The moment you see St. Barths from the water, you understand the appeal. A sweep of turquoise water broken by sailboats and superyachts, white villas tucked into the hills, red roofs catching the light. This is the Caribbean filtered through a French lens: chic, sophisticated, impossibly beautiful. For our second day of Engage!26 Evrima, attendees disembarked to experience the island firsthand. The sun was high and so was the sense of anticipation! The plan was simple but inspired: break into small groups and disperse across eight of St. Barths’ most iconic properties for lunch. No two tables would share the same view. No two groups would have the same experience. The only constant would be the island itself. And, of course, that particular brand of barefoot elegance that makes St. Barths feel like Paris-on-sea.
The dress code was St. Barths chic, which is less a set of rules and more a state of mind. Think flowing linens, sun-warmed skin, statement jewelry catching the light, and designer resort wear that looks effortless even when it’s not. This is an island where Missoni bikinis and Eugenia Kim hats are beach attire, where you can wander from a five-star lunch to a boutique without changing clothes. An effortless blend of fashion and function that the island does so well.
Bonjour St. Barths
St. Barthélemy occupies a unique position in the Caribbean. Officially an overseas collectivity of France, it spent nearly a century under Swedish rule before being bought back in 1878. Today, that layered history shows up in unexpected ways. For example, French brasseries serving Caribbean lobster, Swedish street names in a capital filled with Louis Vuitton and Hermès, chanson playing on the radio as you drive past turquoise coves. St. Barths has long held a reputation as one of the Caribbean’s most polished destinations, but what sets it apart is how little effort that polish seems to require.
At just 21 square kilometers, the island packs extraordinary variety into a small footprint. Dramatic volcanic cliffs give way to calm beaches. Winding coastal roads offer sea vistas at every turn. The capital, Gustavia, is a tidy mix of designer boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants where the default is Michelin-level execution. Beyond town, some corners feel almost untouched, while on others, beach clubs hum with music and champagne flows freely.
Lunch, the St. Barths Way
Rather than experiencing St. Barths as a single group, attendees were given something far more interesting: eight entirely different perspectives. Splitting off into smaller groups, each set out for lunch at one of the island’s most iconic properties: Eden Rock, Cheval Blanc, Fouquet’s, Le Barthélemy, Le Sereno, Hôtel Le Toiny, Rosewood Le Guanahani, and Tropical Hotel St Barth. From beachfront hideaways to hillside retreats, poolside terraces to tucked-away enclaves, the result was a series of parallel afternoons unfolding across the island. No shared table, no identical itinerary. Just eight distinct settings, eight different views, and eight interpretations of what a St. Barths lunch could be. For example, at Cheval Blanc St-Barth, a coconut bar added tropical flair, while Eden Rock’s position on a point surrounded by gin-bottle blue waters provided a spectacular panorama. Guests were welcomed with thoughtful goodies from the resorts, enhancing the sense of hospitality and welcome.
Menus leaned into the island’s signature blend of French technique and Caribbean flair. The cuisine was a celebration of flavors: gourmet tropical menus, barbecue stations, and elevated fusion dishes featuring fresh local seafood. With small groups, conversations flowed naturally, and deeper connections were forged amidst the island’s serene, barefoot beauty.
Exploring the Island
With lunch concluded, some guests drifted back toward Gustavia, wandering through boutiques and galleries, pausing for a coffee or a quiet browse. Others leaned fully into the island’s slower rhythm, heading for the beach and slipping into the water. Or they simply stayed exactly where they were, unwilling to trade their table for anything else just yet. Finally, as the light began to soften, it was time for guests to make their return to the yacht, swapping stories and sharing moments from an unforgettable day.
As Evrima set sail once more, the island’s spirit remained with us. St. Barths had worked its magic. The excursion had been a perfect blend of exploration, connection, and luxury, a taste of what makes St. Barths such an irresistible destination.
To see more from the St Barths lunches, be sure to visit our gallery.
