When the Kardashian-Jenner family landed in Saint-Barthélemy—or St. Barts, as it’s more casually known—cameras were rolling, outfits were coordinated, and emotions, predictably, ran high. In Season 11, Episode 6 (“Non-Bon Voyage”) of Keeping Up with the Kardashians (E!), the family used the pristine French Caribbean island as a glamorous escape—but, true to the brand, they couldn’t leave the drama behind.
This article dives into:
- What KUWTK is and how it became a reality TV empire.
- Why St. Barts was a perfect backdrop for the Kardashians.
- A guide to the real-life filming locations you can visit.
📺 What Is Keeping Up with the Kardashians?
Keeping Up with the Kardashians is a reality television series that ran from 2007 to 2021, chronicling the lives of the Kardashian-Jenner family. With hundreds of episodes, the show followed Kim, Kourtney, Khloé, Kylie, Kendall, Kris, and their romantic partners through fame, family drama, businesses, and international travel.
One of the show’s signatures was location-driven storytelling. From Dubai to Bora Bora to Aspen, the Kardashians made travel an emotional and visual set piece. Saint Barts was no exception.
🌴 Why Saint Barts? A Perfect Kardashian Location
St. Barts has long been synonymous with:
- Luxury, privacy, and understated wealth
- Celebrity sightings and yachting culture
- A French-Caribbean identity that feels both exclusive and international
This aligns perfectly with the Kardashian brand—ultra-wealthy, high-visibility, and yet styled to appear effortless. The family didn’t just vacation in St. Barts—they used it as a stage for both escapism and emotional narrative.
🎞️ Recap: What Happens in “Non-Bon Voyage”?
In this 2015 episode:
- The family heads to St. Barts to bond, relax, and escape tension back home.
- Khloé discovers that Kris is still in contact with her ex, Lamar Odom.
- Kylie invites Tyga, which disrupts the family’s intended “girls’ trip.”
- Kourtney struggles emotionally as news about Scott Disick’s behavior surfaces.
While the mood is supposed to be sunny and serene, the underlying tensions make the episode classic Kardashian fare: visually dreamy, emotionally messy.
📍 The Exact Filming Locations in Saint-Barthélemy
Here’s where the Kardashians actually stayed and played—and where you can follow in their designer footsteps.
🏡 1. Villa La Banane
– Where the Family Stayed
- What It Is: A high-end, retro-inspired villa in Lorient, originally a 1950s hotel turned private residence.
- Features: 9 bungalows, a pool, lush private gardens, and vintage French Caribbean charm.
- Why It Matters: This is where most of the indoor scenes were shot. It offers total privacy—perfect for celebrities and, yes, film crews.
- Availability: Occasionally rented through luxury agencies.
🌊 2. Saline Beach
– For Their Famous Beach Scenes
- What It Is: A wide, undeveloped beach on the south coast of the island.
- Known For: No bars, no shops—just sand, dunes, and clear water.
- Scenes: The family is seen walking, chatting, and posing for photos here.
- Public Access: Free and open, with a short hike required to reach it.
🚤 3. Yacht Excursion
– Exploring the Coastline
- What It Was: The family chartered a private yacht for a day trip.
- Locations Seen: Coastal views of Colombier, Gouverneur, and offshore snorkeling spots.
- How to Do It: You can charter similar boats through companies like St. Barth Sailor or MasterSki Pilou.
🛍️ 4. Gustavia Town
– Quick Glimpses During Shopping Scenes
- What It Is: The island’s capital, lined with designer stores, galleries, and harbor views.
- Seen In: Montage scenes of shopping, walking, and café visits.
- Tip: The harbor area, especially during high season, is buzzing with celebrity yachts.
🧭 Why This Episode Still Matters
The Kardashian St. Barts trip isn’t just a travel episode—it’s emblematic of the show’s formula:
- Luxury meets vulnerability
- Exotic scenery as an emotional escape
- A real place turned into a curated fantasy
It also reinforced Saint Barthélemy’s brand as a discreet haven for the rich and famous, one that fits seamlessly into international pop culture narratives without losing its French-Caribbean soul.
💬 Final Thoughts
Even years later, the St. Barts episode remains a fan favorite—not for explosive drama, but for its contrast: the beauty of the island vs. the turmoil of the characters.
If you’re heading to St. Barts and want to “do it like a Kardashian,” now you know exactly where to go.
