For such a tiny Caribbean island, Saint-Barthélemy—better known as St. Barths—packs a punch. Christopher Columbus named the island after his brother Bartolomeo. The island briefly fell under Swedish rule, before becoming French in the late 1800s. This unmistakable recognizable landmark still exists today. joie de vivre It is exactly what keeps travellers coming back.
St. Barths offers a variety of options for celebrating milestones, whether you want a barefoot celebration on a secluded island or a lavish experience aboard a superyahct. My expert suggestions for a destination wedding in St. Barths.
Get Expert Help
First, choose a travel agent with experience planning events in St. Barths. The fact that the travel advisor has organized destination weddings in other countries or taken trips to the island is not enough. You’ll want someone who knows the lay of the land, has trusted local connections, and understands the island’s unique logistics—from hotel buyouts and permit requirements to navigating the complexities of the airport.
Book Early
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While there are several ways to reach St. Barths—commercial flights, private charters, ferries, or boat transfers—getting 200+ guests to the island on the same day is no small feat. The island’s only airport, Rémy de Haenen, has a single runway just over 2,000 feet long, and flights are weather-dependent. Remember that they cannot land after sundown, so timing is crucial.
It is important to announce your event well in advance so that you have enough time to organize travel logistics. Early planning allows for the best routing of your guests. It’s also essential that your travel advisor has established contacts at the airport—someone who can troubleshoot last-minute changes and help guests navigate any unexpected hurdles. St. Martin is the closest island to St. Barths and entry requirements can change often.
Stay in Style
Rosewood Hotel & Resorts
St. Barths may be small, with only eight square miles of land, but the accommodations on this island are anything but average. Consider buying a whole hotel, depending on the number of guests. Eden Rock – St Barths, Cheval Blanc St-Barth, Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth, Hotel Le ToinyOr Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf.
For overflow guests—or families and groups seeking more privacy—a fully staffed villa is often the most comfortable solution. Many villas feature panoramic views, private swimming pools and hotel-level services. Booking hotel and villa accommodation at least 12 months before your event is a good idea to guarantee availability. Consider hosting your event during November, May or June when the island will be less crowded and the villa owners more flexible.
Eat Well
St. Barths also offers some fantastic dining. Get the party started at Sand BarSpend the afternoon at Eden Rock for a casual, beachside lunch. La GuériteA Mediterranean restaurant at the tip of Gustavia (the main town and capital on the island)’s port. Or go dancing in Gustavia Le Café, a Provençal-style bistro with Caribbean flair and live music.
Le Clandestin in Gustavia, has one the top rum collection collections on earth. Reopened recently and refreshed, Le Ti After dinner, the restaurant hosts a burlesque cabaret. After the show, guests can relax with a quick bite at Jojo Burger near Lorient, a local favorite.
Remember you’re on Island Time
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Make room in your schedule for some spontaneity, whether they are St. Barths veterans or first-time guests. A little downtime allows them to revisit old favorites or discover some new ones.
Give your guests some downtime to shop in Gustavia; join a guided hike to Les Crêtes trail for panoramic views and wildlife encounters; explore the natural pools of Grand Fond, a quartier in the southeast; take a surf lesson on Lorient Beach; or take to the water on a private boat complete with lunch and seabobs (motorized, underwater scooters). You can rent a doorless, open-topped moke to tour the entire island. Stop at beaches like Saline or Gouverneur.
Kristen Korey Pike Korey Pike is a member Travel + Leisure’s A-List. She specializes in multigenerational vacations. Korey Pike can design a custom itinerary for you by calling her at [email protected].
