authentic Italian restaurant in an elegant setting

  • Le Tamarin, French cuisine in a cozy and lush tropical garden

  • Isoletta, a true roman-style pizzaria with pizza “al metro”

  • Shellona, Greek cuisine in a boho chic atmosphere by the sea

  • Bagatelle, with its famed truffle pizza, a perfect location for a delicious and festive dinner

  • Nikki Beach, Japanese cuisine (best to go on Sunday for lunch for its festive atmosphere)

  • Le Ti, cabaret with its fabulous dinner-show concept, unique in St Barth. Costumes and accessories are on hand for clients to wear and dance in this pirate cavern.

International Restaurants- St. Barth - YPA - Private Yacht charter
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