Renting a villa in St. Barts (Saint Barthélemy) is one of the things that are the stuff of dreams. But it can be a lot of work to figure out how things work and the way to glean insider info. We’ve done the work for you and made this little shorthand guide.

Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a group trip, here’s everything you need to know to do it right:

🌴 Overview of St. Barts

• Location: French West Indies in the Caribbean.

• Language: French (but English widely spoken).

• Currency: Euro (€).

• Vibe: Upscale, laid-back chic, celebrity-favorite.

• Best Time to Visit:

  • High Season: December to April (dry, sunny, busy).

  • Low Season: May to August (quieter, lower rates).

  • Hurricane Season: September to October (many villas close).

🏡 Types of Villas

Villas range from cozy one-bedroom bungalows to sprawling estates with 6+ bedrooms. Here’s what you might find:

• Beachfront Villas: Direct access to beaches like Flamands, St. Jean, or Lorient.

• Hillside Villas: Sweeping views of the ocean and sunsets, especially in Colombier or Vitet.

• Modern Luxury Villas: Sleek, contemporary architecture with smart home features.

• Classic Caribbean Villas: Wooden shutters, tropical gardens, and island-style decor.

✅ What’s Included

Most villas in St. Barts come with:

• Private pool (almost all have one).

• Daily maid service (except Sundays/holidays).

• Concierge services (restaurant reservations, boat charters, etc.).

• Fully equipped kitchen.

• Wi-Fi, A/C, and entertainment systems.

Some high-end villas also offer:

• Private chef.

• Butler and driver.

• Gym or spa room.

💶 Rental Costs

• 1–2 Bedroom Villa: $4,000–$10,000/week (low season) | $8,000–$20,000+/week (high season).

• 3–5 Bedroom Villa: $10,000–$30,000/week.

• Luxury Estates (5+ Bedrooms): $30,000–$100,000+/week (especially over holidays).

Holiday rates (Christmas/New Year's) can be double or more. Book 6–12 months in advance for peak season.

🧾 Booking Process

1. Browse listings through agencies (more below) or villa rental platforms.

2. Inquire about availability & rates.

3. Sign rental agreement and pay a deposit (usually 30–50%).

4. Final payment is due 30–60 days before arrival.

5. Security deposit may be required (refundable after stay).

📍 Best Areas to Stay

• St. Jean: Central, walkable, great beach, shops, Nikki Beach.

• Flamands: Quiet, upscale, beachfront.

• Gouverneur & Saline: Secluded, luxury estates.

• Lorient & Marigot: Family-friendly, calmer waters.

• Colombier & Vitet: Hillside privacy, amazing views.

• Lurin: Hilltop, luxe, epic views.

🛫 Getting There

• Fly to St. Maarten (SXM), then take a:

  • 15-min flight to Gustaf III Airport (SBH) – scenic but tiny runway.

  • 45-min ferry to St. Barts.

• Private charters and yachts are also popular.

🚗 Transportation

• Rent a car (small SUV or Mini Moke) – necessary for hills and exploring.

• Roads are steep and narrow – drive cautiously.

• Taxis are limited and expensive.

🍴 Extras You Can Add

• Private chef or catering.

• Grocery pre-stocking.

• Boat/yacht charters.

• In-villa spa treatments or yoga.

• Babysitting services.

👑 Pro Tips

• Book early for high season and holidays.

• Check if the villa has A/C in all bedrooms – not all do.

• Be sure about the villa layout if traveling with kids or elderly guests (some have outdoor stairs or open pools).

• Some villas have minimum night stays (5–14 nights depending on season).

• Use the concierge – they can make your stay unforgettable (restaurant bookings, beach setups, special events).