What It’s Like on the Island of St. Barts, Where Billionaires Vacation

Located in the French West Indies, the small island runs about 11 miles long and 2.5 miles wide.

It’s typically warm and sunny most of the year, with temperatures often in the 70s, 80s, or low 90s, and peak tourist season starts in late fall and lasts through the spring.

As a French territory, the official language of St. Barts is French, though English is also widely spoken.

The exclusive-feeling island is home to more than a dozen beaches, where visitors can soak up the sun on smooth, sandy shores and in crystal-clear water.

“I always say if you want to have your toes in the sand and eat a croissant that feels like you’re in Paris, St. Barts is the place for you,” Elisabeth Brown, the membership director at the luxury concierge service Knightsbridge Circle, told Business Insider’s Madeline Berg.

Surrounded by shallow coral reefs, St. Barts has some top-tier snorkeling spots, such as Grand Cul-de-Sac — home to sea turtles and a range of tropical fish.

Local natural sights also include mountains and hills formed from volcanic eruptions. That said, there are no active volcanoes on St. Barts.

Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez Bezos, were photographed in St. Barts this week — and the Amazon founder has been spotted in St. Barts on multiple occasions over the years.

No matter the time of year, though, the island regularly welcomes the wealthy.

Celebrities like Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, and Leonardo DiCaprio have visited in the past, and influential banking families, like the Rothschilds, have famously purchased property there.

In addition to Bezos’ vessel, massive yachts owned by Playrix founder Dmitry Bukhman, Dallas Mavericks owner Miriam Adelson, and entertainment mogul David Geffen also parked in St. Barts during the recent holiday.

While the yachts are primarily used for transportation to the island, they’re also attractions in and of themselves, featuring amenities such as jacuzzis and movie theaters.

Travelers without private yachts can still reach the island by flying into an airport on a larger Caribbean island, like San Juan. From there, they could take a ferry or private boat to St Barts.

Visitors have several options for accommodations, ranging from villa rentals starting at over $900 a night to luxurious hotels for an even higher price.

The Eden Rock hotel is just one example. It overlooks St. Jean Bay — home to one of the most popular beaches on St. Barts — and is home to fine-dining restaurants and holistic spas.

During holiday seasons like New Year’s, a single-night stay at its largest villa can cost upward of €13,000, or about $15,200.

There’s also the Rosewood Le Guanahani resort, located on a private peninsula that’s home to two secluded beaches, giving travelers the ultimate getaway far from crowds.

Such privacy comes at a price, as even its most basic room can run guests thousands of dollars a night.

With billionaire travelers always on-site, the island’s retail scene largely caters to shoppers who can drop thousands at any given moment.

Some of the designer brands that have boutiques on St. Barts include Hermès, Cartier, Dior, and Louis Vuitton.

The island’s also home to luxury retailers like Patek Phillipe, which sells one-of-a-kind timepieces you can’t find anywhere else. Some retail for five, six, and even seven figures.

A trip to St. Barts isn’t all about relaxation, though. There are plenty of places to party and experience live music.

One of the most popular spots for this on the island is Nikki Beach, an upscale restaurant and beach club. In past years, big-name musicians like Kygo and Mariah Carey have even performed at its New Year’s Eve celebrations.

It’s also a go-to for people looking to relax poolside with a drink in hand — though keep in mind that even just renting a lounge chair may cost you over $100.