Whilst some crave the glow or firelight, mulled wine and snow-dusted rooftops, others feel the call of something different: white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and festivity bathed in Caribbean sunshine. For those in the know, St Barths is the ultimate winter address.

This is a world where French elegance meets island ease and where every sunset feels like a celebration. So, whether you’re drawn in by the allure of yachts glistening in the Gustavia harbour, the barefoot lunches that seem to drift until sunset or the promise of a private villa perched above a secluded bay, St Barths in winter is as much a mood as it is a destination.

Here’s your insider’s guide to living it well.

Where to Stay: The Art of Island Living

Le Sereno

Combining simplicity, elegance, and five-star service in a variety of rooms and suites, and three 7,000-square-foot, four-bedroom villas—each with a private pool and garden, Le Sereno sits on the serene curve of Grand Cul de Sac. Le Sereno is lavished on privacy, a sanctuary for those who want to arrive, exhale and let the pace of the island take over.

Villa Marie Saint-Barth

If you want to feel surrounded by vibrant interiors, bohemian spirit and colonial charm then, Villa Marie Saint-Barth is for you. There are intimate spaces where the view endlessly stretches towards the horizon. If you love colonial charm with character blended into luxury, this is where to find it.

Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France

There is no escaping the island’s most iconic hotel. Set directly on Flamands Beach, Cheval Blanc brings haute couture elegance to the shoreline with spacious suits, impeccable service and La Case by Jean Imbert, a restaurant where French refinement meets the flavours of the sea. This is barefoot glamour at its finest.

Where to Dine: Sand-to-Table and Beyond

Do you dream of fresh lobster, grilled fresh on the beach? A crisp rosé poured under the parasols and long, very long sometimes, sun-dappled lunches that turn into afternoons and evenings of laughter? Well, St Barths has perfected this and your winter stay has just gotten 10x better at the thought of it. Here’s where to go to get this treat:

• Nikki Beach: where music, rosé, and energy set the pace for the island’s most famous lunches.
• Shellona: perched on Shell Beach, serving Mediterranean-inspired plates with the sound of the waves as your backdrop.
• Fine dining: elevated gastronomy at La Case by Jean Imbert at Cheval Blanc, or candlelit evenings in tucked-away gourmet restaurants across Gustavia.

Here, food is more than a meal, it’s a celebration of being with others, a ritual of comfort and entertainment.

Where to Play: Beaches, Boutiques & Beyond

St Barths is home to some of the finer things in life, especially when it comes to finding ways to spend your time. From the white sandy beaches to the luxury shopping and activities around the marina, there’s always something for someone.

Beaches: Each one has a unique personality. St Jean is lively and perfect for water sports. Gouverneur is isolated and wild, the location to unplug. Flamands is sweeping and dramatic, and Colombier is a treasure accessed solely by boat or hike.

Shopping: Gustavia rivals Paris in miniature, with Cartier to Hermès stores, and stylish French resortwear designers.

On the water: Spend a day on a yacht exploring nearby islets, paddle in the peaceful waters of Grand Cul de Sac, or snorkel over fish-filled reefs.

Evenings: Sunset & Style

In St Barths, sunset doesn’t signal the end of the day, but the beginning again. Cocktails on Shell Beach as the sky turns rose-gold. Dinner on a villa patio looking out at the ocean. Champagne being poured in Gustavia’s harbour bars. And when New Year’s arrives, there is no earthly destination that celebrates like St Barths from blazing firework shows to fabled yacht parties.

The Insider Note

Winter in St Barths isn’t just about swapping snow for sun — it’s about embracing a different rhythm entirely. Whether you’re staying in a sleek suite at Le Sereno, a bohemian hideaway at Villa Marie, or the iconic beachfront glamour of Cheval Blanc, the island has a way of making every moment unforgettable.

For here, the best luxury isn’t where you live but how you feel: unencumbered, sun-kissed, and exactly where you ought to be.

Visit our sister website www.stbarthsluxury.com for hotels and luxury properties to rent in St Barths.