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Aerial view at Gustavia Harbor in St Barts.
Saint-Barthélemy (also known as St. Barts or St. Barths) is a French-speaking Caribbean island that’s popular among the rich and the famous.
Its array of stunning beaches, luxury yachts, designer boutiques, and delicious restaurants have helped it become a travel hot spot.
From the best places to party to restaurants with incredible views, here are 17 photos that show why St. Barts remains a celebrity favorite.
Talia Avakian contributed reporting to a previous version of this article.
A popular destination for celebrities, St. Barts has a variety of designer boutiques and fine-dining restaurants.
Yachts are a common form of travel here, and celebrities can often be seen mooring their personal ships on the island.
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But if you don’t already have your own, you can rent a yacht or jet skis to take in the view of the green hills and glistening bays.
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The Caribbean island is home to stunning beaches, most of which remain crowd-free even during the peak season. Some of the best ones, including Saline Beach and Colombier Beach (generally visited by boat), offer miles of white sands and peace and quiet.
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St. Jean is a popular beach for partying thanks to clubs like Nikki Beach, where you can enjoy top-notch service and stunning ocean views.
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They also host wild parties every weekend.
While you’re there, enjoy the sunshine at Eden Rock, a hotel perched on the sands of St. Jean Bay. A St. Barts staple, the hotel has been operating for about 50 years.
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You can enjoy the beach scenery while sipping delectable cocktails at the hotel’s Sand Bar.
Villas are also available for rent, and many visitors prefer the additional privacy. St. Barts is home to hundreds of these villas, some spectacularly expensive, others relatively affordable.
Head to one of the island’s well-known spas and enjoy a luxurious massage, facial, or manicure. At Hotel Guanahani, the Clarins-designed spa is considered one of the best in the Caribbean, and it incorporates traditional healing methods into its treatments.
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One of the island’s most famous places to eat is Maya’s Restaurant, which has been serving Creole food since 1984. Their daily menu includes fresh seafood, chicken, beef, and lamb.
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Another trendy spot is Bonito, which serves up French-Latin cuisine in a stylish room near Gustavia Harbour. Sample mouthwatering ceviche or braised beef cheeks in its dining room, or enjoy a cocktail in its relaxed lounge section.
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La Langouste mixes traditional Creole and French cuisine, and it’s known for its incredibly fresh seafood choices. Lobster lovers should be sure to sample the tender and juicy lobster here.
Speaking of Gustavia, it’s where you’ll find some of the island’s best shopping (and it’s duty-free). Designer shops like Hermès, Chopard, and Louis Vuitton make their home here. Prada opened its first store in St. Barts earlier this year.
Plus, there’s plenty of partying to be had on St. Barts. The First is a trendy bar to start your evening off. Have a few cocktails with tapas and music before heading downstairs to the Yacht Club.
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Or try the chic club La Plage, located at Tom Beach Hotel. Parties range from upscale dining and live fire shows to afternoon beach parties and seaside barbecues.
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But if you’re looking for a wild night, head to Le Ti St. Barth, a funky hilltop spot with a lounge area, a torch-lighted terrace, and parties that range from full-moon celebrations to cabarets.
The post 17 photos that show why the rich and famous love to travel to St. Barts appeared first on Business Insider.