Saint Barthélemy—better known as St Barts—blends French art de vivre with Caribbean color. Once a Swedish free port and a French colony before that, the island still bears traces of both: a tricolor flag, a Swedish coat of arms on the harbor gate, and a culture that reveres long lunches and long sunsets. The currency is the Euro, French is the official language (English widely spoken), and the food scene is a destination in itself.

Adventure pairs naturally with the island’s wild edges. Hike goat paths to Colombier Beach, snorkel with sea turtles in the Grand Cul-de-Sac lagoon, and peer into sea-sculpted “champagne” pools on the Atlantic side. Roads are steep and scenic—rent a small car or scooter and drive on the right. Hurricane season is June–November; December–April is peak, with May and late November as sweet-spot months.

This 7-day itinerary splits time between Gustavia (harbor views, museums, nightlife) and St-Jean (beach clubs, easy access to Saline, Lorient, and Grand Cul-de-Sac). Expect crystal-clear water, powder-soft beaches, and a clutch of excellent restaurants—from barefoot beach shacks to candlelit gardens. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard, and water shoes for rocky entries.

Gustavia

Gustavia is St Barts’ postcard harbor: red-roofed homes climbing a green hillside, yachts bobbing by the quay, and lanes lined with French bakeries and designer boutiques. History lingers in the ruins of Fort Karl, the lighthouse, and the small Wall House Museum—best paired with an espresso and people-watching.

Top experiences include strolling to sunset at Shell Beach, shopping at Poupette St Barth and Lolita Jaca, and sushi with live music at Bâz Bar. Dining runs from breezy Greek-Med at Shellona to refined Franco-Japanese at Orega and party dinners at Bagatelle.

• Stay: Harbor-view apartments and stylish studios abound. Search options on VRBO (Gustavia) or compare boutique hotels on Hotels.com (Gustavia). With a mid-range budget (61/100), look for harbor-adjacent guesthouses or apartments with kitchenettes.
• Eat & drink: Bar de l’Oubli (breakfast), Fish Corner (tiny seafood gem), Black Ginger (Thai courtyard), Orega (reservations essential), La Petite Plage (sand-underfoot, harbor-front), Shellona (sunset sashimi and rosé), Eddy’s Ghetto (Creole classic), Bâz Bar (sushi + live sets).
• Activities: Fort Karl hike to Shell Beach, lighthouse lookout, Wall House Museum, snorkeling at Shell Beach, sunset cocktails on the quay, and scuba with Serial Divers (book via hotel/concierge).
• Getting there: Fly into SXM (St Maarten) with a 15-minute connection to SBH (St Barts) on small aircraft. Search long-haul flights on Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com (flights). Taxis airport–Gustavia run ~€20–30; rental cars ~$60–100/day.

St-Jean

St-Jean is the island’s sunny playground. The famed Eden Rock anchors one end of the bay; planes skim the hilltop runway and glide over the beach—a classic St Barts scene. The vibe is sandy feet by day and chic-but-relaxed dinners by night.

Here you’ll find Nikki Beach’s day parties, mellow snorkeling and paddleboarding, and easy access to Saline’s wild dunes, Lorient’s surf, and Grand Cul-de-Sac’s turtle-filled lagoon. It’s the perfect base for active beach days.

• Stay: Beachside bungalows and hillside villas. Browse VRBO (St-Jean) or compare hotels near the bay on Hotels.com (St-Jean).
• Eat & drink: Sand Bar at Eden Rock (brunch/lunch by Jean‑Georges), Gyp Sea Beach Club (BBQ + rum bar), Le Piment (casual pizza/pasta), Zion (creative bistronomy), Kiki‑é Mo (smoothies, sandwiches), Jojo Burger (local favorite in Lorient), Tamarin (magical garden near Saline).
• Activities: Paddle St‑Jean’s clear bay, surf lessons at Lorient, hike to Saline, kiteboarding/e‑foil in Grand Cul‑de‑Sac, day-charter to Île Fourchue for snorkeling.
• Move from Gustavia: 10–12 minutes by car; taxi ~€20–25; scooter ~€35–50/day. Roads are steep; downshift on descents and park nose-out on inclines.

Day 1: Arrival in St Barts + Shell Beach Sunset (Gustavia)

Afternoon: Land at SBH, pick up your rental, and check in around Gustavia. Shake off travel with an espresso at Bar de l’Oubli (croque-monsieur, fresh OJ) then stroll the quay—yacht-spotting never gets old.

Evening: Walk up to Fort Karl for a golden-hour view, then descend to Shell Beach. Toast your first sunset at Shellona (Greek-Med mezze, grilled octopus, chilled Provençal rosé). Nightcap at Bâz Bar for live music and sushi rolls by the water.

Day 2: History, Boutiques, and Colombier’s Wild Cove (Gustavia)

Morning: Pastries at La Petite Colombe (try the guava croissant), then visit the Wall House Museum to trace the island’s Swedish chapter. Climb to the lighthouse for harbor panoramas and photo ops.

Afternoon: Shop Gustavia’s mix of luxe and local: Poupette St Barth for island dresses, Lolita Jaca for silk kimonos, and Clic for art books. Grab a quick seafood bowl at Fish Corner before heading to Colombier Beach via the Flamands trail (20–25 minutes each way; pack water and reef-safe sunscreen). Snorkel along the right-hand rocks; look for turtles and sergeant majors.

