First time in Saint-Barth: tips to plan your stay

Saint-Barth is that little dream island with postcard beaches and stunning villas. But behind the magazine-perfect setting hides a destination that requires some preparation. Because honestly, arriving empty-handed on this 25 km² paradise can quickly turn into a headache!

When to go without breaking the bank

Everyone will tell you that December to April is magical. And it’s true! But beware of your wallet. Prices literally skyrocket during this period. In December, a villa that costs 2000 euros a week in May can easily reach 8000 euros — sometimes even more for the most sought-after properties.

The regulars’ secret? May and June are fantastic. The water is still warm, the trade winds blow gently, and you avoid the holiday season rush. November is also a good pick — just after hurricane season, which ends in late October.

However, avoid September like the plague. Almost everything shuts down on the island, from restaurants to car rentals. We had clients arrive in September… they spent their vacation looking for a place open for dinner!

Book your dream villa now and enjoy the ultimate Saint-Barth experience!

Getting around: scooter or car?

This is the first big question! The scooter is the locals’ favorite option. Easy to park, economical (around 30 euros a day), and honestly more fun on the winding roads. But be careful, the roads constantly go up and down. With a small 50cc, you might end up pushing on the slopes of Saline or Gouverneur.

The car is more expensive (expect 70 to 120 euros per day), but more comfortable. Especially if you’re traveling with kids or lots of luggage. And air conditioning isn’t a luxury when it’s 32°C in the shade!

A friendly tip: book before you leave. In high season, arriving without a reservation means risking hours of agency hopping. The island may only be 25 km², but rental cars are limited.

Documents and formalities

Good news: if you’re French, a simple ID card is enough! Well, almost. If you’re coming through Saint Martin airport (which is common), then you need a passport. Weird, right? That’s because technically, you’re transiting through Dutch territory.

One trap to avoid: check your document expiration dates carefully. Some countries or airlines require six months’ validity. Getting stuck at the airport with a passport expiring in three months will definitely ruin your vacation!

Villa or hotel: what to choose?

Honestly, if it’s your first time and budget allows, go for a villa. Saint-Barth was made for that! You’ll get your private pool, sea view, and above all, the feeling of truly being at home.

Which areas to choose? Saint-Jean to be at the heart of the action, Flamands for peace and sunsets, Gouverneur for total privacy. Grand Cul-de-Sac is perfect for families with its shallow waters.

However, beware of villas too remote if it’s your first stay. Some stunning properties are perched on heights accessible only by… let’s say challenging paths. Better ask for photos of the access!

Budget: be mentally prepared

Let’s be honest: Saint-Barth is expensive. Very expensive. A simple lunch at a beach hut? Count 40-50 euros per person. A gourmet dinner? Easily 120-150 euros per head.

But there are tips! Local supermarkets let you shop for breakfast and snacks. And some beaches have more affordable snacks — Shell Beach for example, where you can eat with your feet in the sand for 25-30 euros.

Tips are not mandatory (service included), but leave something if the service was good. It’s appreciated, especially as many staff come from nearby islands.

Safety and practical details

Saint-Barth is very safe, but use common sense. No family heirlooms on the beach, no bags left unattended. Pickpocketing exists, even if rare.

For swimming, check the currents. Some beaches like Grand-Fond have impressive waves — beautiful to watch, less so for swimming. Saline and Gouverneur are calmer.

On the practical side: electricity is like in France (220V), no adapter needed. Mobile network is available everywhere, and wifi is generally excellent in the villas.

Reservations: leave nothing to chance

The biggest mistake of a first trip? Thinking everything can be arranged on-site. Wrong! Even in low season, the best restaurants are fully booked. Same for boat trips. And don’t get us started on car rentals in December…

Our advice: book your dinners at must-visit restaurants as soon as you arrive. Nikki Beach, L’Isola, Le Tamarin… these places require reservations, sometimes several days in advance.