We know what you’re thinking: “How could I go wrong with either?” While we’re inclined to agree with you wholeheartedly, St John and St Barts each have their own unique charms, just like us travelers. St John is a lush, wild paradise fit for nature’s explorers, while St Barts is a beautiful slice of French life amid the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Before you take the leap, we recommend doing a little research. The good news is, we’ve done most of the work for you.

The Action

St John: On St John, Mother Nature is queen. Over 60% of the island is a protected nature reserve, which translates into many reasons to pack your good camera and wear a safari hat. A typical day on St John involves waking up bright and early and hiking the Reef Bay Trail, just east of Cruz Bay. The hike is well-marked, moderately challenging and you’ll encounter everything from unusual trees (Sandbox, Kapok) to waterfalls, land crabs and a myriad of birds. Post-hike, switch up the high altitudes for some world-class snorkeling at Watermelon Cay. The beach is along the island’s north shore, accessible by – you guessed it! – a short hike. It boasts incredibly clear waters with about 30ft. visibility, and a healthy, diverse sea life such as coral gardens, sting rays, sea turtles, octopus and barracudas.
Where to stay in St John

St Barts: If you love the French way of life (who doesn’t?), St Barts is your new favorite place. Indeed, while St Barts has a reputation for over-the-top glamour, once you deplane just off St Jean Beach you’ll realize it’s more about relaxed island living. Typical to the French way on St Barts, you’re encouraged to slow down and enjoy the little things in the morning – like croissant and coffee poolside – before you make any moves. When you’re ready, downtown Gustavia is a dream for both the casual browser and the committed buyer; Gucci, Hermès and chic local boutiques line the streets.After you’ve shopped, the renowned Eden Rock hotel, right on St Jean beach, is arguably the dreamiest spot on the island for a relaxed (yet très chic!) late lunch. From watermelon and goat cheese salad to juicy burgers, everything that comes out of Eden Rock’s kitchen pairs oh-so-nicely with a glass of bubbly. Next, it’s time to experience what the island is truly all about: the water. Hop on a Catamaran from Gustavia, equipped with champagne, stories, and snorkel gear, then sail into the open sea without a worry in sight.
Where to stay in St Barts

The Verdict: If mornings to you mean scaling a mountain or diving into the deep blue sea, then St John is your best bet. But, if you’d rather begin your day with a relaxed dip in your villa’s pool, croissant and coffee on standby, St Barts is more your flavor.

The Beaches 

St John: On an island where nature reigns supreme, it’s no surprise the beaches are clean, unspoiled, and virtually flawless in every way. Trunk Bay Beach is the biggest and most popular, and for good reason. The water is clear and calm, and lifeguards patrol the beach making it ideal for families with little swimmers. You can rent snorkel gear nearby too, and if you’re not an expert snorkeler, Trunk Bay is the perfect place to get your feet wet. For something a little quieter, venture to Caneel Bay beach, a quick 5-minutes north of Trunk Bay. It’s attached to the glamorous resort of the same name and encompasses seven small beaches, each walking distance to the next. Windsurfing, kayaking, massages, or just relaxing on the quiet sands are all on the menu at Caneel Bay. Considerably off the beaten track lies Lameshur Bay Beach, a hidden gem (shhhh… don’t tell anyone!) on the rugged southern side of the island. Getting there requires a wild drive in a 4×4 down the south coast on a dirt road, but once you lay your eyes on the nearly deserted sands and calm waters, you’ll realize it’s well worth the journey. You can even stroll to the west side of the beach to see the ruins of a sugar mill plantation.
Where to stay in St John

St Barts: Decisions… Decisions! Choosing which beach to lay your towel on is all in a hard day’s work in St Barts. Many who make the trek here are in it for seclusion, and if that’s you, venture to quiet Colombier beach, only accessible on foot or by boat. If people watching is more your style, St Jean’s scene is sure to provide you with stories to take home. It’s the most popular spot on the island, where prop planes fly above and chic restaurants serve up ice-cold drinks. In the south of the island, Saline beach might be “clothing optional”, but it’s famous for more than its au-naturel tendencies; many people think it’s the most beautiful beach on the island.
Where to stay in St Barts

The Verdict: It’s a toss up for this one. Whatever island you choose, you’ll be overwhelmed with the amount of stunning beaches around you. Quality sand and clear seas await!

The Food

St John: If you’ll happily trade in white table cloths for white sand any day of the week, the relaxed vibes of St John’s culinary scene is right up your alley. There’s tasty fare for all price points, and fresh seafood is abundant on every menu. Conch fritters and jerk chicken are staples here, and our favorite spot to have either is at Miss Lucy’s on Coral Bay or Sogo’s in Cruz Bay. If you do want to go out for a special meal, you won’t be left empty handed. Our favorite places is ZoZo’s ristorante (pictured right), with an upscale yet relaxed atmosphere and unbeatable sunset views from their breezy terrace. Their menu features scrumptious Italian food with a Caribbean twist, such as wild boar fettuccini and osso buco.
Where to stay in St John

St Barts: Whether you have a chef come and make you a spectacular meal to enjoy in the privacy of your own villa, or you’re tucking into a glamorous lunch of tartare and rosé at the famous Nikki Beach, mealtime rarely disappoints in St. Barts. True to its roots, you’ll find French fare aplenty all over the island. We love the fresh pastries from L’Petit Colombe, and the seared foie gras with raisins and stewed onions at La Plage in the Tom Beach hotel. For arguably the best dinner on the island – with sparkling views to match – Bonito’s (pictured right) six different ceviche options might not be traditionally french, but are incredibly fresh and flavorful.