This article was written by JQ Louise. Photography courtesy of Charl Van Rooy.
This Caribbean gem, known for its crystal-clear waters, luxurious beach clubs, and Michelin-starred dining, was buzzing with yacht traffic this past New Year’s Eve. With a record-breaking 173 yachts gracing its azure waters, according to BOATPro’s global fleet tracker on December 31, St. Barths rang in 2025 in unparalleled style.
From the newly launched, 400-foot-long Kismet by Lürssen to Jeff Bezos’s awe-inspiring, 416-foot- long Koru, the superyacht scene of St. Barth’s tiny Gustavia Harbour was a showcase of opulence and engineering brilliance during New Year’s celebrations. These yachts, along with others like the 367-foot-long, Bannenberg & Rowell-designed Renaissance and Oceanco’s 360-foot-long Kaos, owned by a Walmart heiress, show, yet again, that New Year’s Eve in St. Barths is the ultimate superyacht destination.
Kismet, designed by Nuvolari Lenard, is the talk of the season with its Balinese spa, Art Deco underwater cinema, and Versailles-inspired saloon.
Meanwhile, Bezos’s Koru, with her intricate gold detailing and towering masts, stands as one of the largest sailing yachts in the world. Accompanied by her support vessel Abeona, Koru epitomizes elegance and exclusivity.
Feadship’s Moonrise (100m) is a regular on the island during the holidays, with her sleek design by Studio De Voogt and interiors by Rémi Tessier. Ahpo (115.1m), the Caribbean-inspired masterpiece by Lürssen, dazzles with her nature-themed spa and duplex owner’s suite. Freire’s Renaissance, a standout Spanish-built yacht, offers six decks of pure luxury, including a wellness-focused level and a private owner’s terrace.
Among the newcomers, CC-Summer (95.3m) made waves with her seaplane-ready sundeck, while explorer yacht Bold (85.3m) impressed with her military-inspired design and expansive heli deck. Another highlight is Oceanco’s Bravo Eugenia (109m), commissioned by Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and featuring hybrid propulsion and an ultra-streamlined profile.
For those arriving by private jet or chartering a yacht but craving a night on land, St. Barths offers some of the most luxurious accommodations in the Caribbean:
1. CHEVAL BLANC ST-BARTH ISLE DE FRANCE Located on the pristine Baie des Flamands, Cheval Blanc blends French sophistication with Caribbean charm. Beachfront villas, a Guerlain spa, and top-tier dining attract high-profile guests, making it a haven for privacy and elegance.
2. HOTEL LE TOINY Perched on the hillside above the rugged Toiny coastline, Le Toiny is a secluded paradise. Each suite offers a private pool and panoramic ocean views, while the serene beach club provides an exclusive retreat for its discerning clientele.
3. EDEN ROCK ST. BARTHS A historic icon on the island, Eden Rock is famed for its glamorous design, world-class service, and prime location in Saint-Jean. With legendary visitors like Greta Garbo and Howard Hughes in its past, the hotel continues to draw the elite with its stunning suites and lively social scene.
Whether you’re enjoying cocktails on the deck of Kaos or indulging in a Guerlain facial at Cheval Blanc, St. Barths offers an unmatched blend of natural beauty and world-class luxury. It was obviously the place to be as the clock struck midnight, but don’t worry, even if you weren’t there, there is a whole year ahead to get a taste of the crème de la crème that is St. Barthélémy.