The St Barths beach clubs every yacht guest should know

Le Toiny Hotels offers a more secluded take on St Barth beach club life, set along one of the island’s quietest and most unspoilt stretches of its southeast coastline. Away from the social spotlight, this beach club boasts a relaxing atmosphere with refined dining. Mediterranean-inspired grill dishes take center stage; try the mahi mahi or local lobster, washed down with elegant cocktails and an ocean view. In between dining and lounging, guests can enjoy easy access to the water and try their hand at catching a break at the surf spots opposite.

Towards the end of 2022, a new venue on St Jean Beach opened its doors: Nao Beach Club. Flanked by palm trees, the club has a laid-back yet sophisticated atmosphere. The terrace setting is dotted with custom-made furniture crafted from recycled fluted wood, while the ceramic decorative pieces are courtesy of a Milan-based designer. Attention to detail has been upheld throughout, from the aesthetics to the table settings and the Mediterranean and Japanese fused menu. Enjoy the stracciatella with golden imperial caviar, accompanied by sundowners and DJs as the sun sets. 

One of the most coveted addresses, Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France sits directly on the sands of Baie des Flamands, combining barefoot luxury with faultless service. The property features 40 beautifully designed bungalows and villas, many just steps from the water, alongside one of St Barths’ most refined beach clubs. Spend the day swimming, sipping cocktails and lingering over lunches at La Case de I’Isle or the more relaxed La Cabana de I’Isle, both celebrated for unmatched beachside cuisine.

Nikki Beach is now something of an iconic brand that conjures up images of all-white plush sunbeds and crowds of celebrities and VIPs dancing to the sounds of international DJs. A must-visit, the beach club becomes party central, where sipping Champagne in the Nikki Beach signature tepees promises a well-heeled clientele. (Jay Z and Beyoncé, Mariah Carey and Bono have all indulged at Nikki Beach St Barths.) Partying aside, the food is reliably good and includes creative seafood entrees, fresh salads and top-grade sushi. Unashamedly jet set, Nikki Beach is something to be experienced.

Aptly named and located on the iconic Shellona Beach, this club blends Mediterranean charm – and cuisines – with Caribbean zest. The restaurant is helmed by a Greek chef who creates dishes to complement the extensive French rose wine menu. Guests can seek out relaxation in one of the many lounging areas, soaking up the rays or under the shaded canopies. A hotspot for regular performances by famous musicians and DJs, days turn into fun and vibrant nights here, inspired by the Ibiza partying scene. Following its Caribbean success, there is now a Shellona outpost in St Tropez.

The Eden Rock Hotel in St Barths has a top-class reputation and attracts rock stars and celebrities as well as a loyal following of regular clients. Positioned on St John’s beach, the Sand Bar was conceptualised by the international chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and brings an element of New York’s ABC Kitchen to the sun and sand backdrop of St Barths. The seafood is truly exceptional, the cocktails are flawlessly mixed and the pizzas are some of the best in the Caribbean, which is why it’s one of the best for those without their own superyacht beach clubs. Sitting on the beach beholding the beautiful Baie de St Jean and enjoying a long lunch at the Sand Bar is a day well spent, and the weekly brunch is a must.

Situated right on the point of the Port of Gustavia, enjoy flawless al fresco dining at La Guérite, a Mediterranean-inspired seafood and grill restaurant and cocktail bar. Sharing its name with a sister establishment in Cannes, its gastronomic treats can be credited to Yannis Kioroglou, a talented chef of Greek origin. Enjoy a few creatively curated cocktails and sumptuous Mediterranean dishes while looking out over beautiful views of the port, featuring fishing boats and stunning yachts alike.

Staged in the St Jean district on the powder-white sands of Pelican Beach is the Gyp Sea Hotel, hosting its beach club, which opened in 2020. Guests can expect stylish chic interiors with cosy loungers and cabanas. A more relaxed vibe here: the restaurant is characterised by its wood fire grill and local offerings. Enjoy the barbecued catch of the day, washed down with an expertly curated cocktail by the in-house mixologists. Regular special events are hosted here, from New Year’s Eve parties and saxophone afternoons to brunch soirees. The cigar cellar – home to some of the world’s finest cigars – is the cherry on top for those looking for a luxurious beach club to unwind in St Barths.