The most luxurious Caribbean island, St. Barthélemy, is an ideal spot to ring in 2025
Despite its sterling reputation as an idyllic getaway, St. Barts remains one of the more exclusive islands in the Caribbean. There are relatively few direct commercial flights from the continental U.S. Most itineraries require a connecting flight from St. Maarten — and the direct flights are expensive enough to persuade travelers to other islands.
We think St. Barts is the perfect island to spend an elegant and memorable New Year’s Eve. And we’re not alone — celebrities routinely gather for a VIP NYE in St. Barts. The island is culturally French and has the fine dining, fashionable shopping, and cosmopolitan flair to match.
Global Air Charters makes reaching St. Barts as relaxing as a day on the beach. Contact our flight coordinators to reserve your airframe for New Year’s Eve.
Where to Stay
St. Barts is home to hundreds of private villas available to rent, although many of them are booked a year in advance for New Year’s Eve. The island has around 30 hotel complexes. The standards are high everywhere on St. Barts, so it’s hard to make a wrong pick. But there are two worth special mention.
Cheval Blanc St-Barth is a five-star retreat on Flamands Beach. It offers an array of refined indulgence, including elegant villas and suites, exclusive spa treatments, and bespoke recreation.
Eden Rock St Barths may be the most iconic property on the island. A celebrity favorite perched on a rocky promontory, it features stunning views and exceptional dining, all within walking distance of St. Jean Beach.
Where to Dine
You’ll be enchanted by the setting of Tamarin. A tropical garden full of palms, ponds, and banana trees, with a colonial-style house flickering in the lantern light. This romantic tableau gets even better with a menu of French-inspired plates featuring local, seasonal ingredients. Mahi ceviche, octopus salad, and lobster confit are just a few of the delicacies that await.
With a spectacular view overlooking Gustavia Harbor, Bonito is a fine setting for a swanky, seafood-centric meal. The space is elegant and breezy, like Nantucket transmuted to the Caribbean. They specialize in Peruvian-style ceviches and tiraditos.
On the other side of Gustavia, facing out to sea, Shell Beach is home to Shellona. The cuisine is Mediterranean, with croquettes and carpaccios, feta wrapped in phyllo, and fish cooked in the style of Spetses. The sunsets are special here, so time your dinner reservation accordingly.
New Year’s Celebrations
The winter season in St. Barts is splendid. The weather is ideal — dry during the day and pleasant after dark — perfect for a host of New Year’s celebrations. The heart of NYE in St. Barts is Gustavia, the island’s capital city. The streets are full of music, local artists sell handmade goods, and the revelers party aboard chartered yachts in the harbor.
NYE is a prime time to visit one of St. Barts’ many beach clubs. Nikki Beach has an open-air concert venue. Le Ti is the island’s most famous nightclub, renowned for its cabaret shows and electric atmosphere. These clubs cater to the world’s most well-heeled, so dress to impress.
As midnight approaches, head to one of the well-known beaches of St. Barts, like Shell Beach or St. Jean Beach, to see the fireworks displays over Gustavia Harbor.
If you plan an extended stay, don’t miss the traditional music and other festivities spilling into early January. The St. Barts Music Festival (January 10–19, 2025) gathers the finest classical musicians from all over the world.
New Year’s in St. Barts
St. Barts in late December and early January is a blend of laid-back charm and high-octane glamour—the perfect way to start the year. Reservations fill up fast, however, so contact our flight coordinators to make your arrangements soon!
