St Barths: A Family-Friendly Celebrity Getaway

Recently, our family jetted off to St Barths, the chic winter escape famed for attracting celebrities and discerning travellers. Known for its pristine sandy beaches, upscale shopping, and luxurious yet laid-back dining, this French-speaking gem was the perfect choice for a family getaway with our 5-year-old in tow. I was pleasantly surprised by how welcoming St Barths was for families, offering many kid-friendly hotels, restaurants, and activities that made our vacation both fun for our little one and relaxing for us. 

Getting There 

For those of us on the U.S. East Coast, reaching the Caribbean can be a breeze, with flights to the region taking under five hours. But, getting to St Barths is a bit more of an adventure since there are no direct flights from the States. You'll fly into nearby St. Maarten and then have a choice: a 45-minute ferry ride or a thrilling 10-minute flight on a small plane with Winair. We went for the flight, and landing on one of the world's shortest runways, squeezed between a mountain and the ocean, is quite the experience—think amusement park ride! 

Where to Stay 

While St Barths has no shortage of luxury spots like the glamorous Hotel le Toiny, the stylish Cheval Blanc, and the tranquil Rosewood Le Guanahani, we decided to stay at the iconic Eden Rock. Perched on the iconic Saint-Jean beach, these aren't your typical beach houses. With names that evoke images of tropical drinks—Sunset Corail, Bohemian Blue, Wild Banana, and Coco Mango—each house offers its own slice of boho-luxe life. 

The decor in each room is a masterclass in laid-back chic, with a mix of bohemian and upscale touches that tell tales of far-flung travels and stylish soirées. Waking up to the sound of the waves, with a coffee in hand by your private pool as the kids play nearby, really does feel like living in a dream. 

The service here? It's like having a local best friend. Need to snag a last-minute table at a popular restaurant? No problem. Want to discover the island's hidden gems? They've got insider tips ready for you. This personalised attention makes all the difference, letting you feel at home from the moment you arrive.  

Where to Eat 

Dining out in St Barths is super relaxed, and most places are thrilled to welcome families. For lunch, we hit up Le Sereno St. Barth, which recently launched a new Italian menu crafted by a Michelin-starred team. The best part? It's right on the beach, so little ones can build sandcastles while adults actually get to enjoy their meals. We also had a delightful meal at Eden Rock, where they served some of the best chicken nuggets—much to our son's delight. Dinner took us on a tour of the island's flavours, from the spacious, family-friendly Sante Fe to Eddy's Ghetto, where we tucked into a cosy nook. And don't miss La Cantina in Gustavia for tapas—their cocktails are as stellar as their stroller parking! 

What To Do 

You can't go wrong with the beaches here. Lorient and Grand Cul-de-Sac are fantastic for kids with gentle waters and soft sands. History buffs will enjoy exploring the 18th-century Swedish Fort Gustav. Gustavia is great for a leisurely stroll, shopping at Popie's for adorable children's clothing, and yacht spotting. And for a truly unique experience, visit Un Dimanche à La Mer in Saint-Jean, a charming toy shop filled with handmade wooden toys from France. 

St. Barths was a dream come true for our family holiday. It's not just for the jet set; the island was incredibly welcoming and perfectly suited for both kids and parents looking to chill and have fun. Every moment felt special, from our exciting little plane ride to lazy beach days and cool local discoveries. 

Ready to Book Your St Barths Getaway? 

Get in touch with our travel experts today to learn more about this fabulous destination and what your next family holiday could look like!