St Barts Villas

Gustavia, the island’s capital, is alive with boutiques and harbourside dining. Up to 90 superyachts can be seen moored in its bay at any one time. For those seeking tranquillity, more secluded areas like Colombier or Toiny offer complete peace without sacrificing access to the island’s best experiences.

Our returning clients often choose hillside villas for their sweeping views and access to multiple beaches — perfect for exploring all that the island has to offer without being tied to just one location.

From daily housekeeping to fully staffed residences, we’ll tailor your villa experience to your preferences. We invite you to explore St Barts through the lens of our deep expertise and passion for the island..

What is the best area of St Barts?

Each region of St Barts offers a unique charm. Our villa specialists will help match you to the area that best suits your preferences — whether you prioritise convenience, privacy, or scenery.

St Jean & Gustavia

Perfect for guests who enjoy proximity to restaurants, boutiques, and beach clubs. St Jean is chic and vibrant, while Gustavia offers a blend of culture, shopping, and nightlife. Both are ideal if you want to be in the heart of the island’s social life.

Gouverneur, Colombier & Cul-de-Sac

These quieter areas are known for their privacy and natural beauty. Gouverneur is near a secluded beach with excellent swimming, while Colombier offers breathtaking hiking and views. Cul-de-Sac is peaceful and ideal for families.

Toiny

Located on the Atlantic side, Toiny is wild, untamed, and exceptionally tranquil. It's favoured by guests seeking total escape and dramatic coastal scenery.

Beachfront vs Hillside

First-time visitors often request beachfront villas, but returning guests tend to prefer the elevated hillside homes. These villas typically offer panoramic views, greater privacy, and easy access to several beaches — rather than being limited to just one.

Because the island is compact — just 25 sq km — any destination is easily reached within 20 minutes by car. We advise choosing the villa that best fits your needs, then letting our concierge team handle the logistics.

Planning Your Trip to St Barts

Island Size & Navigation

St Barts is just 25 square kilometres in size — 11 km long and 4 km wide. It takes about an hour to drive around the entire island. Hiring a car is highly recommended due to the hilly terrain and scattered locations of beaches and villas. Taxis are available but can be costly.

Getting There

Most guests arrive via connecting flights through St Martin or San Juan. The island’s short runway makes flying in a unique experience, with spectacular views on descent.

When to Visit

• High season: November to April — drier, less humid, and popular among international travellers
• Low season: May to August — warmer, more humid, occasional short rains
• Avoid: Late August to early October due to hurricane risk

Language & Currency

French is the official language, though English is widely spoken. The Euro is the official currency, but US dollars are accepted almost everywhere. Paying in Euros typically offers better value.

Electricity

St Barts uses 220V with European 2-pin plugs. Some villas offer US sockets, but we recommend bringing adaptors if travelling from North America.

Gratuity

Service is usually included in restaurant bills, but additional tips are always appreciated for exceptional service.

Packing Essentials

Lightweight clothing, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, and walking shoes (for hiking to secluded beaches like Colombier) are musts. A driving licence is also needed to rent a car.

Let our concierge team help you prepare with local insight and detailed arrival planning — so you can focus on enjoying the island from the moment you land.

St Barts Beaches

St Barts boasts 14 public beaches, each offering a different mood — from wild surf to gentle coves. All are open to the public, free of charge, and rarely crowded, even in peak season. Below are highlights of the island’s most loved beaches:

St Jean

One of the most iconic and lively beaches, St Jean is ideal for people-watching, watersports, and beachside dining. It's split into two sections by Eden Rock and is home to Nikki Beach.

Shell Beach

A short walk from Gustavia, this beach is known for its unique shells and calm swimming waters. Great for sunset drinks at Shellona or Do Brazil.

Gouverneur

A quiet and scenic beach with a wide stretch of soft sand and clear waters. Great for swimming and snorkelling.

Saline

Unspoilt and undeveloped, Saline is a favourite for its natural beauty. A short walk over sand dunes leads to this wide beach with turquoise waters and no facilities — bring everything you need.

Colombier

Accessible only by boat or via a 25-minute hike, Colombier is a serene and secluded beach ideal for picnics, swimming, and snorkelling. Views extend toward Ile Fourchue.

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Flamands

A wide and often dramatic beach. In winter, the surf can be strong. It’s home to Cheval Blanc Isle de France and several top villas.

Lorient

A reef-protected beach, excellent for swimming and snorkelling. Families love the calmer waters, while surfers enjoy the eastern end.

Toiny

Beautiful but wild, Toiny is best suited to experienced surfers. Swimming is not advised due to strong currents.

Grand Cul de Sac

A shallow lagoon, perfect for kayaking, windsurfing, and families. Several beachfront restaurants and hotels make this a full-day option.

Petit Cul de Sac

Very quiet and calm, thanks to its protected bay. Great for those seeking tranquillity.

Marigot

A small and peaceful nature reserve beach, perfect for snorkelling and mooring small boats.

Whichever beach you choose, our concierge team can help arrange picnics, restaurant bookings, or transport — ensuring you make the most of every stretch of sand.

Why book with Exceptional Villas

Exceptional Villas is the world’s top-rated villa rental company on Trustpilot, with more verified 5-star reviews than any competitor. We offer clear, honest guidance based on decades of hands-on experience — and a commitment to personalised service that sets us apart.

Expert Knowledge

Our villa specialists know St Barts intimately. Every villa we offer has been inspected by our team, and we take the time to understand your needs before recommending the right fit — from layout and views to nearby beaches or restaurants.

