St-Barth & Le Barthelemy Site Visit

Getting to St-Barth

If you've never been, it can be quite confusing to figure out exactly how to get there or how to send a client there. Total planes, trains, automobiles situation. Especially coming from Denver. On my way there, I flew Denver to Atlanta to Saint Maarten. From Saint Maarten, all of the puddle jumper flights were already booked, so I had to take the ferry. If you learn one thing from this post, it should be to certainly avoid the ferry. It is rough, nothing luxurious and lots of people get sick. On my way home, I was able to take the 10-minute flight on a tiny plane from St-Barth back to SXM. 10/10 would recommend this over the ferry, and would spend a lot on that short flight to never take the ferry again. The other way that seemed very popular, a tad more luxurious and easier is to fly to San Juan, PR, and get on a Tradewinds flight from there straight to St-Barth. The Tradewinds tickets are expensive and it is a small plane, but it's a better experience. You get to spend your layover in a luxurious lounge in San Juan, the little plane is more like a very small private plane than the puddle jumper I took and you land directly in St-Barth. Finally, Le Barthelemy does have a private boat you can charter to pick you up in Saint Maarten, should that be of interest.

Le Barthelemy - The Hotel

The hotel, repped by Passages of Distinction, was voted the #1 Resort in the Caribbean and among the Top Best Resorts of the World in the 35th annual Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards in 2022, and it completely lived up to the hype.

The rooms: I stayed in La Suite Plage, a two-story suite with private ocean access. This room was exceptional and is fabulous for a couples' getaway or honeymoon, especially on a prolonged stay, because there is so much space. There is also a pullout sofa on the first floor and a second full bathroom there, so it would be a good family suite. The bathtub is massive, so much closet space, fabulous waterfall shower, Dyptique bath products, different sizes of slippers to fit even my small feet...they just nail the details. Especially the switch-operated screens that come down to keep any bugs out if you want to hang out with your balcony doors open. The massive king bed was cozy, and the air conditioning worked overtime. And there is a button on the phone you "press for champagne." There are several other room types, all with consistent decor, at different rates, depending on the client. The entry-level room is on the lagoon/jungle side, so no ocean views, but it's still a great option.

The resort: The concierge team deserves their own paragraph. They are truly wonderful! Whatever you or your client want, they will make it happen. And they are so happy, friendly and helpful. Every member of the staff seemed so genuinely happy to be there and to help with anything you may need.

The hotel has two on-property villas that are truly exceptional and relatively affordable when it comes to St-Barth. They are identical 6-bedroom villas with infinity pools, right down the beach from the resort. You of course still get resort access, but it is great for a family or large group. And the master bedrooms and bathrooms are truly insane!

Le Barthelemy also has its own villa rental company, with nearly 200 properties across the island. This is such a unique collaboration, because you are able to find options for all different group sizes, budgets, and locations - but they all include unlimited access to the resort, the concierge service and 24-hour room service from the hotel. Can every major resort in the Caribbean do this? I was blown away during their presentation and cannot wait to work with them.

Activities & restaurants: There is SO much to do (spoiler: this is my new favorite destination) for all kinds of people. Beach & pool time, excellent shopping, rent a moke and explore the island, hiking, beach clubs, excellent restaurants and nightlife. My favorites were Gyp Sea Beach Club (a more low-key Nikki Beach) during the day and Bagatelle for the most fun dinner & dancing/partying. Others rave about Bonito for dinner, too. 

In conclusion, Le Barthelemy is absolutely exceptional, St-Barth is the perfect combination between France and the Caribbean, and I will be back as soon as possible!!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to St. Barth's. In need of further inspiration? Check out Victoria Troost’s guide, Guide to Beaches & Relaxation on St. Barth's.