St Barts Casino

After a bumpy few years, this posh retreat in the French West Indies is back and better than ever.

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It’s nothing but blue skies (and turquoise water) on the island of St. Barts. / Photo via Sean Pavone/Getty Images

No two words conjure up images of a luxurious tropical paradise more than “St. Barts.” After all, the island boasts some of the most beautiful beaches, glamorous nightlife, and high-end shopping ($50,000 Louis Vuitton hammock, anyone?) of any island in the Caribbean. But even paradise isn’t immune to the vagaries of Mother Nature—in this case, the physical devastation of Hurricane Irma in 2017 and the financial devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thankfully, St. Barts is once again open and ready for business. As of press time, there were no travel restrictions on U.S. passport holders, though visitors must produce a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of arrival. In fact, both calamities have had at least some salutary effects: In the wake of the storm, the island’s notoriously potholed and badly graded roads have been rebuilt, and the ban on cruise ships until the foreseeable future means that if you do choose to make the trip soon, you can wander the quaint streets of Gustavia without having to dodge hordes of pant-suited retirees.

A typical day on the island might start with a skinny-dip at a clothing-optional beach, such as Governeur or Grand Saline, followed by a rosé-soaked lunch at Nikki Beachclub and a siesta. Others might fancy a hike from Flamands to Colombier (the only way, other than boat, to reach one of the world’s most picturesque stretches of sand), capped off with a cheeseburger and a beer at the bumper-sticker-bedecked Le Select, which many maintain was Jimmy Buffett’s inspiration for the song “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” However, simply basking by the pool and taking in a hilltop view with the latest page-turner has a strange way of monopolizing one’s entire day in the French West Indies’ Land of the Lotus Eaters.

Despite the struggles of the past three years, St. Barts also has plenty of fresh additions to its dining and drinking scenes. The newly updated Le Carl Gustaf hotel, high up overlooking Gustavia Harbor, reopened last month with Fouquet’s bar offering a backdrop worthy of a James Bond movie to sip a martini while watching the sun go down over the red roofs. Sky Bar, a new hot spot perched atop the ever-popular nightclub Casa, is an equally scenic option for al fresco cocktails. As for dining, the recently opened Kinugawa dishes up contemporary Japanese cuisine, while L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon will serve elegant fare inspired by the most-starred chef in the world when it opens in 2021.

In addition to St Barts activities and Saint Barthelemy sightseeing, the island offers St Barths events throughout the year not to be missed and sometimes to be booked. Check out our section regularly to keep you informed of the latest dates in Gustavia or other places of the island and optimize your schedule: Saint Barts Gourmet Festival.

There’s a popular French saying: “Petit à petit, l’oiseau fait son nid,” meaning “little by little, the bird builds its nest.” St. Barts, then, is the Phoenix risen from the ashes, its feathers shinier than ever.

Barthelemy Resorts on Tripadvisor: Find traveler reviews, candid photos, and prices for resorts in St. Barthelemy, Caribbean. Experience paradise with an authentic Caribbean vacation at St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino. Our upscale hotel is on its own private beach, with Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport just 4 miles away. Enjoy exploring nearby Nevis Island and Basseterre, St. Kitt's capital city.

Getting There

JetBlue flies nonstop from Boston to San Juan, where you can catch a direct flight to St. Barts on Tradewind Aviation. However, the island’s airport has one of the trickiest landings in the Caribbean, with an approach that requires the plane to bank sharply and a short runway that ends at the water’s edge. For squeamish fliers, the JetBlue flight to St. Maarten, followed by a 45-minute ferry ride to St. Barts, is a better alternative.

Staying There

There are several options for a secluded getaway: The Christopher, St. Barts’ newest five-star hotel, is located in the quiet Pointe Milou part of the island and boasts three self-contained four-bedroom villas. Sibarth, a villa rental company, manages some of the island’s premier properties and boasts 24-hour concierge service, as well as butlers and personal shoppers: Staffers will even put up a Christmas tree for you if you ship your ornaments ahead of time.

Get To Know The Sights Tastes & Sounds of St. Barthelemy

St Barts, St Barthelemy or St Barths… all will take you to the same wonderfully quaint Caribbean island.
Located in the French Caribbean approximately 18 miles SE of St Martin and 27 miles from Anguilla.
St Barts is a unique place… there is just a special feeling you get when your on this island. A relatively small island only about 15 miles long, a St Barts vacation does not include towering casino hotels or mega resorts, its allure comes from the islands intimacy, ideal climate, and Caribbean charm. The island has several of the Caribbean’s best beaches… uncrowded and tucked away in distinguishable coves with crystal clear water and sensational views. The capital city (Gustavia) is surrounded by a small protected harbor with excellent shopping and hosts many of the Caribbean’s best restaurants & cafes.

St Barts Casinos

St Barts Forums and Island News

Discuss, Read & Research… Over 20,000 St Barts Topics!

St Barts Island Casino

Ask questions, get advice, meet a great group of people passionate about everything St Barts. Vacation reviews, villa rentals, hotels, restaurants, transportation, advice & information. If you’ve recently been to the island, come share your St Barts experiences with photos and a trip report.

Find Your Perfect St Barts Villa

Part of the fun of your vacation is choosing the ideal villa rental for your needs. Beachfront or up on the hillside? East or West side?
Below we’ve provided some categories to get you started… Or you can view the full list of villas. If you have any questions let us know; we have travel planners available that can assist with any of your planning needs.

St Barts Restaurants

Dining out in St Barts is one life’s great pleasures, and the island is considered by many to be the culinary capital of the Caribbean.
We’ve included a comprehensive St Barts restaurant guide, including bistros, bars, cafes as well as reviews from visitors.
If you’ve been to St Barts recently, we also have a restaurant forum where you can share your culinary experiences.

The St Barts Beaches

St Barts has over twenty magnificent Caribbean white sand beaches located around the different parts of the island. The beaches are uncrowded and each one has its own distinct flavor. It is fun to explore a variety of beaches on your trip. Topless bathing is allowed on all beaches, but nude sunbathing is officially prohibited on St. Barts. All beaches are open to the public.

Photo Galleries, Webcams, Maps

Photography around St Barts is exceptional! We have received hundreds of SBHonline member photos through the years and host them for site visitors to enjoy. The mix of professional and amateur shots deliver a nice feel for the island.

Activities Around St Barts Island

The Caribbean! Beautiful clear waters, white sand beaches, and a picturesque mountainous landscape perfect for hiking, photography, sunning, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, paddle boarding, sailing, or just relaxing in the shade under a tropical palm. Here are a few island activities and service providers.