In “Pack With Me,” influencers and editors give us a rundown of their travel must haves and a few travel hacks to go along with them. For this installment, PS Shopping editor Kyley Warren shares what essentials are necessary for a getaway to St. Barts in the Caribbean.
Last summer might’ve seen an uptick in European travel, but this summer, most people seem to have their sights set on a much different vacation destination: the Caribbean. While my travel preferences typically lean more toward cobblestone cities than beach getaways, even I’ve been itching to book an island escape after seeing so many tropical videos splashed across my TikTok feed.
I was recently afforded the opportunity to travel to St. Barts, which is regarded as one of the most luxurious islands in the Caribbean — known for its decadent food offerings, vibrant nightlife, pristine beaches, and, of course, wide assortment of shopping boutiques. Leonardo DiCaprio is a frequent visitor, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez have enjoyed New Year’s Eve celebrations on the island, and the destination has even become a hotspot for royals like Pippa Middleton.
Whether you’re looking for tips on the best St. Barts restaurant, are wondering what type of luggage is best for navigating the St. Barts airport — because booking your flights was enough of a hassle — or simply want some extra advice on the best St. Barts clothing to pack regardless of what your trip will entail, I’ve curated a Caribbean packing list that’ll ensure your next tropical getaway lives up to the hype. For expert recommendations on the top St. Barts hotels and tourist spots, keep reading for my full breakdown.
What to Pack For St. Barts
Ideally, your trip to St. Barts will involve lots of time spent lounging by the ocean and walking any one of the island’s (many) picturesque beaches — you’re in the Caribbean, after all. When it comes to packing, there are the usual suspects: a comfortable swimsuit (or two!), sunscreen, a travel adapter, and a pair of cute sunglasses. But there are also a few lesser-known items you’ll want to make sure are included on your packing list.
St. Barts has a very dramatic landscape with lots of hills and valleys that require some serious trekking — whether you’re walking into town or venturing out to the beach. You’ll want a pair of comfortable walking shoes or sandals that you can slip into for whatever activity you might have planned.
Mosquitoes are to be expected given the island’s humid climate and proximity to water — so be sure to pack a bug spray that’ll repel them and help keep you comfortable while lounging on the beach. And whether you’re prone to motion sickness or simply aren’t acclimated to the Caribbean’s choppy waters, Dramamine will be your best friend for any sailboat rides or catamaran tours you plan to book.
Where to Stay in St. Barts
Where you choose to stay in St. Barts will be dependent on which part of the island you’d most like to explore. I stayed in Gustavia at Le Carl Gustaf on the west side of St. Barts. The property offered everything you’d expect from a five-star hotel in the Caribbean: gorgeous accommodations with views of the harbor, a large deck with its own onsite mini pool, access to the hotel’s soothing spa, Spa Diane Barrière, and yummy coastal food that’s only steps away from your suite — courtesy of Beefbar.
Le Carl Gustaf is also in close proximity to Downtown Gustavia and the capital’s main street, which is a walkable shopping district that’s lined with luxury boutiques and restaurants. It’s the perfect location for those looking to get a taste of everything that St. Barts has to offer — from its sweeping harbor views and tucked-away beaches (like Shell Beach) to hikes and access to high-end shopping.
Other popular tourist spots on the island include Nikki Beach in Saint-Jean, Gouverneur Beach (located on the southern portion of the island), and Cheval Blanc, which is a popular celebrity hotspot that’s hosted the likes of Beyoncé, Madonna, and more.
Ahead, see what you shouldn’t forget to pack for a trip to St. Barts.
A Hydrating Sheet Mask
ESW Beauty The Pink Dream Moisturizing Raw Juice Sheet Mask ($5)
Despite all the humidity and moisture in the air, I still found myself reaching for a sheet mask each night of my trip to help hydrate my skin and improve its overall glow. This affordable sheet mask from ESW Beauty is made from fresh ingredients that work to rejuvenate skin from the inside out — ensuring it looks more radiant overnight. I recommend squeezing a few of these into your personal carry-on bag, in addition to booking a luxurious spa treatment while you’re there — it’s the Caribbean after all, and Le Carl Gustaf’s Spa Diane Barrière has no shortage of nourishing facials.
A Bug Spray
Repel Insect Repellent Spray ($7, originally $17)
This can be added to the list of things I wished that I had packed — and will absolutely be top of mind for my next Caribbean getaway. While my hotel was kind enough to supply me with bug repellant in my room, the island’s dense mosquito population still got the best of me; I returned home with an assortment of mosquito bites on my legs that had me itchy for days. Be sure to have this handy in your toiletry bag and at the ready whenever you go to the beach (or even into town).
A Wellness Essential
Dramamine Motion Sickness Relief ($9)
Whether you’re planning on booking a catamaran excursion or a coordinated ride around St. Barts, I recommend taking a couple of Dramamine tablets — especially if you’re someone who’s prone to motion sickness. The water can be pretty choppy, depending on the season, and these tablets will help tame your drowsiness.
A Portable Fan
TriPole Mini Handheld Fan ($10, originally $12)
If you’re planning a St. Barts vacation during the summer months, expect semi-warm temperatures that’ll feel much hotter due to the island’s humidity and dense climate. This portable fan proved to be a lifesaver while lounging on the beach, and even throughout my 15-minute charter flight from St. Maarten to St. Barts — which didn’t have air conditioning.
A Practical Dry Sack
Osprey Ultralight Dry Sack ($20)
If you want to maximize your time spent at the beach (and in the water) without muddying the contents of your suitcase, be sure to pack this dry bag from Osprey. It has a waterproof-coated fabric and seams that are designed to withstand moisture, so you can tuck your wet swimsuit into it and be on your merry way.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Nisolo Go-To Flatform Sandal 2.0 ($69, originally $138)
One under-discussed part of St. Barts: it’s incredibly hilly with a bumpy landscape that sees a lot of elevation changes, whether you’re walking into town or driving to and from the St. Barts airport. I recommend packing a comfortable pair of sandals that’ll keep your feet feeling supported without creating awkward tan lines, like you might get from a pair of sneakers or boots. This Nisolo style has a soft interior lining, plus a ribbed outsole that provides better grip support, so you won’t have to worry about slipping while going up hills.
A Travel Bag
Béis The Commuter Duffle ($138)
The luggage you choose to take on your trip will be totally dependent on the length of time you plan to stay. If you can manage to pack just a carry-on suitcase or duffle bag — like this editor-approved style from Béis — I highly recommend it. Travelers flying from the United States will likely have to transfer from St. Marteen to St. Barts via a small charter plane, which means you’ll need to carry your luggage onto the runway before boarding. The less baggage you have, the easier the process will be.
A Protective Hat
Lack of Color The Inca Bucket Hat ($149)
This bucket hat from Lack of Color has been a staple on all of my beach vacations, and my trip to St. Barts was no different. I love this accessory because it fits like a classic bucket hat (aka it’s extremely flattering), but boasts a woven straw design that won’t be affected by sun exposure, so you can confidently wear it for even the longest days spent outside.
A Stylish Swimsuit
Andrea Iyamah Nayo One-Piece Swimsuit ($215)
If there’s ever a trip to splurge a little extra on a cute swimsuit, it’s when you’re traveling to the Caribbean. Andrea Iyamah is my favorite brand for shopping out swimwear that’s equally stylish and comfortable. This particular suit has a halterneck design that delivers a more unique structure, plus its shimmery emerald coloring looks so luxe. What’s not to love?
Kyley Warren is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.
Travel and expenses for the author were provided by Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf for the purpose of writing this story.