St Barthélemy / Special Interests / Beach

This 25 square kilometre island is one of the oldest volcanic islands in the Lesser Antillies chain. Its jagged coastline is encircled with sparkling white sand beaches and coves.  Saint-Jean is one of the most sought after beaches in St Barths in terms of fashionable places to go. Its two stunning white sand beaches are divided by the iconic Eden Rock Hotel. On one side lie chic-hi beach clubs like Nikki Beach, whilst on the other side, the main feature is the end of the airport runway. This may sound distasteful, but its actually rather spectacular and all the planes are small. There are some trendy restaurants, watersports and self catering hotels including Les Ilets de la Plage.

Lorient is one of the oldest neighbourhoods on the island and a great place to hang out for the day. The locals call it ‘little pools’ as one end is safe for families whilst the other has larger waves so is popular with surfers. There are affordable places to eat like JoJo Burger and Ligne St Barths HQ if you fancy stocking up on beauty products. The beach is the focus for the St Barth Music Festival in January.

Marigot beach is sheltered from the wind and has abundant flora and fauna. Located within the protected zones of the marine park it’s off limits for fishing, but a great snorkelling spot.  Grand Cul de Sac is a lovely turquoise lagoon, perfect for nautical sports. The salt pond is a reproduction zone for birds and crabs. It is home the high class Serano hotel.

Anse de Cayes is another popular surf beach with strong waves and coral rocks. But the best surfing spot on the island is Toiny. Strong currents discourage swimming and above the beach is Le Toiny hotel and restaurant.

Flamands is bordered by a large, magnificent white sand beach on which lies Hotel Isle de France, immediately noticeable by its smart sun loungers and beautiful restaurant overlooking the sand. The beach gets busier in summer when students home from school get together to play soccer or volleyball.

Round the corner, the natural cove of La Petite Anse has a tiny but very charming beach and plenty of rockpools to explore. On the cliffside is the creole-style Auberge de Petite Anse hotel. And round the point or over the bluff is Colombier – one of the most pristine and natural beaches in the Caribbean, only accessible by footpath if coming overland or by boat. Up on the hill the only building is a villa that used to below to the Getty family. The bay is part of the protected Marine Park and a fabulous snorkelling spot. On a clear day you can see St Martin.

If you want a jaw droppingly beautiful beach that is as yet untouched by development, head to Saline – beloved of surfers and serious sunbathers including naturists. Behind the dunes are salt flats and the value for money Grain de Sel restaurant.

Gouverneur Beach is beautiful and rarely crowded. It’s home to many spectacular villas that lie discretely in the hillside including Abramovich’s. Legend has it the pirate Monbars hid his treasure here.

Close to the capital, Gustavia, Public was once primarily a salt pond. Now the beach is home to the island’s sailing school and a perfect place to see magnificent sunsets.  Also close to Gustavia is Shell Beach where you can have lunch or dinner almost on the water’s edge and hunt for rare shells.

The fishing village of Corossol has a small brown beach and worth a visit if you want to see traditional fishing boats, the Shell Museum and some woven crafts.

As this is a hilly island, there are beautiful sea views from most inland hotels and villas.

See also the St Barths Beach Life section.