Dear travel enthusiasts, my name is Romain Reglade – allow me to whisk you away to the fascinating island of St-Barth. I grew up in a multicultural family which aroused my curiosity for travel. My mother is Mexican and my father is French.
I went to an international school in Paris and then had the opportunity to study languages at Oxford. Now I can speak five languages and am currently learning two more. This gave me the tools to travel and converse with locals in their native tongue – opening the door to wonderful tales.
Regarding photography, I have always been attracted to light shifts, shapes and structures. Seeing my mothers architectural plans definitely helped me with my composition. At the age of 17, I was shooting for Vogue Brazil in New York, London, Milan and Paris. So you can understand how photography and travel quickly became fervent passions of mine.
A Wonderful Couple of Weeks Spent in the Caribbean
Today I own a creative agency which specialises in fashion, luxury and hospitality. We visited St-Barth to work on various projects including a digital campaign for Eden Rock. All in all, we spent about a week on the island followed by another week on Jumby Bay Island. But this Caribbean adventure was too short – hence why we are flying back there again this week.
Why Visit the Beautiful St-Barth
St-Barth to me was wild, bewildering and witty. Your adventure begins when you step onboard the small propeller plane, which gracefully takes you through the clouds and progressively reveals the beauty of the Caribbean island. From your window you can spot all the different red-roofed villas scattered around the lush island surrounded by turquoise water. Not often do you see such vibrant colours on your travels.
Landing the plane is an experience you will never forget as you land on an extremely short runway. What I really loved about St-Barth was the diversity of the island, from the crystal clear waters and stunning beaches to the plethora of fine dining restaurants – you can find everything here!
Probably my favourite place on the island was Anse du Gouverneur (Gouverneur Beach). After taking a lovely hike, you suddenly reach an elevated cliff which reveals miles of clear blue waters and sand. It was magical! You feel like you are a boat captain discovering a hidden gem.
8 Best Things To Do in St-Barth
St-Barth offers an incredible number of activities. There are tons of things to do on the island such as relaxing at the tropical beaches, soaking in the sophisticated French vibe, trying delicate cuisine, hiking around the green hills and cliffs, and enjoying sailing trips on the Caribbean waters. So without further ado, below are my top recommendations for your visit:
- Have a meal and drinks at Sand Bar Restaurant & Bar – Eden Rock
- Hike to the chain of hidden natural swimming pools located along the coast near the Anse du Petit Cul-de-Sac. Such a great place to visit!
- Relax at the beautiful Gouverneur Beach: Read, swim, dry – repeat!
- Go cliff-jumping at Shell Beach. This beach, as the name suggests, is full of shells instead of white powdery sand (the norm in St-Barth). An ideal place to swim for general tourists and an adventurers paradise for thrill seekers who come to jump off the nearby cliffs into the deep waters. It’s also a lovely spot to watch unmissable Caribbean sunsets.
- Hike to Colombier Beach. This 30-minute walk is very pleasant, offering outstanding
views along the way, plus a gorgeous hill overlooking the secluded beach.The waters are welcoming and the sand very soft. - Flamands Beach for a classic wide beach offering seaside restaurants
- Watch the airplanes land on the short runway – a classic photography opportunity!
- Explore Gustavia – the main town and capital city of St-Barth. This town has many picturesque houses, great restaurants and fantastic shops.
Staying at Eden Rock in St-Barth
The best place to stay in St-Barth is Eden Rock! Perched on a rock overlooking St Jean, its Founder Remy de Haenen had incredible taste. The spacious rooms boast impressive views of the island. We were greeted by turtles on our first morning and fell asleep to soothing waves every night.
The cherry on top was having our own private pool on our terrace. Here you can sip Carribean-Rum based cocktails as the sunset reveals its hues. The food was phenomenal, and you are certain to meet someone fun and glamorous – think that dazzling figures such as Greta Garbo used to holiday there!
Need to Know Before you Go
I think going to the natural pools is an absolute must-do for anyone visiting St-Barth. The waves of the ocean crashing over the rocky “walls” of the pools filling them naturally was amazing to see. Remember, the force of the waves can be strong enough to push you back and sometimes you have to swim against them. It’s a constant dance between you and nature.
Last but not least, get yourself a Mini Moke (small, front-wheel drive utility and recreational convertible). This is a very efficient method to dry yourself after taking a dip in the sea. Mini Moke’s are open air. But on a more serious note, you will be able to explore every single corner and hidden treasure in no time at all. Pack your bags and enjoy the Caribbean!
