St. Barths Honeymoon on Three Budgets

This Caribbean island serves mystique and romance at every price point.

The island of St. Barths is a little island with massive appeal. Set in the Caribbean — in the French West Indies — it has long been an inclusive paradise always up for a good time, whether it be through day parties filled with Champagne or relaxing on the beach with a spritz in hand. It's also, no surprise, the perfect place for a honeymoon. And while St. Barths has a reputation for being quite pricey, you can actually experience the island on any budget.

SMART SAVINGS

Save money by going in the off-season, which falls in May to July. (Thankfully, this is when many canoodling couples honeymoon anyway!) You'll still enjoy great weather and the fabulous 16 free beaches. For those on a budget, renting an Airbnb or Vrbo is going to be your best bet, since you're more likely to be off-the-beaten path (but never far from a beach), and you'll be able to cook more meals at home with a kitchen. St. Barths' food is notoriously expensive, so plan to dine in albeit a few special meals for times out.

At around $50/day, beach rentals can get expensive. Bring your own towel from home and buy a cheap beach chair upon arrival for serious savings.

Psst … Le Village has fabulously good hotel deals, many of them with kitchens.

St. Barths Gay Honeymoon Destination Le Toiny Hotel — *Photos courtesy of Le Toiny*

MID-LUXURY

Some of the best-kept lcoal secrets in St. Barths are the dives and small restaurants that serve great food for normal prices — like Eddy's Restaurant, Le Select, or Fish Corner.

For mid-level luxury resorts, look into Le Toiny or Le Barthélemy, both of which you can get for under $1,000 a night.

St. Barths Gay Honeymoon Destination Hotel Barthelemy — *Photos courtesy of Le Barthélemy*

Many resorts have deals if you are staying multiple nights, and it's worth talking to someone (not just a computer) when booking to see if you they can amp up your package or add something a little special. Free breakfasts, a comped dinner at the resort, or sweet gestures like wine in the room are all often part of the St. Barths experience as a honeymooner, so play that honeymoon card! Many hotels will also pick you up from the airport, saving you even more.

St. Barths Gay Honeymoon Destination Le Guanahani Rosewood Hotel — *Photos courtesy of Le Guanahani Rosewood Hotels*

St. Barths Gay Honeymoon Destination Cheval Blanc — *Photos courtesy of Cheval Blanc*

OVER-THE-TOP

If upscale service is a high priority, you'll want to stay at one of the many super-luxe options, such as Cheval Blanc, Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, and Eden Rock. Have the concierge plan your meals and excursions, like a private boat charter or attending a dine-and-dance party. When it comes to the dining scene, St. Barths is surprisingly a culinary promised land, and the must-books are: Tamarin for the romantic ambiance alone, Shellona for seaside lunch, Bonito for drinks and early dinners to watch the sunset, and Bagatelle for lively days.

Cover photo provided by Cheval Blanc

**This article was originally featured in Love Inc. V9 print issue. Buy your copy here.**