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Spa Sisley

Anse a Colombier

The beach here is the Island's least accessible and the most private. To reach it you must take either a boat, a rocky footpath from Petite Anse or brave the 30-minute climb down (and back up) a steep, cactus-bordered trail from the top of the mountain behind the beach. Appropriate footgear is a must, and on the beach, the only shade is a rock cave. Be warned: The downhill trail to get there is deceivingly easy. The way back . . . not so much. Try going in the early morning to avoid the afternoon heat. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

Sunset Drinks at Do Brazil

Catch a colorful sunset over a cocktail on Shell Beach!

Santa Fe

Perched at the top of the Lurin hills on the way to Gouverneur Beach, this relaxed and scenic restaurant serves panoramic views with both lunch and dinner. The chef comes from Provence and trained at some its best restaurants before moving to the Caribbean. Salads and light lunch offerings are great before the beach, but come for dinner—especially if you are a fan of authentic French cuisine—for delicious osso buco, roasted French Bresse chicken, and sea scallop tart with fresh vegetables.

La Plage

Great place to watch people and the action on St. Jean Beach, and catch planes coming to and from Gustaf III. There are beach lounges for daytime and music all day long.

L'Isola

Classic Italian dishes, dozens of house-made pasta dishes, prime meats, and a huge, well-chosen wine list. Restaurateur Fabrizio Bianconi wants it to feel like a big Italian party.

La Case d'Isle

One of our favorite places on the Island! You can't top the view or the service at this waterfront restaurant at the renowned Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France, and at night there is no more romantic spot on the island. Lighter versions of traditional French fare are served. At lunch you can have your toes in the sand or sit on the porch.

Gouverneur Beach

Bookended by high cliffs, Anse de Gouverneur is a gorgeous, broad, secluded sandy beach fringing a U-shaped bay. It’s splendid for sunbathing, and for picnics. The lack of visitors – even in high season – means beach-goers often sunbathe au naturel.

O'Corail

Casual spot to enjoy rosé with toes in the sand.

Guided Tours

You can arrange island tours by minibus or car at hotel desks or through taxi operators in Gustavia or at the airport. The tourist office runs a variety of tours for about €46 for a half day for up to eight people. You can also download up-to-the-minute walking and driving tour itineraries from the office's website. JC Taxi. Since 1986, native-born Jean-Claude has been providing safe and comfortable transportation in a 10-passenger minivan. Island tours and night driving are available. Gustavia, n/a St. Barthélemy, 97133. 0690/49–02–97. St. Barth Jetski. This company leads tours of the island by water on a Jet Ski or Flyboard, St. Barth's newest water-play craze. Quai du Yacht Club, Rue Jeanne d'Arc, Gustavia, n/a St. Barthélemy, 97133. 0690/49–54–72; www.jetskirentalstbarts.com. St. Barth Mobilité. This company offers transportation, and tours. 0690/77-66-73; www.stbarthmobilite.com.

Shopping

St. Barth is a duty free port, and there is a wide range and number of shops: You will find the elegant displays and marble floors reminiscent of Rue du Faubourg St. Honoré in Paris and beautiful, local shops. The highest concentration of shops is in Gustavia, followed by St-Jean.