Last updated on November 25th, 2023 at 11:17 am
This year, Haute Retreats is taking you to experience the end of the year family holidays under the sun, by travelling to the islands of Saint-Barth and Saint Martin.
We invite you to enjoy winter under the Caribbean sun, in the company of your friends and family booking your home away from home in Saint Martin and Saint Barts.
The Caribbean is a vast playground to discover. To enjoy their best days, there’s nothing better than to fly away in winter, in the dry season. With an average of 27 ° c, unparalleled sunshine, sandy beaches, and turquoise water at the ideal temperature, the Caribbean is the ideal haunt to get your dose of vitamin D.
ST BARTS
St Barts is a beautiful destination nestled in the topaz waters north of the Antillean arc, the small French island of St Barts is renown for the very chic reputation. A paradox between Creole traditions and popular luxury spots, St Barts is one of our luxury holiday destinations for luxury family holidays . Discover the pearl of the Caribbean and all its riches.
What activities are there to do in St Barts?
St Barts is a small island of volcanic origin with rugged reliefs which forms an idyllic setting. Along its coasts, the fiery colour of the cliffs meets the crystal clear Caribbean waters. Between relaxation, sporting activities and unusual nature, it is a trip to the sun that will delight your whole family.
Family hike
The magnificent island of St Barts is crossed by many hiking trails. Start your walk after a visit to the village of Flamand and its colourful houses. The path overlooking the sea is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and offers an extraordinary picture of the island.
On the shore, linger to watch the spectacle of the island’s most experienced fishermen, the pelicans. With their large beaks, they dive at breakneck speed in shallow water. Continue on your way and let iguanas and turtles, great lovers of hibiscus flowers, cross in front of you. Do not forget to collect one on the way for the greatest happiness of these small animals.
You will reach the sheltered Colombier beach, a small sanctuary for lazing around and swimming.
For the more sporty families, we also recommend the ascent of the highest point of the island, Mont Morne de Vitet. Leave before sunrise for the chance to experience the wonderful spectacle of the golden light that floods the bay of Saint Barth in the early morning.
Discover the islands
How about getting on a boat, to play sea explorers? Discover the islets of the archipelago that surround the island of St Barts. On the program, crazy race with dolphins, lunch near Chevreau Island and contemplation of the coasts of islands with evocative names, Coco Island or Tortoise Island.
This is a getaway that can also be enjoyed aboard a catamaran for a more sporty experience or alongside Tony to discover big game fishing. Feel the air in your hair and the swell under your feet, this is a perfect getaway for a luxury family beach holiday.
Explore the beaches
It’s no secret that the beaches of the Caribbean are some of the most beautiful around. Off the beaten track, it is possible to find protected, unspoiled beaches. For the youngest, we recommend the beaches of Lorient and Grand Cul-de-Sac, more frequented but supervised. For teenagers, we take our first steps in diving and we practice endless water sports.
Experience the holidays in St Barts
Spending a St Barts holiday for your winter family holiday in the sun doesn’t mean depriving your family of the festivities that surround Christmas. On the contrary, the island has many events in store for its visitors.
The spirit of Christmas is also experienced in the tropics. Each year, the cities host many Christmas markets. On the quays of honour of Gustavia, the Christmas Market amazes young and old. Musical entertainment, photos with Santa Claus, many craftsmen and artists, everything is there to experience this magical period with the family.
When New Year’s Eve comes, the port of Gustavia is invaded by yachts from all over the world, coming to celebrate the New Year. At midnight, the sirens of the boats echo the exceptional fireworks fired in the port.
Where to eat in St Barts?
Saint Barth is a haunt of popular restaurants. With its upscale clientele, gastronomy is a must on this island. Here are some restaurants where you can book your end-of-year meals during your luxury escape.
Eddy’s
Chez Eddy’s has managed to maintain a pronounced Creole style in a friendly and refined atmosphere. In the heart of a green paradise in Gustavia, this wooded restaurant offers fresh and local products cooked traditionally.
Address : Rue Samuel Falhberg, Gustavia 97133 St-Barthélemy FW
Contact : + 590 590 27 54 17
Bonito: Perfect for a nice intimate dinner
Overlooking the port of Gustavia, the Bonito is an upscale place where we like to relax after a long day on the island’s beaches. Its French cuisine associated with South American flavours is accompanied by a very popular musical atmosphere. Our little extra: the cocktail bar.
Address : Rue Lubin Brin, Gustavia, 97133 St Barthélémy
Contact : + 590 590 27 96 96
Where to stay in St Barts?
Neo Villa
After a good meal in St Barts, it’s time to come back to curl up in the warm space of Villa Neo. In the early morning, you can decide between a dip in the water of the heated swimming pool near the tropical garden or descend to the beach a few steps away.
Villa Embrace
A tribute to art, architecture and beauty, villa EMBRACE is the most exclusive property in St-Barths. Located on the heights of Gustavia in front of a breathtakingly beautiful panorama and the glorious sunsets, EMBRACE elegantly combines luxury and style. With five magnificent suites and outstanding amenities, this prestigious non-smoking villa is the perfect place for an extraordinary stay in St. Barths.
