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There's no denying it: St. Barths is the king of New Year’s Eve celebrations. Each December, celebrities, loyal St. Barths regulars, and jetsetters of all stripes flock to the island to ring in the new year together from private yachts, hillside resorts, and the island's chicest restaurants and bars.
It's a party unrivaled by any other, energized by the anticipation of a fresh start in the coming year and the beauty, elegance, and sophistication that make St. Barths the Caribbean gem that it is. After enduring the uncertainties and challenges of the last year, there's no better time or place to celebrate the approach of a fresh start — and there's no better way to get there than on a private charter to St. Barths with Tradewind Aviation.
Private travel provides a secure, comfortable, and crowd-free way to vacation, especially with Tradewind. All of our aircraft are uniquely positioned to offer a best-in-class private experience from your home to your awaiting St. Barths resort, hotel, or yacht. The experience begins with a luxury private jet charter from anywhere in the U.S. to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Upon arrival at the private jet terminal in San Juan, guests will board the awaiting Tradewind Pilatus PC-12 for a seamless transfer to St. Barths. Once you’ve stepped foot on the tarmac of Gustav III airport, let the celebration begin.
Alternatively, fly commercially into San Juan and connect with a Tradewind Pilatus PC-12 private charter or scheduled service flight into St. Barths.
Where to Stay on New Year’s
Charter yacht accommodations are highly favored for New Year's Eve in St. Barths. There are several agencies to choose from when it comes to finding a boat that best fits your needs, from more intimate 12-passenger crafts to 36-guest beauties, including IYC and Yacht Charter Fleet.
If you’d prefer to take in the festivities by land, seek out a stay at one of the island’s many fine hotels and resorts, including Eden Rock, Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf, Le Toiny, Le Sereno, Villa Marie, Hotel Manapany, Christopher St. Barths, and Le Barthélemy. Additionally, WIMCO Villas and St. Barth Properties offer private villa rentals (and hotel options with St. Barth Properties!) that are ideal for welcoming in the new year.
Le Sereno
For an even more exclusive getaway, Tradewind has partnered with all of these properties to provide the ultimate St. Barths experience. Each partnership includes exclusive offers only available through this promotion (think complimentary spa treatments, dining experiences, and private boat charters), as well as complimentary round-trip ground transportation, an onboard welcome amenity kit, and a 10% discount on a future trip with Tradewind.
Where to Eat on New Year’s
Maya’s Restaurant
Much like it is in France, gastronomy is one of St. Barths’ greatest passions. From traditional French fare to global dishes inspired by Japan, Peru, Italy, and beyond, there is a restaurant to suit every occasion and craving.
Live music and dishes inspired by chef Yiannis Kioroglou’s Greek upbringing and travels around Europe are on offer at Shellona, located in the heart of Gustavia. At Maya's Restaurant, top-notch farm- and ocean-to-table dishes await. The restaurant has been a favorite destination of locals and loyal St. Barths visitors since it opened in 1984, its welcoming atmosphere providing the ideal setting to let the island time pass by with friends new and old.
Authentic Japanese cuisine is the star of the show at Orega. Since opening in December 2015, the fusion eatery has garnered top ratings and the highest praise from food critics and visitors alike. At Tamarin, enjoy island-influenced French favorites in a gorgeous garden setting. And if your palate is craving Italian flavors, L’Isola has been serving up homemade pasta dishes, antipasti, salads, risottos, meat, and fish since 2008, using ingredients sourced from Italy and local meat and fish based on daily market offerings.
Where to Go on New Year’s
Photo: SV Zanshin / Wikimedia
The harbor of Port de Plaisance in Gustavia is the official epicenter of New Year’s celebrations in St. Barths. The dockside berths and anchor moorings sparkle with luxury yachts and their equally refined guests. On shore, the designer boutiques and jewelry shops of the island's capital entice strolling window shoppers with the latest fashions from France, Milan, and New York.
Of course, nowhere in St. Barths is as fashionable or draws as many celebrity guests as Nikki Beach. The swanky venue notably "celebrates life" with ultra-glamorous events and a chic beachfront restaurant and bar featuring fresh seafood and fine wines. In the four days leading up to New Year's Eve this year, Nikki Beach will host a different experience each night, all of which encompass fashion, dance, beauty, and that little extra something only they can produce.
Photo: Copyright CTTSB
Starting in the morning, partake in a fashion show of another sort: the annual New Year's Eve yacht parade. Making a full loop around the island, the beautiful boats vie for best-in-show prizes awarded later at the awards ceremony, each glimmering seafaring vessel more glamorous than the next.
Come evening, it's time for the main event. Fireworks light up the sky at midnight, accompanied by the clinking of champagne flutes. The colorful explosions create a picturesque backdrop unlike any other, their vivid, sparkling streaks serving as metaphors for the hope of the year to come.
To learn more about Tradewind's private charters to St. Barths and booking your vacation for New Year's Eve, please visit our website or contact our specialists at charter@flytradewind.com or 1-800-376-7922. To learn more about Tradewind’s comprehensive safety plan, please visit our COVID-19 Response page. For the latest travel updates, please visit our Travel Advisory page.
Featured photo: Copyright CTTSB