There are places that sparkle during the holidays—and then there is St Barth, an island that elevates celebration into an art form. Each New Year’s Eve, this tiny Caribbean jewel transforms into the world’s most coveted stage for ultra-luxury yachting, fine dining, and effortlessly glamorous island living.
On 31 December 2024, the Port of Gustavia welcomed an extraordinary 449 vessels, including eight superyachts stretching beyond 100 metres. Nearly 3,800 guests celebrated from the water alone—a reflection of St Barth’s enduring appeal among the global yachting elite, and a year-on-year rise of nearly 9% in arrivals. With this kind of momentum, the 2025/2026 festive season promises to be equally dazzling.
A New Wave of Gastronomy Arrives for 2025
This November marks the arrival of one of the island’s most anticipated new culinary players: Bar des Prés, the latest outpost from celebrated French chef Cyril Lignac. Opening November 27, the restaurant brings Lignac’s contemporary interpretation of sushi and French-Asian cuisine to the Caribbean, establishing a new gastronomic landmark in Saint-Barthélemy.
The island’s beloved institutions return as well, beginning with Nikki Beach’s legendary “Holiday Stretch” from December 26 to January 5. Days unfold with high-energy performances and champagne-fueled afternoons by the sea, but New Year’s Eve remains the highlight. Executive Chef Antoine Durand presents a curated holiday menu, followed by a night of world-class music. Rising star LP Giobbi opens, leading into a midnight crescendo headlined by Diplo, who takes over the decks as fireworks shimmer over the bay.
For those seeking a more intimate celebration, Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa offers an elegant alternative. Guests are treated to an evening of magic and music courtesy of mentalist Damien Dubi and musical duo Betty Loop, creating a soulful and memorable close to the year.
A Fresh Pulse in Gustavia Nightlife
St Barth’s nightlife scene continues its renaissance with the debut of The Barry, a complete reimagination of the former La Casa. Set above the harbour with commanding views of the yachts below, this new-era venue is poised to become one of the island’s most talked-about clubs when it launches in November 2025.
Expect elevated mixology, exclusive DJ residencies, and signature events hosted by nightlife icon Cathy Guetta, who brings a fresh infusion of style and energy to Gustavia’s after-dark landscape. The Barry will also unveil a Nikkei restaurant blending Japanese precision with Peruvian vibrancy—think refined ceviches, sashimi and bold, umami-driven dishes ideal for sunset dinners or pre-party evenings.
Beloved local spots complete the island’s culinary picture. Le Grain de Sel in Saline returns with its crowd-pleasing Creole comfort food, while Villa Lodge in Grand Cul-de-Sac reopens with refreshed design and its signature boutique charm.
January & February: The Softer Side of St Barth
Once the last champagne bottle has been popped and the yachts begin their slow departure, St Barth shifts into a gentler rhythm. The early months of the year reveal the island at its most serene—a time prized by returning visitors for its quiet beaches, balmy mornings and restorative energy.
Days start on turquoise waters before transitioning to scenic hikes, including the beloved trail to Colombier, where hidden rock pools and sweeping panoramas reward the effort. Long, sun-drenched lunches extend into slow, golden evenings overlooking the sea.
Wellbeing becomes the season’s central theme. At Eden Rock, guests can now experience The Korean Lift, an exclusive new ritual created with SeeMyCosmetics, designed to brighten, contour and rejuvenate the skin with immediate effect.
The island’s accommodation scene continues to evolve as well. The recently opened Aminos Hotel & Restaurant, perched above the Grand-Cul-de-Sac lagoon, offers a fresh take on island hospitality with peaceful views, minimalist elegance and a relaxed culinary identity rooted in the landscape.
A Destination for Celebration and Renewal
St Barth has mastered the rare balance between electrifying celebration and complete tranquility. Whether guests arrive for the island’s iconic New Year’s festivities or seek its quieter, soul-soothing moments in the months that follow, the island offers both with unparalleled style.
In 2025, St Barth reaffirms what loyal visitors already know: there is simply nowhere else like it.
