Best Gustavia Villas for Rent

Gustavia, the main town of St. Barts is home to luxury boutiques, historic sites, dining establishments and nightlife venues. It feels like a neighbourhood, complete with dining venues and local amenities, so you don’t have to venture beyond the town if you’d rather not. It’s also a great base to explore the island’s myriad attractions, with key attractions located just 10 to 15 minutes’ drive away.

Gustavia villas

We offer a wide selection of Gustavia villas, each of which are rigorously assessed to meet our stringent standards. When you book a vacation rental in St Barts with us, you’re only choosing from the best of holiday homes that the destination has to offer. You can choose from a single bedroom configuration, to properties with several bedrooms and bathrooms at your disposal.

Our centrally located Gustavia villa rentals are a great option for travellers who want to be close to the heart of the action. We also offer properties that enjoy secluded, tucked-away locations, but are just a quick drive away from sights and entertainment options.

Family activities in Gustavia

From your Gustavia villa, you’re just a stone’s throw away from the heart of the town. There’s plenty to see and do, including shopping, visiting nightlife attractions and exploring historical sites that offer stunning views out to the bay. Take in the beautiful Scandinavian-inspired architecture as you wander through the cobblestone streets, which are lined with restaurants, cafes and shops.

St. Barts is a shopping haven where vacationers can enjoy duty-free shopping, and discover the island’s numerous art galleries and boutiques. Clic is a great place to purchase souvenirs—the concept store sells an extensive selection of goods ranging from art books and framed photographs, to fashion wear and accessories.

Stop by at Poupette for ladies’ resort wear, or Pasha St. Barth for mens’ beachwear and loungewear. Baya features unique furniture and home decor pieces created by artisans from all across the world.

The Wall House Museum, set within a stone building dating back to the 18th century, offers insight into the local history. From the museum, take a 10-minute stroll to Le Vieux Clocher. It’s the oldest building in the town, and its distinctive and colourful Swedish-style architecture offers great photo-taking opportunities.

For uninterrupted vistas over the bay, head to Fort Karl or Fort Gustave. Both sites are excellent vantage points that offer views out to the sea and surrounding islands.

From the port of Gustavia, you can easily access Shell Beach. As its name suggests, the coast is peppered with shells, and shelling is a popular activity for beach-goers here.

Outside of Gustavia, our recommendations for family-friendly beaches include St. Jean Beach (it’s located just under five minutes’ drive from your Gustavia villa). There’s a selection of dining venues located close by, making it a convenient attraction for family outings. Plus, the beach boasts gentle waves that are suitable for children.

Lorient Beach is also a popular option with families. The shores are a little rocky, but you’ll find protected reef pools along the coast that are safe for toddlers to wade in.

Nature lovers will enjoy the wide ranging outdoor activities that the island offers, which include nature walks and hikes, as well as water sports like surfing, kite surfing and wreck diving.

Popular walking trails include the hike to Colombier Beach, the coastline trail at Le Toiny, the loop road around Point Milou and the walk leading to the Grand Fond natural pools.

Activities and points of interest in Gustavia

With its relaxed vibes, beautiful beaches and year-round tropical climate, St Barts checks off all the right boxes for a wellness vacation. In Gustavia, you can unwind with a massage at Spa Excellence des Sens. The luxury spa also features other types of treatments, including facials, body treatments and movement workshops.

Or release your muscle tension in a yoga class at Nanda Yoga. Classes are offered for a variety of yoga styles, including vinyasa flow, yin yoga, prenatal yoga and more. Your Gustavia villa concierge can also organise in-villa spa, yoga or fitness session, so you can enjoy body treatments or a workout in the comfort of your holiday home.

It’s party time after dusk—and St. Bart’s diverse nightlife scene offers an array of choices for Gustavia villa vacationers. Tucked along a small alley is Casa, a nightclub featuring international DJ acts throughout the week. Quarter Kitchen & Cocktail Lab, located just a stone’s throw away from Casa features an award-winning cocktail program.

Nearby in St. Jean Beach, there’s the widely popular luxury beach club Nikki Beach. Come for the venue’s Amazing Sundays party, which draws a crowd with its DJ acts, champagne spray wars and tabletop dancing.

Shop til You Drop at Gustavia

Gustavia is one of the indisputable shopping capitals of the Caribbean because of its renowned triad of high-fashion retail centers and the countless bespoke design outlets and stores that are scattered throughout its lanes and alleyways.

The historic Quai de la Republique features stores like Bulgari, Hermes, and more, is the best hub of the retail action in the island. Then there is the posh Carre d'Or Plaza, which is home to many of St. Bart's independent businesses and innovative designers. Think of the handmade beachwear and black Tahitian pearl necklaces there.

The La Savane Center, located directly across from the airport and packed with high-street shops, is the last stop.

Enjoy Panoramic View from Fort Gustav

This ancient fort complex, built in the early 18th century by St Bart's former Swedish rulers, not only provides a window into the island's colonial past but also some of the most breathtaking views of the Gustavia harbor.

The towering whitewashed and red-tipped lighthouse that rises in the middle of the site today makes it identifiable. The historic cannon-studded bulwarks and the crumbling baking house are two interesting examples of the citadel's previous splendor. Where naval frigates and pirate ships previously engaged in combat in the seas can be seen from the top by visitors.

Restaurants, cafes & bars in Gustavia

The town boasts a vibrant dining scene, and you’ll be just a stone’s throw away from it all from your Gustavia villa.

With its trendy atmosphere, DJs playing music and creative cocktails, a night out at Bonito promises plenty of fun. For a more intimate setting, check out French-Japanese fusion restaurant Orega. Ingredients are sourced from all over the world, and used to prepare artfully presented dishes that look almost too pretty to eat.

Fouquet’s, located with the Hôtels Barrière Le Carl Gustaf, boasts a menu created by three-star Michelin chef Pierre Gagnaire. Here, you’ll feast on French classics with a twist, as the dishes are accented with local ingredients and flavours.

La Cantina and Fish Corner offer a casual and relaxed ambience. La Cantina is a great spot to come alone, or with friends to enjoy a drink and small nibbles. And as its name suggests, diners can expect a wide range of seafood dishes—from tuna burgers, to fish and chips—at Fish Corner. If you’re self-catering at your Gustavia villa, you can purchase freshly caught fish from the on-site fish market.

Bakeries like La Boulangerie Choisy offer a selection of pastries, salads and sandwiches, and are a great option to pick up supplies for a picnic.

La Crepêrie & Restaurant and Santa Fe are popular choices for kid-friendly dining. The former features items like crêpes and pancakes on its menu, while the latter serves modern French fare.

Self-catering at your Gustavia villa is convenient. Our properties feature a fully equipped kitchen, and are centrally located so you can easily access the local markets and shops. Other services, such as villa pre-stocking and private dining experiences are available upon request.