SAINT-MARTIN
It was only 25km from Saint Barthélémy that in 1493, Christopher Columbus discovered the smallest island in the Caribbean, Saint Martin. This island is shared between a Dutch part, very festive and a French part, more relaxed.
Activities not to miss in Saint Martin
The island is full of natural, gastronomic and cultural treasures. We invite you to live your luxury family holiday on this human-sized island, enjoy the 37 paradisiacal beaches and coves available to you and discover the history and culture of Saint-Martin with your family.
Explore fauna and flora of Saint-Martin
Take your family to the butterfly farm near the Salines d’Orient. The 900m2 of greenhouses are full of species of butterflies that will amaze young and old.
Then set off to explore the peak of Paradise, the highest point of view on the island at 424 meters above sea level. It is possible to access it by car or through a hiking trail, through the lush vegetation of the island. At the top, an exceptional panorama of the Caribbean Sea and the French capital of Marigot stretches out before your eyes.
Tour the towns for Saint-Martin
It is by strolling through the alleys of these towns and villages that one can fully discover the atmosphere and the culture of the island.
In Philipsburg, we like to shop in the colourful alleys and visit the museum which trace the great periods of the island, from the Indian Arawaks era to present day.
In Marigot, we get drunk on the smells and colours of the market, we let the children walk between the fish stalls in the typical huts built at the edge of the water before enjoying a glass of rum or cane juice pressed in front of you. What a delight! We end with a visit to Port Louis for a breathtaking view of the sea.
Let’s finish this tour of the must-sees with the typical fishing village of Grand Case. Here local gastronomy is in the spotlight, lolos, traditional restaurants, dot the beaches and serve customers with Creole cuisine, grilled meats and fried foods. Grand Case is also a city full of life where you can relax on the terrace of a beach bar with a cool cocktail. Its lively streets, transparent turquoise sea, and the many nautical activities make it one of the most popular spots on the island.
Go explore the sea
For our friends, the humpback whales, the mating season begins in December. This is the opportunity for your family to marvel at their passage in the crystal clear waters of Saint-Martin. Sit in front of the Creole Rock to admire the curious dolphins of Tintamarre and the islet of Scrub, near Anguilla.
Beyond its many beaches, Saint-Martin can also be discovered through its rich seabed and its many islets.
The festivities during your family trip in winter
The great thing about spending Christmas holiday in St Martin is the fact that during this time the many influences mingle to create a very special atmosphere.
Take your tribe to Santa’s house for a fairytale Thanksgiving at Cripple Gate. The owner decorates the place with thousands of lights every year and transforms it into a real palace. We like to listen to Christmas carols and taste traditional sweet treats.
Everywhere on Saint-Martin, at this time, the Christmas markets are present. We recommend that you visit the Christmas Sérénade in Marigot in the Orleans district. Between pudding and pie contests, punch tastings and live concerts, it’s a must to experience a winter in the sun.
Best Restaurants in Saint Martin
Sol e Luna
The eponymous restaurant is a green setting that offers refined cuisine made from fresh and local products. We advise you to sit under the gazebos at noon, and let yourself be guided by “the lunch menu” carefully prepared by the chefs of this restaurant.
Address : 61, Mont Vernon, 97150 Saint Martin FWI
Contact : + 590 590 29 08 56
Chez Yvette: A great dinner
A lolo is a small typical restaurant where locals meet in a simple and warm atmosphere, as close as possible to their homes. Welcome to Yvette! This is a lolo recommended for those who want a real approach to the local cuisine. We advise you to taste their famous meatballs. The portions are generous and the flavours are excellent.
Where to stay in Saint-Martin?
Villa L’Oasis
At the far end of Baie Rouge, one of St. Martin’s most sought after beaches, villa L’Oasis sits alongside the cliffs offering incredible sea views and luxurious surroundings. Built on three levels, following the incline of the cliff, this elegant and sophisticated beachfront home has six bedrooms, including 3 master suites and two beautiful pools, one at shore level and a second overflow pool on the main residential level. With its clean architectural lines and pristine white walls, reminiscent of the Mediterranean or the Aegean, villa L’Oasis offers oceanfront living at its best, with the sun and surf of a world-class beach, endless water vistas, and elegant and comfortable interiors.
Villa C’est la vie
Nestled at the edge of a forest of palm trees, along the fine sandy beach of Baie aux Prunes, the villa C’est la vie amazes us with its modern Creole architecture and its astonishing shapes. Stroll with the family on the terrace of this luxury holiday homes , with your feet in the warm water of an undulating swimming pool. On the horizon, the beach of this paradise island stretches out in front of us.
Want to pack your bags for the Caribbean for your family vacation in winter? With Haute Retreats, the luxury villa rentals in the Caribbean has never been easier. Let our experience curators organize your best parties under the sun and discover our other ideas for your luxury holiday .
