Saint Barts leisure, activities and water sports 2024 / 2025

Home In St Barts Magazine

Oct 162024Saint Barts leisure, activities and water sports 2024 / 2025 St Barts is the undisputed queen of the Caribbean, offering an intoxicating mix of French sophistication, laid-back island charm, and luxury beach villas for vacation rentals. Whether you're in search of ultra-chic leisure or heart-pumping adventure, Saint Barts promises an unforgettable experience. For the 2024/2025 season, this jet-set paradise has never been more alluring, with crystal-clear waters, hidden beaches, and world-class activities all waiting to be explored. Here’s your definitive guide to the top leisure pursuits, sports, and activities to indulge in on your next Caribbean escape.
Tagsconcierge, luxury, travel

Effortless leisure
 At the heart of Saint Barts is the art of doing nothing—but doing it in the most luxurious way possible. This island is tailor-made for those who crave sun, sand, and a sprinkle of glamour. Just steps from Gustavia’s boutiques and bistros, Shell Beach is the perfect spot for an easy yet chic afternoon. As its name suggests, the beach is carpeted in millions of tiny shells, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Spend the day sunbathing, then head to Shellona, the stylish beachfront restaurant, for a Mediterranean lunch paired with cocktails and an unbeatable sunset view.
 Synonymous with luxury, Nikki Beach in Saint-Jean is where the fashionable elite come to see and be seen. Recline on oversized daybeds, sip on premium rosé, and soak in the island’s electric energy. The beach club’s Sunday brunch is an unmissable event, where DJ beats accompany your leisurely feast as you overlook the azure sea. For those craving privacy and seclusion, Flamands Beach offers a peaceful retreat. Its wide, soft sands and gentle waves make it the ideal setting for a morning stroll or quiet sunbathing session. This beach, one of the largest on the island, is home to the famed Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France.

Aquatic adventures
Saint Barts’ turquoise waters provide the ultimate playground for aquatic sports, from serene paddleboarding to exhilarating kite surfing. Whether you're a seasoned water enthusiast or a first-timer, the island offers experiences for every level. The island's most iconic bay is also its hotspot for water sports. The shallow, clear waters make it ideal for paddleboarding and windsurfing. Rent gear from Carib Waterplay, located right on the beach, or take lessons if you're new to the sport. For adrenaline junkies, Saint-Jean Bay is also one of the best spots for kite surfing, with consistent trade winds providing the perfect conditions. Accessible only by boat or via a scenic hike, Colombier Beach is the ultimate hidden gem for snorkeling. The sheltered waters are home to vibrant coral reefs, schools of tropical fish, and even sea turtles, making it one of the best spots for an underwater adventure. Pack a picnic and enjoy this tranquil, postcard-perfect bay. For a truly luxurious experience, charter a yacht from Gustavia’s glamorous marina and explore the waters surrounding Saint Barts. Sail to nearby Île Fourchue, a small, uninhabited island known for its exceptional snorkeling and crystal-clear lagoons, or simply anchor in one of the island’s many secluded coves for an afternoon swim.

Sports on land
While the ocean dominates the island’s landscape, Saint Barts also offers plenty of opportunities to stay active on land. Whether you’re hiking to a stunning viewpoint or fine-tuning your tennis serve, there’s no shortage of ways to get your pulse racing.
For the adventurous, hiking to the summit of Morne du Vitet, the island’s highest point, is a must. This invigorating trek takes you through lush, tropical landscapes, with panoramic views of the surrounding islands and sparkling Caribbean Sea as your reward. It’s a great way to break up the beach days with a dash of adventure. Saint Barts takes tennis seriously, with some of the most scenic courts you’ll ever play on. 
Yoga private session: For something a little more zen, our concierge team can arrange beachfront yoga classes that are as restorative as they are luxurious, for a truly bespoke wellness experience.. Greet the day with a sunrise session on the sand, overlooking Saint-Jean Bay, and let the sound of the waves guide you into deep relaxation.

Diving into Saint Barts’ underwater world
Saint Barts’ pristine waters aren’t just for lounging—they also hide some of the Caribbean’s most spectacular diving sites. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned diver, the island’s rich marine life and dramatic underwater landscapes promise an unforgettable experience. Just a short boat ride from Gustavia, Île Fourchue is a favorite among divers for its clear waters and vibrant marine life. The area is part of a protected marine reserve, meaning you’ll encounter an abundance of sea creatures, from colorful fish and rays to the occasional reef shark. It’s an ideal dive site for both beginners and more experienced divers looking to explore the island’s underwater world. Located off Gustavia’s coast, Pain de Sucre is a volcanic rock formation that makes for an exceptional diving experience. Its shallow waters and abundant coral reefs attract a wide variety of marine life, making it one of the island’s most accessible and rewarding dive sites.

Michelin-starred culinary delights
No trip to Saint Barts would be complete without indulging in the island’s sophisticated dining scene. From beachside bistros to Michelin-starred restaurants, Saint Barts serves up a culinary experience that rivals the best in the world. Nestled in a lush garden in Saline, Le Tamarin is a magical dining spot that combines refined French-Caribbean cuisine with a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere. The restaurant’s garden setting, complete with twinkling fairy lights and a serene pond, creates a romantic ambiance, perfect for a long, leisurely dinner under the stars. For an elegant evening, L'Isola in Gustavia offers a slice of Italy in the heart of the Caribbean. The restaurant is known for its refined Italian dishes, crafted with the freshest ingredients flown in directly from Italy. The sophisticated yet intimate setting makes it the perfect spot for a memorable dinner. Overlooking Gustavia’s yacht-filled harbor, Bonito offers a dining experience that is as chic as it is delicious. Famed for its ceviche bar and inventive French-Latin fusion cuisine, Bonito is where the stylish set come to dine. Grab a seat on the terrace for dinner with a side of panoramic sunset views.

Living the ultimate Caribbean escape
As you plan your Saint Barth getaway for 2024/2025, discover the best collection of top luxury vacation villas for rent with Home in St Barts - book now your next Caribbean retreat!





VILLAS YOU MAY LIKE


Girasol [WV GIR]

 6    3    3
Marigot
from 11,000 to 50,000 $ / week


Casa Dolce [WV CDC]

 8    4    4
Pointe Milou
from 9,000 to 45,000 $ / week


Amalie [WV KAM]

 4    2    2
Marigot
from 9,000 to 29,000 $ / week


Tulum [WV TUL]

 4    2    2
Gustavia
from 7,000 to 30,000 $ / week


Ti Rock [WV TIR]

 6    3    3
Grand Cul-de-Sac
from 6,000 to 25,000 $ / week


La Maison de la Mer [WV LMM]

 14    7    7
Flamands
from 50,000 to 162,000 $ / week


My Way [WV WAY]

 10    5    5
Colombier
from 27,000 to 130,000 $ / week


Scarlett

 8    4    4
Devet
from 12,000 to 34,000 $ / week


Condé Nast Traveller   The Times    FilpKey    Trip Advisor    XO Private   Country & Town House