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Why do billionaires go to St Barts?

For those who truly love to sail, St Barts is considered to have some of the best sailing conditions on the planet. So what makes the world's rich and famous flock to St Barts for a vacation? Simply put, it's a level of exclusivity not found in many other urban areas.



St. Barts (Saint Barthélemy) is the premier "billionaire's playground" in the Caribbean because it offers a rare combination of extreme privacy, French sophistication, and high-end security. Unlike other Caribbean islands, St. Barts has a very small airport (Gustaf III) that cannot accommodate large commercial jets, meaning most visitors arrive via private plane or mega-yacht. This creates a natural barrier to mass tourism. The island's capital, Gustavia, features duty-free luxury shopping with brands like Hermès and Cartier, alongside Michelin-caliber dining that mirrors the French Riviera. In 2026, the island remains a top choice for the ultra-wealthy—including figures like Jeff Bezos and Roman Abramovich—who frequent exclusive spots like Shell Beach or the Eden Rock hotel. The low crime rate and the "unwritten rule" that locals and tourists leave celebrities alone allow billionaires to enjoy a sense of normalcy that is difficult to find elsewhere.

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For those who truly love to sail, St Barts is considered to have some of the best sailing conditions on the planet. So what makes the world's rich and famous flock to St Barts for a vacation? Simply put, it's a level of exclusivity not found in many other urban areas.

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The island is ideal for those seeking a Euro-themed utopia with plenty of stunning beaches, upscale hotels, private villas and trendy restaurants. Those looking for an island with exciting nightlife and offshore activities should check out St. Barts' cousins, Martinique or St.

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The Russian billionaire appears to own at least one additional property in St. Barts that has not been previously reported. In 2009, Roman Abramovich paid a reported $90 million for his 70-acre estate on the Caribbean island of St. Barts, a French overseas territory.

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St. Barts is incredibly safe and there is very little to no crime on the island. The island is also marked as one of the safest Caribbean islands due to its murder rate of zero.

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Pippa, an author and socialite who is the younger sister of the Princess of Wales, wed financier husband James Matthews in May 2017. The Matthews family owns the Eden Rock resort on St Barts, one of the region's most exclusive hotels.

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From this view I also spotted the lavish mansions and villas that house or have housed some of the world's most powerful and famous (including the Kardashians, Dua Lipa, and Jeff Bezos).

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The family of late French rocker Johnny Hallyday prepared today to bury him on the Caribbean island of St Barts, a millionaire's paradise where the singer had a holiday home.

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Make no mistake, this paradise is more expensive than other Caribbean islands (especially since local currency is the euro). But there's ways to enjoy St. Barts whether your budget is large or small.

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The crime rate is low. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

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During their trip, Paul and Nancy stayed at the five-star Eden Rock Hotel, a luxury resort with several beachfront pools and an unbeatable view. St. Barts has long been a popular vacation destination for the Grammy winner and the entrepreneur, who wed in 2011.

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Get the party started St Barts has a wealth of enticing cocktail bars, live music venues and clubs to enjoy. Follow our St Barts nightlife guide and book your seat at one of the hottest tables on the island…

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Saint Barthélemy (French: Saint-Barthélemy, [s?~ ba?telemi]), officially the Collectivité territoriale de Saint-Barthélemy, also known as St. Barts (English) or St. Barth (French), is an overseas collectivity of France in the Caribbean.

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Indian Creek, a small, exclusive island in Miami with only a limited number of homes, is also known as the Billionaire Bunker due to its residents' extraordinary wealth and notoriety.

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