Chic and sophisticated, the French Caribbean has a notably Mediterranean feel to it, as can be seen in St. Barths and St. Martin. With world-class resorts, abundant natural beauty and a refined yet relaxed rhythm, these small island gems represent the Caribbean at its most cultured and indulgent.
St Barths exudes understated glamour, with designer boutiques, French-influenced dining and a lively harbour capital in Gustavia.
Secluded coves and immaculate beaches offer peace and tranquillity, from Anse de Colombier in St Barths, only accessible by boat or on foot, to Baie Rouge in St Martin.
Michelin-starred restaurants and chic beach clubs showcase refined French cuisine with some Creole and Italian influences, paired with a laidback Caribbean spirit.
Yachting is central to island life, whether anchoring in hidden bays or joining the celebrated St Barths Bucket Regatta, held annually in March.
A dual-island experience unfolds in St Martin, where French sophistication and Dutch vibrancy create a richly cosmopolitan stay.
Effortlessly chic and blissfully secluded, St. Barths is one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive escapes. Long a retreat for the rich and famous, it combines pristine beaches, designer boutiques and gourmet dining with laidback elegance and discreet five-star luxury. Golden coves, palm-fringed beaches and sparkling turquoise waters form a picture-perfect backdrop for days spent sailing, snorkelling or simply unwinding, while the harbour-side capital, Gustavia, brims with Parisian-style cafes, gourmet restaurants and high-end boutiques, with sleek superyachts bobbing in the marina.
A cosmopolitan blend of French flair and Dutch charm, St. Martin is a rare Caribbean gem with a culinary scene unmatched in the region – think warm croissants, fine cheeses and oysters flown in daily from Paris, served in bistros that wouldn’t feel out of place in Provence. Climb to the top of Pic Paradis for panoramic views, explore the colonial-era Fort Louis, perched above the harbour, or catch the fast ferry to Anguilla for the day.
The islands are sunny and warm all year round and average monthly temperatures vary little throughout the year. Cooling winds and showers can be expected at any time but generally pass quickly. Tropical storms and hurricanes may occur between June and November.
A distinguished celebrity favourite, Eden Rock is intimate and romantic with outstanding views. This famous Oetker Hotels Materpiece Collection property lies on a scenic rocky bluff surrounded by a coral reef and beautiful turquoise sea.
On Anse des Flamands, one of St Barths’ most beautiful beaches, lies the secluded and romantic Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France. This luxury boutique oceanfront property effortlessly attains the standards demanded by the Caribbean’s most discerning travellers.
On the quiet lagoon of Grand Cul-de-Sac, Le Sereno pairs contemporary design with island sophistication, offering sleek beachfront suites, private villas, a soothing Valmont spa and exquisite dining – perfect for those seeking refined tranquillity in St Barths.
Set on the island’s secluded Pointe Milou, Christopher St Barth is a chic, understated retreat with sleek oceanfront suites, a Sisley spa, elegant dining and panoramic sunset views. It’s a serene and stylish base for exploring the glamour and natural beauty of St Barths.
Tucked into St Barths’ tranquil south-east coast, Le Toiny is an all-villa retreat of rare privacy and polish, where each suite has a private pool, sea views stretch uninterrupted and days unfold between restorative spa treatments and chic beach club lunches.
Perched above the powdery curve of Baie Longue on St. Martin’s exclusive west coast, La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel is a Riviera-style retreat offering elegant ocean-view suites, private cliffside villas, fine French-Caribbean dining and a relaxed beach-club atmosphere.