When Goop buddy Taylor Tomasi Hill told us about her plans to villa hop through St. Barths, we asked her to document the whole thing—while the island is both insanely expensive and crowded over the holidays, it turns out that August is the perfect time to go…with low rates, cool people, and uncrowded beaches. While there are a handful of great hotels, renting a house is the best option (particularly when kids are involved). She booked through Wimco Villas, who have a corner on the best options in the island, provide full concierge service to their guests during their stay, and will also book your flights. Below, where TTH went, where they ate, and everything she packed.
Grounds of Villa BOW, our favorite 4-bedroom villa for larger groups.
O’Corail, our favorite casual, feet-in-the-sand lunch spot.
Shell beach is an ideal spot for lunch and a little sun. Do Brazil is the small, casual restaurant and offers chairs and umbrellas for rent. Be sure to call ahead for a reservation on the beach as well as a table for lunch.
Two bags are a necessity when traveling with a little one
The best swimming beach on the island is Colombier beach, which is only accessible by a 20 minute hike. Take a small umbrella and a packed picnic lunch
Family selfie St Barts
Looking over Gustavia Harbor
Shallow waters for sunning at La Petite Anse.
Tradewind Aviation for luxury charters, plus a Carry On Cocktail Kit makes everything better. (This flight option is not for the faint of heart—consider yourself warned!)
We woke up to these little guys every morning, the island has an abundance of turtles and goats.
View from above flying into St Barts
Open air kitchen view from Villa BBA.
Wall House Museum of Saint Barthelemy. Interesting fact: St. Bart’s was named by Christopher Columbus after his younger brother.
Wasabi peanuts, a staple snack when we can find them
View off the balcony of Villa BBA
View from our favorite little romantic Villa, WV DKD
TTH’s St. Bart’s Favorites
Lunch Spots (Baby-Friendly)
- O’Corail: We recommend the fish of the day—it’s a very casual spot on the beach.
- Tamarin: A beautiful garden setting in Saline with lily pad ponds.
- Do Brazil on Shell Beach: It’s right next to the town of Gustavia—get the grilled octopus.
- L’Isoletta: They have the best gourmet pizza in town—it’s really easy for take-away.
Dinner Spots (Baby-Friendly)
- Baz Bar: Located in the Gustavia Harbor, they have the best sushi in town plus live music each night. It’s closed on Sundays.
- Eddy’s: A great, casual local’s spot right in town
Dinner Spots (Without Baby)
- L’Isola: Best fine dining on the island—order only off the specials menu.
- L’Esprit: Gastronomic cuisine in a garden setting, close to Saline beach
Best Take-Out
- Maya’s To Go: Their deli-like outlet is just across from the airport—best take-away food, all prepared daily. Great coffee too.
Beautiful Beaches
- Colombier Beach: Accessible by a short 20 minute hike from Flamands. If you want to stay for a while, pack a picnic lunch and an umbrella. It was our favorite beach, thanks to its crystal blue see through waters.
- Saline Beach: The 100 yard walk from parking to the beach transports you to an unspoiled paradise
- Petit Cul de Sac: Traquile shallow waters where you won’t see a lot of other tourists.
Beaches (Baby-Friendly)
- St. Jean Beach: Food and drink are easily found, watch the planes come and go.
- Flamands Beach. Camp out in front of Isle de France or Taiwana hotels
- Shell beach: The shells are fascinating to toddlers. Good snorkeling spot on the left side.
Activities
- Visit the Fishmonger hut, Halle de Poissioneirs in Gustavia, to check out all the local catch coming in. If you go before 7am you can buy fresh catch-of-the-day.
- Hike to the natural pools of Petit Cul de Sac; you’ll need a guide to get there.
- Drive the Cote Sauvage route from Toiny to Grand Fond.
- Looking for ideas, just ask WIMCO!
Recommended Babysitter
- Claudie Maitre
+590 06 90 41 05 57
claudie.maitre@yahoo.fr
First aid certified and speaks both French and English.
By Taylor Tomasi Hill
All Photos Taylor Tomasi Hill
Originally published on Goop.com
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