St Barths: buzzy but relaxed, islandy but chic, Jordana Reuben Yechiel gives a yacht’s-eye view...
What to pack for St Barths
If you're visiting St Barths on a superyacht, we recommend you pack for a day and buy the rest there.
What to wear in St Barths
Women would do well to wear gorgeous chiffon kaftans scrunched at the waist under a taupe or mustard leather bondage belt, sold in every shop in the port.
DO layer long-bead and tassle necklaces. DON’T get your hair done. Beach hair and long messy side-plaits on your luxury yacht, please.
For men, we advise you wear B-Shorts and Del Toro shoes, with a 100 per cent Capri linen shirt.
DO roll your sleeves up. DON’T oversize the linen.
Where to stay in St Barths
For yacht charters there's nowhere better than Gustavia Port on the main strip – a stone’s throw from Louis Vuitton. If your yacht is too large (no such thing) then just outside port has plenty of space.
What to spot in St Barths
A highlight of every boat trip are the turtles on the tender during the ride in.
What to do on land in St Barths
For those who are young, flashy and budget-less we recommend checking in to the Rockstar Villa at Eden Roc hotel, of course. If you consider yourself more chic, sophisticated (and have kids) then it’s the beachside bungalow rooms 1 and 2 (adjoining suites with private pool) at Hotel Taiwana. Pick up an oversized T-shirt from hot new London label Rotten Roach in the gift shop there.
Where to lunch in St Barths
If venturing off your yacht, we recommend Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France, the Provençal coquelets and the spare ribs are house specialities. Alternatively, people-watch at Jean-Georges Sand Bar.
Where to shop in St Barths
Forget planning your holiday wardrobe, instead head to St Jean and pick up uber on-trend resort wear in the Rockshop at Eden Roc hotel. Gentlemen: smoke cigars and indulge in an aperitif at Bar de L’Oubli, early in the evening (the equivalent of Sénéquier in Saint-Tropez), while your better halves do a last sweep of the shops. Women: there's no excuse not to have a crocodile clutch bespoke bag made for you at Laurent Effel and choose the shade to custom match your dress. And maybe pick up Chanel’s new J12 watch, tax-free? Yes, please!
Where to have dinner in St Barths
Eschew the on board chef in favour of sushi at Baz Bar for the casual “I always drink my beer out of a bottle” vibe. Head to Maya and L’Isola for the understated but “still want to be seen in this outfit” atmosphere and finish up at Le Ti St Barth for a “Yes, I’m on the table and I’m not coming down” kind of night.
Where to party in St Barths
On a yacht of course! Pick up stitched leather his-and-hers USB sticks from Hermès as a little thank you. Ladies, always remember to compliment the wonderful JL Coquet china service while men must tour the engine room for the perfect boatiquette. Sadly, the winds play up and shelter is hard to come by, so swimming is mostly off the beach with a SeaBob (if you don’t know, don’t admit it).
Insider's St Barths secret
Pick up a tender to Shell Beach to get away from it all and soak up that gorgeous island sunshine.