Best Price Guarantee

We offer the most competitive rates available, with no hidden fees. Our prices include full concierge service, ensuring you receive maximum value at every stage of your booking.

Complimentary Concierge Service

From the moment you book, our concierge team — including Noreen and Elaine, who know the island inside out — will assist with all arrangements: restaurant reservations, car hire, boat charters, private chefs, and more. Once you arrive, our local team is on hand for in-destination support.

Tailored Travel Planning

Whether it’s a honeymoon, a family gathering, or a group holiday, we’ll recommend villas and experiences to match your priorities. Our planning is detailed and discreet, so your stay feels effortless from start to finish.

Our guests return year after year — not only for our villas, but for the thoughtful service, expertise, and peace of mind we provide.

Meet Our St Barts Team

Our success is built on genuine expertise. Many members of our team have spent extensive time on the island, ensuring every recommendation is based on first-hand experience.

Villa Specialists

Niamh, Gwladys, Paul, Linda, Alex, Noreen, and Aoife know the villas, beaches, and nuances of St Barts inside out. They listen carefully to what each client wants and match them to the villa that best fits their needs and expectations.

Gwladys has lived on the island for years and brings a wealth of local insight. Paul and Aoife also manage our Mexico portfolio, bringing broader regional expertise to clients exploring multiple destinations.

Concierge Team

Noreen and Elaine, our dedicated St Barts concierges, have a deep knowledge of the island and a close network of trusted partners. They’ll assist with pre-arrival planning — from restaurant bookings and car hire to private chefs, boat charters, and wellness treatments. Once you arrive, our on-island concierge team will ensure every detail runs smoothly.

Together, our team combines passion with professionalism, helping clients create effortless and unforgettable experiences in St Barts.

Shopping in St Barts

St Barts is the premier shopping destination in the Caribbean — home to world-renowned luxury brands and stylish island boutiques. The island is duty-free, and if you’re visiting during the sales (typically May and October), you’ll find exceptional value.

Gustavia

The capital is the island’s main shopping hub, with three key streets offering everything from fine jewellery to designer fashion:

• Quai de la République – Cartier, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Bulgari, Chopard
• Rue du Général de Gaulle – Ligne St Barth (local skincare), Les Artisans (jewellery), Saint Barth Caravan
• Rue du Roi Oscar II – Vanita Rosa, Fabienne Miot, Marina St Barth

Chic Finds in St Jean

Minutes from the airport and the iconic Eden Rock, St Jean brims with boutiques where effortless style meets beach-ready sophistication. The Pelican Shops offer a refined edit of labels like Pain de Sucre, Poupette St Barth, and Lolita Jaca — ideal for those who favour understated luxury.

Island Style, Independent Spirit

Venture beyond the main thoroughfares and you’ll find a vibrant scene of independent creators. Handmade jewellery, hand-stitched resort wear, and wellness products harnessing local botanicals all contribute to the island’s unique aesthetic.

Fashion in Unexpected Places

Luxury hotels such as Eden Rock and Cheval Blanc curate in-house boutiques that rival high-street names. Some evenings, guests can enjoy fashion shows that blend cocktail-hour glamour with runway exclusivity.

Craftsmanship and Creativity

In the quieter villages of Corossol and Colombier, traditional weaving still thrives. Baskets, hats, and bags — each piece a quiet tribute to the island’s heritage — are crafted by local women. Meanwhile, Gustavia’s galleries and pop-ups champion a new wave of Caribbean and French artists.

Opening Hours

Most shops close for lunch between 12:30 and 15:00, and stay open until around 19:00. Sundays are quiet, with hotel boutiques often the exception.

Adventures in St Barts

Life on the Water

• Kitesurfing & Windsurfing: Grand Cul de Sac’s protected waters are perfect for lessons and practice.
• Snorkelling & Diving: Shell Beach, Colombier, and Petit Cul de Sac offer some of the island’s clearest underwater landscapes.
• Yacht Charters: Spend a day aboard a private yacht, with snorkelling stops and champagne on deck.
• Surfing: Toiny and Anse des Cayes offer consistent breaks, recommended for experienced surfers.

Hiking and Hidden Beaches

• Colombier Hike: A scenic trail leading to an unspoiled, boat-access-only beach.
• Toiny to Grand Fond: Rugged coastal views and the surreal rock formation known as "The Washing Machine".
• Saline and Gouverneur Trails: Easy-going walks culminating in pristine beaches.

Cuisine and Beachside Glamour

With over 80 restaurants, St Barts punches well above its weight gastronomically. Bonito, L’Isola, Le Tamarin, and Shellona are perennial favourites, while Sunday brunch at Nikki Beach or La Plage is the definitive way to combine dining and socialising.

Wellness and Rejuvenation

Unwind with private yoga sessions or in-villa massages. Spas at Cheval Blanc and Le Barthelemy open their doors to non-residents, offering world-class treatments against a backdrop of ocean views.

Artistic Encounters

Galleries scattered across Gustavia and the island’s interior feature emerging and established talents. For a glimpse into local heritage, the compact Wall House Museum is a quietly fascinating stop.

Family Time, Island-Style

Calm waters at Lorient and Grand Cul de Sac invite safe paddling and exploration. Paddleboarding, kayaking, and turtle spotting are gentle adventures for younger visitors, while concierge-arranged babysitting ensures parents can enjoy the island at their own pace.

Make It Yours

Every stay in St Barts can be as energetic or as relaxed as you choose. Share your interests with us, and we will craft an itinerary that suits your style perfectly.