The five best beach clubs in St Barths

Set in Gustavia, the beating heart of the island lying on the west coast, Ocean Club St Barths is the island’s answer to exclusive luxury, with a members-only arrangement that opened its doors in November 2022. Boasting panoramic views over Port de Gustavia, guests at Ocean Club St Barths will have their run of the club’s restaurant, serving an eclectic mix of local flavours and delicate pastries. Natural textures, brass accents and striking shades of orange, blue and white make up the contemporary interiors of the club, while infinity pools and rooftop loungers can be found outside towering over the marina.

Members are also invited to make use of the Ocean Club concierge service, on hand to take care of everything from dinner reservations to yacht charters so that guests can truly make the most of everything St Barths has to offer.

One of the most popular destinations on the island is Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France. Located on the beach at Baie des Flamands, it offers 40 bungalows and villas along with a stunning beach club on which you can dine, drink and soak up the sun. Visit La Case de l'Isle or La Cabane de l'Isle for unrivalled beachside cuisine.

Nikki Beach is now something of an iconic brand that conjures up images of flowing white drapery, the perfect perch and a crowd of celebrities and VIPs dancing to the sounds of international DJs. As an insider's guide to St Barths must-visit, it has a very particular scene and from 11am to 7pm crowds flock here to party. Kicking back with bottles of Champagne in the Nikki Beach signature tepees will be a roll call of well-heeled clientele. Jay Z and Beyoncé, Mariah Carey and Bono have all indulged at Nikki Beach St Barths. The food is reliably good and includes creative seafood entrees, fresh salads and top grade sushi. Unashamedly jet set, Nikki Beach is something to be experienced.

The Eden Rock Hotel in St Barths has a top class reputation and attracts rock stars and celebrities as well as a loyal following of regular clients. Positioned on St John’s beach, the Sand Bar was conceptualised by the international chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and brings an element of New York’s ABC Kitchen to the sun and sand backdrop of St Barths. The seafood is truly exceptional, the cocktails are flawlessly mixed and the pizzas are some of the best in the Caribbean, which is why it’s one of the best for those without their own superyacht beach clubs. Sitting on the beach beholding the beautiful Baie de St Jean and enjoying a long lunch at the Sand Bar is a day well spent, and the weekly brunch is a must.

Situated right on the point of the Port of Gustavia, enjoy flawless al fresco dining at La Guérite, a Mediterranean inspired seafood and grill restaurant and cocktail bar. Sharing its name with a sister establishment in Cannes, its gastronomic treats can be credited to Yannis Kioroglou, a talented chef of Greek origin. Enjoy a few creatively curated cocktails and sumptuous Mediterranean dishes while looking out over beautiful views of the port, featuring fishing boats and stunning yachts alike.