St Barths: The French Riviera in the Caribbean

First, let me mention getting to St Barths. It is located in the French West Indies in the Caribbean. It is accessible by boat or by prop plane only. The most common way to arrive is either by flying to San Juan, Puerto Rico or St Martin and then taking a small plane to St Barths. From San Juan, it is a more comfortable flight but a longer journey. From St Martin, it's only a 10–15 min flight or a 45 min ferry ride.

Pro Tip: The St Martin option sounds good in theory, but remember that San Juan is part of the US, making it a domestic flight. If you are a US citizen, that takes some airport waiting time out of your travel day.

Once you arrive, your private transfer will take you to your accommodations, which are sure to be appointed in tropical chic style. Most of the hotels in St Barths are small. There are no high-rises on the island and no mega-resorts to be found. Private villas are also a very popular way to stay.

Our recent stay was at Hotel Barriere Le Carl Gustaf, located in the town of Gustavia, overlooking the harbor. Our terrace with private plunge pool offers the most beautiful sunset views on the island! I highly recommend.

St Barths may be a small island, but it offers a wealth of things to see and do. Let's go!

Beach Clubs offer a fun atmosphere to enjoy lunch and a day at the beach. DJs keep the vibe high, bringing a bit of St Tropez to the Caribbean. Faves: Shellona Beach, Nikki Beach, Le Guerite Beach, Nao Beach.

Take a hike! Many of the beaches are secluded and require a bit of a hike, such as Columbier.

Get out on the water. Charter a boat, kite surf or rent a ski.

Snorkel with the sea turtles.

Enjoy world-class shopping. St Barths has its answer to Rue d'Antibes, but you'll also find unique boutiques with locally made items and specialties like rum, jewelry and beauty products.

Luxuriate with a spa treatment. While French spas are luxurious, they do not consider getting a treatment a luxury. It is self-care. Take a page from their playbook.

Day trips

Easy day trips are possible to Anguilla and St Martin from St Barths if you wish via boat or plane.

Let's be real, the French don't mess around when it comes to food, and the food scene in St Barth's is no exception. It's phenomenal. Think fresh local ingredients, French with a Creole flair. Simple, elegant preparations in a casual, tropical atmosphere.

Here are the spots, in no particular order:

• Bagatelle St Barths: You know this in Miami, St Tropez. Dine & Dance.

• Black Ginger: Authentic and refined Thai food.

• Bonito: Stunning views, seafood ceviches and surprisingly suckling pig!

• Beefbar: World-renowned restaurant and the best sunset views. Inventive menu.

• L'Esprit: One of the island's most famous chefs, French food.

• Le Petite Plage: Mediterranean with a Caribbean flair.

• Le Papillon Ivre: This is a fun wine bar.

• Le Tamarin: Romantic, tropical setting, extensive wine list.

• L'Isola: Homemade pasta, candlelit tables.

• Sand Bar: Menu by Jean Georges, located at Eden Rock. Go.

• Sella: Modern takes on traditional Middle Eastern.

• Ti 'Corial: a local favorite.

It goes without saying, reservations are recommended at most.