St. Barths
Family Fun and Elegance: A Guide to Enjoying St. Barths with Babies and Toddlers
St. Barthélemy, also known as St. Barths, is renowned for its luxury and upscale vibe—a description not immediately associated with family-friendly vacations. However, I always advocate choosing a destination based on what you want to do, not solely for the baby. If you're happy, your baby will be happy too. Little ones are incredibly adaptable, and I've chosen to have mine adapt to my lifestyle instead of altering my preferences to suit perceived child needs. My favorite destination? St. Barths, of course! That's why my almost two-year-old has already been there four times, and yes, he absolutely loves it!
St. Barths is a French island, which is great for French speakers. But even if you don't speak French, most people there can communicate in English. The French attitude towards kids is wonderful, making the island very family-friendly. Mindset is everything! We've had no issues taking our baby or toddler to restaurants, beach parties, and stores—everyone is always incredibly welcoming and accommodating to our family and little one.
How to Get to St. Barths
Arriving in St. Barths is an adventure that’s almost as exciting as staying on the island. The approach involves navigating around the harbor and descending sharply onto one of the shortest landing strips in the world—a 2,100-foot runway bordered by a hill on one side and the bay on the other. Only turboprop planes can make the trip. You can book a quick 15-minute flight with Winair from nearby St. Martin (though ferries are available from both the Dutch and French sides, they're often quite rough) or opt for a slightly longer but more luxurious flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico, with Tradewind’s sleek eight-seater planes. Recently, helicopters are also an option! Check airline’s most up to date regulations on bringing on a baby.
Planning Your Family Adventure
The key to a successful family vacation in St. Barths is being open to letting your kid do what you do. St. Barths has incredible beach club lunches with DJs, dancing, and all around fun vibes. In the states it seems we’ve always been taught to think this isn’t a place for kids, I’m not sure why. But I assure you, it is a fun place for kids too. Each family has their own needs and there is no one rule that fits all in parenting. When possible, be open to letting your little one be involved in your activities. Babies/toddlers reflect the mood of their parents, if you’re relaxed and having fun, likely they will too! They are great at adapting. Make a list of the places you want to go and try to make reservations beforehand, especially when going during December-April.
Beach Club Lunch Restaurants
Nikki Beach
Location: Plage de St Jean, St Jean Bay 97133, St Barth
Why It’s Great: This iconic beach club offers a vibrant atmosphere with great food options. The beachfront location means you can not only enjoy the restaurant but also go to enjoy one of the best beaches on the island afterwards. Sunday’s are the best days if you want the party vibe! If you have a little baby I would bring noise canceling headphones.
Phone number: +590 590 27 64 64
Make a reservation: https://saint-barth.nikkibeach.com/
Shellona
Location: Shell Beach, Gustavia 97133, St Barth
Why It’s Great: Known for its fresh food, Shellona is right on Shell Beach. You guessed right, the beach is filled with beautiful shells! I personally love this so we don’t have to spend all the time cleaning off sand from baby. It has such a great relaxed vibe, with an incredible backdrop of the ocean. I love the music here, it has a Mykonos/Ibiza vibe and for the most part they either have live music or an awesome DJ. They also have cozy beds where you can also choose to eat your food.
Phone number: +590 590 29 06 66
Make a reservation: https://www.sevenrooms.com/reservations/shellonadb?default_time=12:00pm
La Guérite
Location: Plage de St Jean, St Jean 97133, St Barth
Why It’s Great: A fresh addition to the St. Barths beach club scene, La Guérite Beach is situated on the eastern end of St. Jean Beach. The restaurant holds its own against its established neighbors and is related to La Guérite in Gustavia, which itself is a branch of a renowned dining spot on the French Riviera. The atmosphere here is generally vibrant, with more of a party scene during the weekends for the second seating.
Phone number: +590 690 34 50 45
Make a reservation: https://www.sevenrooms.com/reservations/lagueriteplage/goog
Dinner Recommendations:
Bonito
Location: Rue Lubin Brin, Gustavia 97133, St. Barthélemy
Why It’s Great: Bonito is a top dining destination in Gustavia, literally! It is high up and has an incredible view of Gustavia. It offers a blend of unique ambiance, breathtaking views, and exceptional cuisine. The menu, crafted by Parisian chef Laurent Cantineaux, features a French Pan-American blend with a focus on seafood, including standout Peruvian ceviches and tiraditos. The restaurant also has fun and innovative cocktails. The vibe here is chic and lively, with DJs providing the perfect soundtrack for a night out. Highlights include the ceviche bar and stunning mountain-to-harbor views, ideal for a sunset reservation.
Phone number: +590 590 27 96 96
Make a reservation: https://www.bonitosbh.com/
Le Tamarin
Location: Route de Saline, 97133 St Barthélemy
Why It’s Great: Tamarin, nestled within lush vegetation, creates a dreamy tropical garden ambiance. The restaurant specializes in French-Caribbean cuisine, blending Old World culinary techniques with West Indies flavors, with a menu featuring fresh seafood, Wagyu beef, and creative pasta dishes, all crafted by Chef Jerome Lebeau and his team. The dining setting feels like an exotic garden, complete with an ancient Tamarind tree, and has been enhanced over the years by architect Johannes Zingerle and decorator Karine Bruneel. The beautifully designed gardens by Denys Ridrimont and Kevin Ouvre add to its charm. Highlights include the vibrant surroundings, delectable dishes, and fun cocktails, especially during the Garden Hour starting at 6 pm. Reservations are highly recommended, particularly during the busy season from November to April.
Phone number: +590 590 29 27 74
Make a reservation: https://tamarinstbarth.com/elements/reservation-form/
L'Isola
Location: Rue du roi Oscar II Gustavia 97133 St Barthélémy
Why It’s Great: "Grazie" is the only word that comes to mind after dining at L’Isola, an incredible Italian restaurant in St. Barth. Housed in a charming Creole-style building, L’Isola offers an authentic and elegant Italian dining experience with a romantic, softly lit atmosphere that immediately captivates. The exceptional service, overseen by Rome native Fabrizio, makes guests feel right at home. The fabulous cuisine features the best ingredients imported from Italy and freshly made in-house pasta. Highlights include dishes like Mediterranean red snapper tartare, grilled octopus, and an indulgent mix of pastas and risottos. If you are worried your baby/toddler may be awake and possibly restless during dinner time, this may be a good restaurant to go a little earlier before it gets too busy as it is a formal atmosphere.
Phone number: +590 590 51 00 05
Make a reservation: https://lisolastbarth.com/reservations/
Baby-Friendly Beaches and Activities
St. Jean Beach
Why It’s Great: This popular beach is perfect for families due to its calm waters and nearby amenities. The gentle waves are safe for babies and toddlers to dip their toes in, and there are plenty of shady spots to set up camp for the day.
Shell Beach
Why It’s Great: As the name suggests, this beach is covered with small shells that fascinate children. Amazing when there’s minimal sand to clean off later! It’s a compact, tranquil spot where families can relax and explore in a safe environment.
Gustavia
Why It’s Great: The capital of St. Barths, Gustavia, is a delightful area to explore with a baby. The best shopping is found here! The picturesque streets are stroller-friendly, and there are numerous cafes and shops to take breaks in. The harbor is a must-visit for watching boats, which can be an exciting spectacle for young kids.
Tips for a Smooth Trip
Accommodations: Choose a villa or hotel and ask for a high chair and any other amenities you would like for your baby.
Pack Smart: Bring essential baby gear, but don't overpack. Less is always more!
Stay Flexible: While it's important to plan, staying flexible. Having an open mind ensures a great time no matter what comes up!