Evening: Dinner at Orega—Franco‑Japanese tasting plates like miso black cod and foie gras nigiri; book ahead. If you prefer a harborside breeze, choose La Petite Plage for grilled sea bream and citrusy ceviche. Finish at Le Select for a casual ti’ punch in a piece of island history.

Day 3: Lagoon Adventures in Grand Cul‑de‑Sac + Creole Night (Based in Gustavia)

Morning: Drive 20 minutes to Grand Cul‑de‑Sac. Take a kiteboarding lesson or try an e‑foil/Fliteboard session (typ. $200–350/hour). For something gentler, rent a clear-bottom kayak or SUP and glide over seagrass meadows where green turtles feed.

Afternoon: Refuel beachside at La Gloriette (Creole accras, grilled mahi, rum ice cream) or the super-casual O’Corail. Consider a guided seabob or snorkel to the outer reef if conditions are calm. Return via the scenic Toiny overlook.

Evening: Back in Gustavia, dine at Eddy’s Ghetto (ginger mahi, Creole curries) under twinkling lights. Craft cocktails afterward at Quarter Kitchen & Cocktail Lab—try a rhum agricole sour with local lime.

Day 4: Change of Base to St‑Jean + Saline’s Dunes and Garden Dining

Morning: Check out and make the short hop to St‑Jean (10–12 minutes). Drop bags and go for a beachy brunch at Sand Bar (tuna tartare, truffle pizza, island fruit) overlooking the bay.

Afternoon: Drive to the Saline Beach trailhead. Walk over the low dune to one of St Barts’ most pristine, undeveloped beaches—no shade or services, so bring water and an umbrella. Swim, beachcomb, repeat.

Evening: Aperitif in the lantern‑lit garden at Tamarin; then dinner at Zion (inventive plates like lionfish ceviche or Caribbean beef with plantain textures). If you’re up for it, swing by Modjo for a late-night DJ set.

Day 5: Boat Day to Île Fourchue + Colombier (St‑Jean)

Morning: Board a private charter from Gustavia or St‑Jean (typ. $1,400–2,500/day + fuel for a 30–35 ft boat; shareable among your group). Snorkel the protected coves of Île Fourchue, a volcanic islet with schools of tangs and barracuda.

Afternoon: Drop anchor off Colombier for a swim and picnic. Many skippers carry paddleboards and noodles—ask when booking. Keep an eye out for turtles surfacing beside the boat.

Evening: Back on land, go casual at Le Piment (wood‑fired pizzas, tuna tartare) or lean into the scene at Bagatelle in Gustavia for a lively dinner party vibe.

Day 6: Wild Atlantic Pools, Toiny Beach Club + Gouverneur Glow (St‑Jean)

Morning: Start early for the Grand Fond natural pools (aka the “Washing Machine”/champagne pools). Only go in calm seas, wear sturdy shoes, and follow cairns along the rocky shore—your reward is aquamarine basins fizzing with surf.

Afternoon: Catch the 4x4 shuttle down to Le Toiny Beach Club for a languid lunch (ahi niçoise, lobster pasta) and a hammock nap. On the way back, stop at Gouverneur Beach, a crescent of pale sand backed by green hills, perfect for a late swim.

Evening: Sunset spritz at Gyp Sea Beach Club (rum bar + BBQ on St‑Jean). For dinner, choose refined Italian at L’Isola (homemade pastas, a deep Barolo list) or return to a favorite.

Day 7: Surf, Shop, and Savor + Departure (St‑Jean)

Morning: Coffee and a smoothie bowl at Kiki‑é Mo. If you’re game, take a surf lesson at Lorient where mellow peaks suit beginners on smaller swells.

Afternoon: Last‑minute shopping in St‑Jean’s boutiques or a final float in the bay. Depart SBH in the afternoon—allow extra time for the short hop to SXM before your long‑haul. Search flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Evening: If you have a late flight, grab an early dinner at Sand Bar or quick bites from Eden To Go to enjoy on the beach one last time.

Practical Tips & Budget Notes

• Budget (61/100): Mix casual lunches (Le Select €12–18 burgers; Jojo Burger €10–16) with a few splurge dinners (mains €35–60). Share day charters, and pick an apartment with a kitchenette for breakfasts.
• Transport: A compact car is best for tight parking and steep grades. Taxis are limited and pricey at night—reserve ahead if you won’t drive.
• Beaches: Many are undeveloped—bring water, shade, and reef‑safe sunscreen. Respect marine protected areas; do not stand on coral or touch turtles.
• Electricity: Mostly 220V European plugs (Type E/F). Some villas have 110V US outlets—check before you plug in.
• Safety: Swim within your ability—Atlantic-facing beaches (Toiny, Grand Fond) can have strong currents and shorebreak.

Across seven sun-drenched days, you’ll hike to hidden coves, drift over turtle meadows, and linger over unforgettable meals. With Gustavia’s harbor energy and St‑Jean’s barefoot bliss, this St Barts itinerary balances adventure, beach time, and foodie delights in equal measure.