3 Best Activities to Explore St. Barts

By Polly Rosie - February 4, 2020

Set to the shore of the lapping Caribbean Sea, the little dot of French West Indies St. Barts is the perfect hideaway for the jet setters. Surrounded by rugged mountain cliffs and pristine unspoiled nature, there are postcard-perfect stretches of velvety white beach splashing with clear turquoise seawater. This is also the land of Swish fine-dining and French haute cuisine, bubbling beach clubs and alluring cocktail joints, luxury hotels and upmarket stores, and of course whitewashed cruise ships and celebrity yachts. Touch down to this luxe-land to experience the following treats.

Go for a Retail Therapy in Gustavia

The undisputed shopping capital of St. Barts Gustavia is lined with flagship fashion stores and bespoke design outlets, on almost its every lane and alley. The high-end shopping hotspot is home to iconic Quai de la Republique, offering desirable designers and exclusive limited-edition collections from Hermes, Bulgari, Dolce & Gabanna, and many other upmarket brands. You might get lucky to rub shoulders with one or two celebrities while shopping!

Enjoy the Architectural Treats

Away from posh shopping malls and outlets, St. Barts capital Gustavia also offers architectural treasures. A melting pot of English, Swedish, Carib, and of course French culture, the town features winding alleyways, cobblestone streets, bright red-bricked roofs, and Scandinavian-style old mansions. High above the town, there is a looming spire of a Gothic church overlooking the villages of little England. The sun-splashed harbor-side is obviously the popular spot for people watching, or yacht watching to locate a few known figures.

Savor Freshly-made Delicacies at Maya’s

Maya’s restaurant is little and welcoming and has a special reputation for bringing out a different menu each time. That’s because the chefs of this eatery have an ardent passion for the freshest local produces. They source their material each day across the entire island, forging new seasonal flavors and dishes. Run by an island of Martinique-based French-Caribbean locals, the kitchen of this casual bistro has been serving its colorful cuisine since 1984. Head to the diner to enjoy flavorful Fish Carpaccio or Vegetable Ceviche, served in a tempting rustic style.