Neighborhoods in St. Barts

St. Barts is about a nine square mile island consisting of rock. This is why it has only been populated for a few hundred years and prospered only for the past few decades. The island has suffered years of war, natural catastrophes: droughts, hurricanes, torrential rains, and horrible fires.

St. Barths is located between the island of St. Martin | St. Maarten and Guadeloupe at 17 degrees 55 North and 62 degrees 5 West. It is a French Overseas Collectivity. The dry rocky soil does not lend itself to agriculture. The coastline includes amazing white sand. The St. Bart’s ocean is filled with crystal blue water.

1980’s in Saint Barthélemy

Tourism became the driving engine of the island. An electric plant was built and supplied power. The airport started to take on a new life and has saw continuous improvements. The population grew from 2,491 in 1974 to over 9,000 residents today.

Gustaf III Airport

The airport in St. Barts is quite an experience. You can watch the planes fly directly above you. The planes are so close you can almost touch them. Watch this video of a plane landing from the outside. You can also view it from the cockpit.

The Island Neighborhoods

Because of the mountainous landscape, it defined a series of neighborhoods. Some St. Bart’s neighborhoods have amazing beaches, other harbors, while some capture the island’s charming personality. Because roads were absence each neighborhood developed its own spirit and character.

Gustavia

Originally it was called Carenage, but was changed to Gustavia in honor of the Swedish king. Gustav III. (Remember the name of the airport?) This is the heart and soul of the island. Yachts arrive from all over the world and squeeze into the docks. High-end shops wrap themselves around the harbor with amazing restaurants that will far exceed anyone’s taste buds. What makes the harbor so special is visitors can walk along the docks and share the beauty of the mega-yachts all tied up to the docks. One of the most beautiful and safe harbors you will ever see. Strolling along the docks after a dinner out is simply amazing. Extremely safe all night long and the harbor life seems to never sleep. You will find it always has a heartbeat.

The 10 Best Restaurants in Gustavia according to Trip Advisor

Public

This is the industrial zone of the island. It is a close port to Gustavia. There is a small beach and is home to the island’s sailing school.

Corossol

This is a simple fishing village. Also includes an International shell museum. Bet you didn’t expect that.

Flamands

WOW! This neighborhood is bordered by our all-time favorite beaches. The incredible long stretch of white sand and sparkling blue Caribbean water. You will find some of the most sought after villa rentals on this beach because beachfront villas are rare.

Where to find the best beaches in St. Barts according to TripSavvy.com

Lorient

One of the oldest neighborhoods on the island. Home of the St. Barth Musical Festival. The beach is popular with local families and surfers.

Colombier

If your looking for panoramic views this is the neighborhood. It encompasses the northeast coast of the island. There is actually a lookout point and on a clear day, you can see St. Martin. There is a footpath that is a little bit of a hike that will take you to an outstanding beach.

Grand Fond

One of the most dramatic neighborhoods on the island. An undeveloped coastline that includes waves crashing on the rocks.

Anse des Cayes

Surfers gravitate to this neighborhood because of the strong waves. The landscape is varied from rock to irregular coastline. Lots of tropical flowers can be seen as you walk through the neighborhood.

Vitet

This is the highest elevated neighborhood on the island at 940 feet. It is also one of the neighborhoods that is the farthest from Gustavia. Great place to explore on an early Sunday morning when there is little, if any, traffic. The mountainside is dotted with traditional cottages.

Saint-Jean

One of the most popular neighborhoods as it has two incredible beaches lined with restaurants, small hotels, and shops. Villas are packed on the hillside as the views are majestic. Watch the airport landings and the flickering lights at night. It’s proximity to Gustavia, stores, beaches, and shops make it one of the most sought after neighborhoods.

Marigot

Relaxing quiet neighborhood with a beach sheltered from the wind.

Cul de Sac

Famous for its turquoise lagoon. You will find the complete menu of water sports along with the local charm.

Saline

This includes major salt flats that were used as income. Lots of marine birds populate this neighborhood. If you travel to the end of the road it will take you to a parking lot. Here you will find a path over the dune to one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.

Gouverneur

This neighborhood over the past several years has seen the development of some amazing high-end luxury villa rentals. You will find a beautiful, rarely crowded, beach.

Toiny

Without a doubt, it is the best surfing beach, but beware it is not a great swimming beach. Extremely strong currents. Traditional cottages and examples of the old lifestyle quite different than all other neighborhoods in St. Barts.

Finding the Best Place to Stay in St. Barts

The ultimate goal is to find the right neighborhood for yourself. Do you want to be in walking distance to restaurants or would you prefer to eat in your villa and not be bothered? Every region has positive and negatives. Finding the right one for you can be a challenge. We are always excited to help people find their “spot". Please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss the island.

Where would you stay in St. Barts?

Tell us about it in the comments.