I love Thanksgiving. The food, the friends, family, the coziness of a holiday about eating well and being thankful for all our blessings. But sometimes you need to get the heck out of dodge... entrée St. Bart's. Ugh, just the name alone conjures images of pretentious Hollywood types frolicking in high heels on the beach, but actually that is not the case, at least this time of year.
St. Barth is a French bohemian's dream. There is a wonderful mix of French joie de vivre and easy going Creole culture. Pack linen and your favorite bikini, not sequins.
The best way to get to St. Barth is via St. Martin or San Juan, then you take a thrilling puddle jumper onto the tiniest runway in the Caribbean. Pick up a little Suzuki jeep to navigate the winding island roads, and you are on your way!
There are some fabulous hotels on the island, but they are super expensive. Unless you are Rhianna or Kate Moss, opt to rent a villa. You can gather your friends, cook together, chill by the pool, and then all split up to go explore different pristine beaches everyday.
Our favorite beach is Saline. You take a walk through some tropical trees, over some rocks, and then voila! The most spectacular and secluded beach you have ever seen. Honestly, you can't go wrong. All of the beaches are unspoiled, uncrowded, and simply gorgeous.
Where to eat? One of the best luxuries is a long lunch of grilled fish, rosé, and a dessert chaser of house made vanilla rum at Le Grain de Sel. It is right before you pull into the car park for Saline Beach which is perfect. You can go nap and sleep off your rum on the beach after!
Nikki Beach on St. Jean Beach and Taiwana on Flamands offer a bit more of a shi-shi lunch scene, but beautiful none the less.
If you are a shopper, you will most certainly find yourself in Gustavia. L'Isoletta is a great little pizza and wine bar that is perfect for a pit stop before unloading your bank account at Bulgari. If you are looking for a more authentic gift to take home, stop by local Totem Surf Shop to score a tote or t-shirt. Also, there is a great line of local skin care products called Ligne St. Barth that you can find at local pharmacies or at the spa on the island.
Our favorite time of day may be apéritif. After a full day of sun, it is great to unwind with a cocktail at sunset. Our two favorites are the bar at the Le Toiny hotel near the Anse de Grand Fond, and the garden at Tamarin near Saline.
Do Brazil on Shell Beach is also a perfect spot for lunch, or to end your day at sunset. The beach is covered in shells (obvs), and the Ti Punch is not so bad either.
One last little tip, the best croissants and baguette on the island can be found at La Petite Colombe Patisserie on the way to Colombier. Our son totally agrees.
Giving Thanks! À bientôt!!