St. Barth is cosmopolitan.
It’s chic.
It’s a tribute to the modern bohemian looking to explore someplace exquisite, without sacrificing comfort or quality.
Hi there!
My name is Tisa, and it’s great to (virtually) meet you!
I’m a wedding photographer and filmmaker based in the French Caribbean island of Saint Barthélemy.
Known for its laid-back attitude, breathtaking beaches, five-star villas, and fabulous restaurants, it’s no surprise that celebrities like Drake, Bella Hadid and Leonardo DiCaprio choose this sun-drenched sanctuary as their go-to holiday destination, every year!
It’s also a highly sought-after wedding destination, which felt perfect for me – since, as a photographer, I’m always looking for secret locations to do my next shoot, and muses to be inspired by.
Perfect for weddings, elopements, and portrait sessions, this luxury location has so much to offer that it can be difficult to choose.
That’s why I’ve put together a list of five St. Barth “excursions” you’ve got to explore when visiting this extraordinary island. Let me introduce you to this heaven I call home.
Just to clarify, I will explain something real quick: The correct way of referring to St. Barts is Saint-Barthélemy… in French. In short, however, it’s St. Barth, still in French, but the truth is that the island has a huge international reputation and therefore, receives different nicknames and you can call it however you like.
Even St Barts sounds okay and as long as she says YES, let’s, you are doing it right! 😉
The best reason to come to St. Barth?
As a digital nomad living in Switzerland at that time, I arrived on the island by a boat called Libertas, after sailing it all across the Caribbean islands, from Puerto Rico to Martinique.
Once I landed in St. Barth, I quickly fell in love with it while getting to know its nature and its people, and I decided to settle.
I’d spent many of my childhood summers on the Mediterranean island of Corsica. And in St. Barth, I’d found my bit of Corsica. Only this time, it was nestled on an island along the Caribbean coastline, The French West Indies.
At first, I was drawn to the island’s natural beauty, its wild beaches, and volcanic rocks. But then I became infatuated with its culture reminiscent of the trendy St Tropez in France. What adds to the relaxed atmosphere is that St. Barth is incredibly safe, so you can finally put your feet up and let your hair down.
The best day trips and excursions in St. Barth
From sunbathing to browsing through the island looking for the best places to shop in St. Barth, to spending a day at the spa – it can be difficult to decide where to start and what to do.
St. Barth Beaches
St. Barth is famous for its 14 white sand beaches and turquoise waters.
Stroll through the St. Barth beach at golden hour, and you’ll see why it’s considered a picture-perfect place for Caribbean wedding photography and personal portrait sessions.
When it comes to oceanic activities, you’re absolutely spoiled for choice. Holidaymakers spend their time snorkelling through the coral reefs, and scuba divers are treated to some of the best diving sites in the Caribbean. Other adventurous activity options include sailing, deep-sea fishing, kayaking, and kitesurfing.
You can also get surfing lessons at any of the island’s most epic beaches, St. Jean, Toiny and Lorient.
Of course, the best St. Barth surfing spots depend on the swell and as an avid surfer myself, I’ll be happy to show you the wave of the week!
St. Barth Shopping
There is world-class shopping in Gustavia and St Jean. Just walk around those areas and you’re certain to stumble into some fabulous boutiques!
For the gents, I’d recommend heading to MacKeene in Gustavia.
A local, family-owned brand with high-quality men’s beachwear, this concept surf shop with an amazing selection of products with Japanese-inspired graphics, is my favourite shopping in St. Barth for menswear and unique gifts.
Of course, we’ve got to mention St. Barth’s unique shopping spots for women. For summery, chic women’s resort wear, make sure to visit Clic, Montaigne Market, and St. Barth’s own luxury resort wear designers Lolita Jaca and Poupette St Barth.
An amazing St. Barth interior concept store and art gallery to look out for in Gustavia is Maison Pélican. Most adorable St. Barth hotel boutique is Eden Living by Eden Rock Hotel in St. Jean.
St. Barth Restaurants
Another great St. Barth excursion idea is restaurant or café hopping.
Local cuisine is French Creole-influenced, but you can also find high-end Italian and Asian food on the island.
My favourite breakfast spot is a café and in-house bakery by the infamous Joel Robuchon in Gustavia. Their bread, viennoiseries, and sandwiches are beyond anything you can find in Paris! They also have the best homemade ice cream and sinfully delicious cakes that you can enjoy in an air-conditioned café.
A very special lunch spot is Ti’ Corail in Grand Cule de Sac, right next to Le Sereno Hotel.
The only relaxed peid-dans-l’eau lunch spot in St. Barth. The food is honest, unpretentious, and simply delicious! Even if low-key, make sure you book this unique experience in St. Barth in advance.
For dinner, don’t miss Bonito in Gustavia. Excellent views over the town, great signature cocktails, ceviche, music, and hospitality of the highest level. Be sure to try the lobster tacos and their Aspen inspired orange soufflé.
St. Barth Cocktails
Here’s a perfect way to end off a day at a beach… Cocktails! Unwind at Shellona for cocktail hour while swimming, then soak in those sunset views from the lighthouse as you leave Gustavia.
The sun sets around 6:30 PM all year round in St. Barth, so make sure you hit one of my personal favourite spots with your light, evening resort wear: The Ocean Club, Christopher Hotel and the most stunning views from Toiny Hotel.
Me too, I love cocktails, cocktails with backgammon.
St. Barth Hikes
Adding hiking to your ultimate St. Barth must-do list is a fantastic idea.
For passionate hikers, Piscines Naturelles – Natural Pools is an absolute must. They’re a little tricky to find and require local guidance over the cliffs, but they are truly magical once you find them.
Countless incredible hikes await, both along cliffsides and above water, promising epic views and a satisfying workout.
Coming up soon on my blog: more about the breathtaking hikes in St Barth that I adore!
Stay tuned or drop me an email if you’re too eager to wait. I’m here to help over the phone or in person with all the local tips you need! I will provide photos as a reward for successfully arriving at your destination.
The island’s future is bright
I am positive that the island will remain the most precious destination in the French West Indies and even more, in the Caribbean. For one, the already high-end hospitality level is only improving, with new gourmet offerings opening up every month!
We have two incredibly stunning new beach clubs in St. Jean Bay since 2023:
Nao Beach and La Guerite Plage, with promises of new restaurants in Gustavia for the coming winter.
What’s more, the new government has plans to invest in and protect the island’s natural environment. There are plans to go green using solar energy in St. Barth (it’s finally happening!) while protecting the ocean wildlife and coral.
They’re also slowing down villa development for St. Barth real estate developers and focusing on the well-being of locals and tourists instead.
Overall, the landscapes and local atmosphere energize me.
There’s something uniquely special about this island, and of course, about capturing the feeling of two people in love.
It’s safe to say that after being here for three years, I have no plans of leaving the island any time soon.
Let’s work together!
Are you planning an elopement in St. Barth or your next getaway? I promise to be there for you. Request my Elopement guide to St. Barth.
Who knows, maybe you’ll have your next portrait session amidst the turquoise waters and serene beaches of this incredible volcanic island.
And if you’re looking for an experienced fine-art wedding photographer to shoot or film your special day – may it be an engagement, honeymoon or wedding – head over to my portfolio, or simply pop me a message and I’ll gladly get in touch with you.
With all my love,
Tisa x
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