ST. BARTHS
St_Barthélemy is Caribbean does the Côte d'Azur, closer in spirit and vibe to Cannes than the Cayman Islands. Its beaches are as gorgeous and well-tended as the A-listers who holiday here. Prime time for star-spotting: the week between Christmas and the New Year, when the cream from both coasts head down.

Rub suntanned elbows with: Private jet–owning New Yorkers and Angelenos, liberally seasoned with très jolie French girls.

Best way to cool off: A cocktail or five at sunset at Do Brazil. Owner Bou Bou will surely be making the rounds in his trademark sarong.

Beach chic: Expensive thongs, paparazzi-foiling Dior sunglasses, and an expression of wealthy disdain.

Where to bed down: The two-story suite on the water, complete with its own beachside hot tub, at the Hôtel Saint-Barth Isle de France. You'd be hard-pressed to find an atmosphere that is as sensual and yet laid-back—especially on this island.

Hôtel Saint-Barth Isle de France
Tel: 590 27 61 81
Doubles from $634

Do Brazil
Tel: 590 29 06 40