St. Barths is the perfect place to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve. From the beautiful beaches to the mouth-watering cuisine to the fun of celebrity sightings – this island has something for everyone. As a local resident, I want to share my insider tips on how to enjoy St. Barths while keeping it respectful and low-key. In this blog post, I’ve selected some of the best videos from 2022/2023 that capture what it was like: from breathtaking sunsets to glamorous parties and everything in between. So get ready for an amazing journey through time as you experience St Barths through my eyes.
St Barths 2022 to 2023 New Year’s Eve party (free event on the port)
A nice video showing what it’s like to party with your friends in St Barths is a must-see. The video takes you on a journey, starting at the port, where you can see the fireworks and pass by the beautiful yachts, followed by a visit to la Capitainerie (the square next to the port authority) for the free public celebration. New Year’s Eve 2022 saw French DJ Bob Sinclar taking control of the decks for an unforgettable night!
New Year’s Eve 2023 Yacht and Super-yacht watch (No Russian yachts this year)
What would be a report about St Barths on New Year’s Eve without some breathtaking sights? This year, the stunning Russian yachts from the likes of billionaire Abramovitich were absent (his St Barths property has reportedly been seized). The first video provides beautiful aerial views of the yachts gathered near the port of Gustavia and in front of the public area.
The second video reveals even more yachts and superyachts, such as:
- P. Diddy and family on their luxurious yacht, Victorious
- David Geffen sailing on his dazzling Rising Sun yacht
- Bernie Ecclestone aboard Force Blue
- Dave Hagewood on Galaxy
- Ernesto Bertarelli gliding Vava
- Jerry Jones on Bravo Eugenia
A “normal” December 24 in St Barths with friends, hikes, caviar, and glimpses of cool places
I like this video because it takes us to the vibrant streets of St Barths on December 24. Vlogger Maria Teresa Lopez shares good impressions of island life, like shopping for stunning swimsuits, dropping by a Rosewood Guanahani and Nikki Beach to soak up the views, having dinner at Shelona, buying produce from the local supermarket, and visiting Bar de l’Oubli for high-speed internet access. Plus, there’s always that minor detail when you’re out in public: getting your hair just right. Luckily, you can book hairdressers to come on board your yacht or villa—for just $200 a pop (or DIY)!
The party to attend: LuisaViaRoma x UNICEF on December 29, 2022
The luxurious fashion retailer LuisaViaRoma, based in Florence, Italy, hosted the second edition of their annual UNICEF gala at Emeraude St Barth. The night was filled with a cocktail reception, gala dinner, and a live auction of exclusive items, artwork, and experiences conducted by Simon de Pury. To make the night even more special, world-renowned artists Lenny Kravitz and DRAKE performed for the guests to benefit UNICEF’s efforts to provide care and protection to vulnerable children around the globe. Last year’s edition of the UNICEF gala took place at the Eden Rock Hotel and featured performances by Grammy award-winning artist Dua Lipa.
I did prefer Dua Lipa last year:
Celebrity sighting: P.Diddy and his entourage in Gustavia and on their yacht
On Saturday, December 24th, 2022, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs was spotted filming one of the first installments of a new reality show in the streets of Gustavia. P. Diddy was accompanied by his entourage and production crew, who did some last-minute shopping before heading back to his yacht!
I remember when the Kardashians came to film their own reality show on our island – it always makes me wonder whether I will be in any of those scenes as an unwitting background person.
Another video of P. Diddy in his entourage, on and off their yachts in Barths:
My hope is that through this report, readers can gain an appreciation of what it’s like to experience the holidays in St. Barths; a few weeks every year that are always incredibly special, unique and star-studded!
