Illustration by: Katie James
There’s nothing worse than arriving at your stunning beach honeymoon destination and realizing that you forgot to pack sunscreen or a wide-brim hat—or worse, that you brought the entirely wrong wardrobe. When you’re headed to a glitzy Caribbean island like St. Barts you’ll want some fabulous outfits on lock before leaving home. To help you stand out on a St. Barts holiday, we’ve narrowed down a few packing essentials.
Photo: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
1. Celebs like Jessica Alba, Chrissy Tiegen, and Bella Hadid have been spotted swimming in the crystal-blue waters of St. Jean Bay, home to Eden Rock hotel and Nikki Beach. For your picture-perfect beach moment, try this eye-catching one-piece by Eres, appropriately called Seaside ($425). The French swimwear label is known for making suits that withstand the test of time, so trust us when we say the price tag is worth it, plus bold color blocking never goes out of style! (Seaside bandeau swimsuit, $425, Eres available at Net-a-Porter)
Photo: Courtesy of Eugenia Kim
2. St. Barts is home to many a stunning beach, but some of the best ones (Colombier, Flamands, Gouverneur) have little to no trees or natural shade — so be sure to pack a great hat. We love Eugenia Kim‘s Emmanuelle straw fedora. The hemp material is naturally ventilating, while the wide-brim shields you from any scorching rays. The colorfully embroidered quetzal bird and silver box chain at the band provide just the right amount of flair to make your look pop among other beach-goers. (Emmanuelle straw fedora, $237, Eugenia Kim)
Photo: Courtesy of Bloomingdales
3. Equally important for the sun and sand—a fabulous pair of sunnies. Italian sunglass maker Carrera has tons of unisex styles that toe the line between sporty and chic, meaning you and your new hubs can share. We love the combination of sophisticated tortoise shell and cool metal-rimmed lenses on these 5035/S frames, in Havana. (Havana, $119, Carrera available at Bloomingdales)
Photo: Courtesy of Sephora
4. The quickest way to glowing, sun-kissed skin? AmorePacific‘s perfectly packable Resort Collection Sun Protection Cushion SPF 30+. Products by this Japanese skincare brand are chockfull of multi-tasking anti-aging ingredients, and this cushion compact is no exception. The weightless formula protects against damaging UV rays, nourishes and combats heat with Asian botanical extracts, and provides barely detectable, flawless coverage—ideal for those who prefer to hit the beach with a little bit of makeup. (Resort Collection Sun Protections Cushion SPF 30+, $40, Amore Pacific available at Sephora)
Photo: Courtesy of Victorinox
5. Even if you’re flying into St. Barts on one of Tradewind Aviation’s luxe, semi-private planes—for which check-in, customs, and baggage are all taken care of by a designated airline agent without you ever having to lift a finger—we still recommend packing light. This durable yet ultra-lightweight Victorinox Spectra Global Carry-On is perfect for both weekend getaways and two-week vacays (you’ll be surprised how much fits inside!). It also comes in chic limited edition colors like Alloy Grey and Stone White, which are easy to spot on the baggage carousel. (Spectra Global Carry-On, $299.99, Victorinox Swiss Army)
Photo: Courtesy of Guerlain
6. After a few days in the sun, chances are your skin could use a little T.L.C. For an extra boost of hydration, book a facial at the super luxe Guerlain Spa at Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France, a stunning hotel on Flamands Beach. Or, give yourself a 10-minute in-room treatment by bringing along Guerlain’s Super Aqua-Mask, a lightweight, anti-aging complex derived from soothing desert rose flower that comes in both a bottle and sheet mask. (Super Aqua Mask, $130 for a pack of six, Guerlain)
Photo: Courtesy of Casadei
7. Tempting as it is to pack your sexiest stilettos, most people on St. Barts wear flats, since restaurants and bars are often on or next to the beach. Pick a pair with a fun accent in an eye-catching color—like these Italian-made Casadei jelly sandals.(Jelly sandal, $165, Casadei)
Photo: Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue
8. Whether you’re hanging by the pool at Le Sereno or having an Italian dinner at Bonito, in Gustavia, a little lip gloss goes a long way. Our favorite? Gucci Lip Vibrant Demi-Glaze Lip Lacquer in Exposure—the light-pink color is both delicate and sweet, and the nourishing formula stays put all day. (Gucci Lip Vibrant Demi-Glaze, $33, Gucci available at Saks Fifth Avenue)
Photo: Courtesy of Eddie Borgo
9. Another day-to-night essential: lightweight statement jewelry, like Eddie Borgo’s Sunburst Pendant. The gold-plated chain link necklace with rock crystal cabochon is delicate enough to wear on the beach with a bikini, but still an eye-catching accessory when paired with a sexy mini-dress for a night out at Bagatelle nightclub. (Sunburst Pendant, $105, Eddie Borgo)
Photo: Courtesy of Davines
10. One thing you can’t forget about on any beach vacay—your precious locks. Davines‘s all-natural, botanical products are cult-favorites among newly married beauty entrepreneurs like Emily Weiss. One of their latest launches includes a line of sun-specific hair care products, including the SU Milk, a light, creamy treatment with UV-A and UV-B filters that protects hair color from damaging sun exposure. Quickly spritz before hitting the beach, leave in, and forget about it—you’re on vacay, after all! (SU Milk, $15, Davines)
See More: Guest Blogger Carolyn Hsu’s Dream Honeymoon: St. Barths and Anguilla