St Barts

That seems to be a concern to getting there

Worth overcoming that? Best areas to stay? Hotel?

We stayed at LeToiny last year and it couldn’t have been nicer. Rent a car and have mobility. Book a different beach club every day. Save your money bc it’s pricey.

Fly in. The flight is part of the experience.

St. Barth's is definitely worth a visit. We took the plane from St. Martin and while it is an adventure, it was not "scary". It is expensive, but unique. Lots of great hotel and villa options - we stayed at Le Sereno and loved it. The restaurants on the island are amazing - it is French after all. Make sure to rent a car and drive to all the beaches on the island - they are all very different and worth a visit (all are public). All the beaches are topless, and there's even a nude beach if you're into that...

Just went for the 4th. Great island, very expensive but you get what you pay for. Took the ferry on the way in (flight was booked) but took the flight on the way out. Whatever you do, book the flight.

Stayed at the Carl Gustaf, it was fantastic. Service was incredible. Beef Bar, the restaurant in the hotel, was awesome. Some of the best food we had all week. We also did Bonito, Tamarin, and Bagatelle. Bonito was great, Tamarin was a cool spot but not amazing food. Bagatelle was blah, could have done without.

Spent 2 days at Gyp Sea beach club and 1 day at Shellona beach club (they partner with Carl Gustaf for free chairs all day). Both great spots, beach was better at Gyp Sea. And you are closer to other beach clubs like Nikki beach and Nao beach.

We did not rent a car, just felt it was easier taking taxi rides although more expensive. Carl Gustaf is close to Gustavia which is where a good bit of dinner spots are. Walkable if you can handle steep incline back up the hill.

Would recommend going during low season, talking to some waiters and people they basically said during high season they will arbitrarily raise table minimums anywhere from $300-$1500 a day just for a table/beach chairs. Thought that was important to know for future plans. Lodging is also about double the cost during that time as well.

Pulled the trigger - Booked for January

That’s where we booked too - how much did you stay on resort or travel to other beaches?

Rent a mini cooper. Parking is tight and the roads are narrow. You’ll want it to beach hop and get to restaurants.

I get the excitement of renting a "fun" car, but with the narrow roads and tight parking we always go for something older with dings and dents in it already. I don't think I've had a trip without some minor car damage and have never been charged for it, where with the newer "fun" cars you will for sure be charged for any ding or scratch. Also, you don't want a big car. We find the Suzuki Vitara on Jimny to be about right for a family of 4. Recommend Gumbs car rental to anyone going to SBH. Family run business, and Odile is fantastic to work with.

Enough to do to hang at the resort some days?

Also, will have a car and hit different beaches - what beach clubs?

Flight into SBH was booked so having to ferry but will be flying out