Why is St Barts called “Billionaires Island”? (2024)

Why is St Barts called “Billionaires Island”? (1)

St Barts, also known as “Billionaires Island” in the press, is a famous playground for the world’s ultra wealthy.

The Caribbean island has everything one can dream of when it comes to luxury: opulent villas and exclusive resorts, designer shops and gourmet restaurants.

But what makes St Barts so popular among billionaires? What sets it apart from any other private island?

This article will take you on a journey through the different aspects of the ‘Billionaire Island’. We will try to understand why this French-speaking Caribbean paradise became (and still is) a favorite among the rich and powerful.

So if you’re planning your next high-end vacation or just curious about this jet set destination, keep reading.

The allure of St Barts for the wealthy

St Barts might not be your typical tropical paradise but it certainly knows how to offer an unforgettable vacation experience for its visitors.

Indeed, beyond its pristine beaches and postcard-like landscapes, the small French-speaking Caribbean island has managed to create a unique level of exclusivity that continues to seduce its guests year after year.

From upscale amenities and VIP services available at luxury villas and resorts, to gourmet dining options and world-class sailing opportunities, you’re sure to live like royalty during your time in St Barts.

The commitment to maintaining a low-density but high-quality tourism experience is what truly sets it apart from other travel destinations. And that’s simply part of the allure of St Barts for wealthy individuals.

Exclusive vacation opportunities in St Barts

If what you want out of your trip is pure luxury without even having to ask for it, then St Barts should definitely be on top of your list.

Many describe coming here as stepping into another dimension where money doesn’t matter — only because nothing feels impossible here. You just have to know who contact!

Here are some examples of the exclusive vacation opportunities you can expect to find in St Barts:

  • Luxury yacht charters
  • Private beaches
  • High-profile events such as the St. Barth’s Bucket Regatta or the Les Voiles de Saint-Barth
  • Investment opportunities in luxury properties
  • Spa services at high-end resorts
  • Designer boutiques for high fashion shopping
  • Fine dining establishments offering a range of international flavors

These opportunities give you an idea of what to expect during your time on the island. But don’t worry if none of this appeals to you — there are plenty other ordinary activities you’ll be able to enjoy during your trip.

St Barts: A synonym for luxury lifestyle

If there’s one expression that summarizes St Barts, it's luxury lifestyle.

The island is just extravagant from every angle and it shows with all the features it has to offer for its guests who aren't familiar with simple living anymore.

Its high-end travel amenities include luxury villas and exclusive resorts, gourmet restaurants, and designer shops that sell nothing but the best brands in fashion.

In fact, Gustavia (the capital) is also known for hosting some of the most lavish events ever organized in history. From Victoria Secret’s legendary fashion show to Leonardo DiCaprio’s Birthday Party back in 2015, money keeps flowing on this side of town!

And when it comes to food, choices are indeed endless. If you ever run out of ideas during your stay here, visit Le Bar de L’Oubli — an iconic restaurant that has been open since 1940s and serves over 85 different types of rum!

But as we said before, luxury isn’t necessarily about material possessions in St Barts. It’s about embracing life at its fullest in an environment that values quality over quantity.

The small size of the island makes it feel intimate. You can easily explore the entire place while you’re there.

They have private beaches for their rich visitors. These untouched spots are perfect if you’re looking to escape from people and just relax.

The experience of being on this private island is about more than just luxury. It’s about enjoying nature in a secluded setting that’s breathtaking.

Why do celebrities and billionaires choose St Barts?

Billionaires and Celebrities love this place so much that they even gave it a nickname: “Billionaire Island.”

When you hear that, it’s not hard to understand why they constantly flood in. They want to be around other elite individuals like themselves, who also enjoy the privacy, luxury, and top-tier service offered here.

This place is also tax-friendly, which is always attractive to wealthy people. And if you already don’t have enough reasons to visit here yet: it’s supposedly super safe too.

Ultimately, the blend of privacy, luxury, and natural beauty brings out all the big names in Hollywood and Wall Street to this Caribbean paradise.

St Barts beyond the glitz: Natural beauty and Tranquility

While St Barts is known for its glitz and glamour—it’s important not to forget its natural beauty as well. The locals take great pride in keeping everything as pristine as possible.

You’ll find crystal-clear waters everywhere you go on this island. It’s perfect for snorkeling or diving down into so you can admire coral reefs and marine wildlife up close.

In a nutshell, St Barts offers all the relaxation, adventure, and sophistication that people from extreme wealth are looking for in a vacation destination.

