10 Perfect Days in St. Barths: A Posh Getaway for Our Entire Family

St. Barths had long topped my travel wishlist, so when we had the perfect reason—celebrating my mother-in-law's 60th birthday—we finally planned a family trip over spring break. St. Barth’s is one of those places you need to experience first hand to really appreciate how unique and special it is. Situated in the Caribbean, this french speaking island was a treat for all the senses and exceeded even my wildest expectations. While I anticipated crystal-clear blue waters and feared perhaps a pretentious vibe, I was pleasantly surprised by the island's relaxed atmosphere and the warmth of its people alongside the creature comforts you’d expect from such a posh locale. It's truly a magical destination with something for everyone in the family, and we now plan to make it an annual tradition. 

Getting There: Your Gateway to Paradise

One of the reasons St. Barths is so special and exclusive is because it’s not that easy to get to. Your options are a small plane with a famous landing or a ferry known to be rather nauseating. My wife gets easily sea-sick, so we opted for an arrival via plane. After some travel hiccups routing from Miami, we flew to St. Barth’s via San Juan on a Tradewinds flight which was a delightful experience! 

If you’ve ever traveled to or from Toronto via Porter Airlines that’s a good comp for Tradewinds. A short 45 minute flight from San Juan meant the views all the way were jaw dropping with an incredible crescendo upon the final approach to St. Barth’s famous Gustaf airport and its very short runway. We flew back on Winair via St Martin, the more budget-friendly option and it was far more pedestrian than Tradewinds. Older planes without A/C and cramped seating were the cons of Winair, but the trip to St Martin is only 15 minutes so it's manageable if that's the best route home for your final destination.

Once you arrive, getting around the island can be a bit tricky. Taxis are scarce and expensive, so renting a Mini Cooper convertible or hiring a driver is highly recommended. I was jealous of some of the locals who were driving around vintage Land Rover Defenders, and plan to rent one from St Barth Defenders on our next trip. The island is compact but has winding roads that can be challenging to navigate, so ensure you have a designated driver for your festive nights out of which there will be many! With limited supply on the island and to ensure a stress-free experience, set up your transportation well in advance. 

To Stay:

I'm going to highlight two standout accommodations: Eden Rock - St Barths and private villas. For our large group, we opted for a private villa, which turned out to be ideal for our needs, offering both privacy and a luxurious, home-like setting. 

Meanwhile, my in-laws chose to stay at Eden Rock - St Barths to celebrate our trip, and their experience was nothing short of extraordinary. Having stayed at numerous luxury hotels around the globe, they were truly blown away by Eden Rock - St Barths. Truly a Five Star experience through and through, they described it as being in a league of its own, praising its impeccable service, stunning beachfront location, and unparalleled elegance. Whether you prefer the exclusive feel of a private villa or the opulence of Eden Rock - St Barths, both options promise an exceptional stay in St. Barths.

Eden Rock - St Barths offers several food and beverage options on the property, and we enjoyed a few sundowner cocktails at the impeccably designed and appointed RÉMY BAR & SALON that we thoroughly enjoyed, as well as delicious breakfast overlooking the ocean at their laid back Sand Bar.

Do not miss the exceptionally well curated Eden Rock - St Barths Boutique, one of the best concept store collections I’ve come across in my travels. Whether you’re looking to take home their iconic branded beach basket, a chic new swim set, or shop one of their constantly rotating exclusive brand collabs, its well worth a visit (or two) during your stay. 

To do: 

Explore the Beaches: St. Barths is famous for its stunning beaches, each offering a distinct experience. Make sure to visit as many as you can, as each one has its own unique charm and beauty. We particularly enjoyed returning to Nikki Beach (where we enjoyed lunch several times), Shell Beach, and Grand Cul-de-Sac Bay.

Swim with Turtles: Swimming with turtles was a truly special experience for both the children and adults in our traveling party. Imagine the clearest, most pristine ocean resembling a swimming pool, with turtles swimming close by as you snorkel. It felt like a dream, and we couldn’t resist returning multiple times.

Eden Rock - St Barths' Remy Bar: As highlighted above, make a stop at Eden Rock - St Barths' Remy Bar before heading out for your dinner reservations. The cocktails here are exceptional and provide the perfect way to unwind and enjoy some of the island’s best drinks.

Hike Colombier: The hike to Colombier Beach is a must-do. The trek is well worth it for the reward of a refreshing swim in the beautiful waters. Remember to bring towels to fully enjoy your time at the beach.

Natural Pool Hikes: For those seeking adventure, the natural pool hikes are a must. These hikes can be challenging and potentially risky, so it’s wise to go with someone familiar with the area or exercise extreme caution.

To Eat: 

Bonito:  A must-visit for dinner, Bonito boasts a vibrant ambiance and exceptional food.

Nikki Beach, La Guerite Beach Club, Gypsea: Ideal for a lunch and beach day combo 

Shellona: Delicious lunch spot with even better views of Shell beach. Be sure to reserve in advance and confirm your booking on the morning of your visit. Grab some beach chairs and enjoy a perfect day by the sea.

Abyss @ Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa: Situated right off turtle bay, a relaxed vibe for lunch where you can dine with your feet in the sand. 

Le Petit Plage: Known for its lively atmosphere, Le Petit Plage turns dinner into a fun party. For the best experience, opt for the later seating to fully enjoy the vibrant vibes.

La Guerite:  Visit La Guerite on a Wednesday for an unforgettable evening filled with dancing and fun. The restaurant offers a fantastic atmosphere and lively experience.

I'sola: For a touch of NYC flair, I'sola delivers a sophisticated Italian dining experience that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

Tamarin: Immerse yourself in a jungle-like ambiance at Tamarin, where you can enjoy excellent island cuisine in a uniquely enchanting setting.

Leaving Refreshed + Booked for Next Year!‍

Our family’s time in St. Barths was nothing short of extraordinary. From the pristine beaches and vibrant local culture to the high-low mix of luxurious accommodations like Eden Rock - St Barths to the laid back beach clubs, St. Barths met and exceeded our expectations. The kids in our traveling party were absolutely thrilled swimming with sea turtles, making memories to last truly a lifetime. 

St. Barths offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it the ideal destination for a posh spring break getaway. Add to it the appeal of the french speaking locals and staff, you get a taste of the European joie de vivre without having to cross the Atlantic. We left the island with unforgettable memories and a promise to return next year for another perfect Spring Break in  paradise.