A Local’s Guide to St Barth
“The art of living life to the full is not so much about complicating the simple things as it is about simplifying the unsimplified” Francoise Hertel.
The island of St Barth, long associated with superyachts, private villas and celebrity crowds, reveals a different side for those who know where to look. Away from the spotlight a slower, more local rhythm may be experienced from watching sea turtles move through clear shallows, hiking through rare vegetation or swimming in quiet bays – it is a place that balances exclusivity with a slower pace, offering chance to breathe.
Mornings begin out on the water tracing the coastline by boat exploring hidden coves and untouched bays accessible only by sea and allowing the island to be seen from an entirely different perspective. Colombier Beach, one of the most secluded stretches of sand on the island, is best approached by sea, where swimmers share the water with sea turtles in crystal-clear waters and the crowds feel far removed.
On land, nature lovers can explore a network of coastal paths stretching all over the island. The hike to Colombier Beach is particularly rewarding, leading through wild terrain before opening up to awe-inspiring views over the private beach and the surrounding islands. Locals favour the route early in the morning before the day begins or at sunset, where there’s a kaleidoscope of colours as the light softens.
In the town of Gustavia, a guided walking tour offers a local’s insight into the island’s history and charm, tracing the evolution of the port from a quiet fishing village in the 1950s to one of the Caribbean’s most recognisable destinations. Guests may learn more about its Swedish past still visible to this day through the town’s iconic landmarks and architecture. A refreshing way to end the tour is, naturally, a rhum degustation, offering an insight into the island’s long-standing rhum traditions including a shot of vanilla rhum after an evening meal.
St Barth’s food scene is experienced differently through a local lens – with a more relaxed atmosphere. At Le Grain de Sel, Caribbean dishes are prepared with a focus on simplicity and local ingredients, while Eddy’s Ghetto is known as much for its garden setting as for the mix of local and international cuisines. At La Licorne, grilled dishes with simple yet flavourful plates reflect an authentic way to experience the local vibe of the island.
From world-class surfing to coastal hiking and open-water training, St Barth’s passion for outdoor pursuits sits at the heart of everyday island life. Daily life revolves around movement, from sunrise surf sessions at Lorient Beach to coastal trail hikes, open-water swimming groups and community fitness gatherings that bring together residents, athletes and travellers seeking an active escape. The island’s leading hotels have expanded programming to reflect a wellness-focused approach. At Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa, guests may take part in longevity retreats focused on deeper recalibration, beginning with biological age testing, full body analysis and microbiome mapping. Zion St Barth offers a more elemental approach to recovery through open-air, “feet-in-the-sand” workouts, targeted sports massage and inflammation-reducing ice baths, reflecting an approach to wellness rooted in movement, restoration and connection to the island itself. Created in St Barth more than 40 years ago, Ligne St Barth continue to develop products in their laboratory on the island utilising local ingredients in their oils and lotions – further cementing the island’s long-standing connection to natural wellbeing.
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