Why is St Barts called “Billionaires Island”? (2024)

FAQs

Why is St Barts so special? ›

The island of St Barts is not only blessed with a mild climate and an always pleasant water temperature, it also knows how to properly welcome its visitors, encouraging all to partake in its attractions and delights – its beaches, shopping in Gustavia and Saint-Jean, exceptional villa rentals and fine dining are all ...

What is the difference between St Barts and St. Barths? ›

Saint Barthélemy (French: Saint-Barthélemy, [sɛ̃ baʁtelemi]), officially the Collectivité territoriale de Saint-Barthélemy, also known as St. Barts (English) or St. Barth (French), is an overseas collectivity of France in the Caribbean.

Do they speak English in St Barts? ›

Barts' official language is French, but English is fluently spoken. The official currency is the Euro, but American dollars are often accepted. Electricity is 220-240 volts - 50 hertz. Adapters for other voltages are provided in our villas and hotels.

Is St Barts nice? ›

Barts is known as one of the most luxurious islands in the Caribbean.

Why do billionaires go to St Barts? ›

The allure of St Barts for the wealthy

The commitment to maintaining a low-density but high-quality tourism experience is what truly sets it apart from other travel destinations. And that's simply part of the allure of St Barts for wealthy individuals.

Why do celebrities love St Barts? ›

St. Barts is where Hollywood goes to relax and unwind. The tiny French-speaking island east of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands is just nine square miles (24 square kilometers) in area. It boasts 22 white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters, and is populated by only 10,289 permanent residents (per the 2019 census).

Why is St Barts so expensive? ›

It's expensive partly because most goods on the island need to be imported, but also because it's earned a reputation for catering to rich clientele, according to HuffPost.

What is the racial makeup of St Barts? ›

Because its rocky, arid soil never supported slave plantations, the population of the island is mostly of European descent (Swedish and French), and the spoken language is a 17th-century dialect of Normandy.

Where do the celebrities stay in St Barts? ›

Eden Rock St.

Perched dramatically on a rocky promontory overlooking idyllic St. Jean Bay, Eden Rock St. Barts enjoys a legendary reputation as the island's premiere luxury resort—and a perennial magnet for drawing celebrities like moths to a flame.

Is there poverty in St Barts? ›

St Barts History

St Barts can reliably boast the best hotels in the Americas and some of the best chefs and restaurants. Today, St Barts has no unemployment, poverty, gangs, no fast food, casinos and virtually no crime.

Does St Barts have a hospital? ›

St Bartholomew's Hospital operates a one-way system with drop-off and pick up at three designated laybys, with a maximum stay of 10 minutes. You can access the drop off point from Giltspur Street and exit onto King Edward Street.

Is Louis Vuitton cheaper in St. Barths? ›

The St Barts paradox is that luxury goods (e.g. Hermès bags, Cartier jewelry, Louis Vuitton suitcases) are tax-free, so about 20% cheaper than in the US or France.

What is the crime rate on St Barts island? ›

St. Barts is incredibly safe and there is very little to no crime on the island. The island is also marked as one of the safest Caribbean islands due to its murder rate of zero.

What food is St Barts known for? ›

With a delicious selection of local catches from tuna to mahi mahi to Caribbean lobster, St. Barths' seafood scene is second to none. What's more, virtually everything you eat is caught, delivered, and served within a matter of hours—taking the word “fresh” a whole new meaning.

Can you drink tap water in St Barts? ›

Can you drink the water in St Barts? Yes, the water in St Barts is generally safe to drink. Who Lives in St Barts? Because St Barts is a French island, anyone with a European passport can live and work on the island.

Why is everyone going to St Barts? ›

It also has everything one could imagine for a dream vacation in the Caribbean. Like many of the other islands in the Caribbean, St Barts has beautiful white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise seawater. There are 22 beaches around the island, with many barely hosting anything that looks like mass tourism.

Why is Saint Barts so expensive? ›

It's expensive partly because most goods on the island need to be imported, but also because it's earned a reputation for catering to rich clientele, according to HuffPost.

What is Barts known for? ›

Barts—also known as St-Barth, St. Barths, and Saint Barthélemy—is a French-speaking Caribbean island known for its luxe vibe and flawless beaches.

Why is it so hard to get to St Barts? ›

First the bad news: there are no direct flights to St Barts from cities in the continental US, or from any cities in Europe. St Barts' uniquely short runway at Gustav III Airport (SBH) can only accommodate STOL (short takeoff and landing) prop planes seating 18 people or less.

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