Gourmet Month in St Barth Has Michelin-Star Chefs, Rare Rums, and a Caribbean Setting Like No Other
The island of St Barth has always had a taste for the finer things. White-sand beaches and designer boutiques are part of its identity, but so too is a culinary culture that blends French savoir-faire with Caribbean soul. Every November, that passion comes alive — and now it’s bigger than ever.
St Barth has become the Caribbean’s true capital of gastronomy and spirits, with two major events turning the island into a destination for gourmands: the St Barth Gourmet Festival and the Caribbean Rum Awards St Barth. Together, they transform the month into a full celebration of flavor, luxury, and island life.
The St Barth Gourmet Festival – Nov. 4-9
The Gourmet Festival is an annual pilgrimage for food lovers. Michelin-starred chefs fly in from France and beyond to take over the kitchens of the island’s top hotels and restaurants. For one week, diners can book tables for menus curated by some of the world’s culinary stars — multi-course experiences that fuse French technique with Caribbean terroir.
It’s not just about fine dining; it’s about the island-wide atmosphere. Hotel bars buzz with champagne toasts, beach restaurants host pop-ups, and the entire destination seems to hum with the rhythm of haute cuisine.
The Caribbean Rum Awards Nov. 10-16
Then comes the spirits. The Caribbean Rum Awards St Barth brings together the world’s best rhums agricoles, aged expressions, XO blends, and collector bottles for blind-tasted competitions, masterclasses, and tastings. Judges, collectors, and rum lovers from around the globe gather in St Barth to crown the year’s champions.
Beyond the judging, there are cigar pairings, cocktail showcases, and waterfront tastings under the stars. It’s a rum lover’s dream — staged in the heart of Gustavia. (You can get tickets here).
A Month of Indulgence
Together, these two events have made November in St Barth a true Gourmet Month. You can spend one week savoring tasting menus by Michelin chefs, the next comparing vintage agricoles in a rum masterclass, and still find time to slip away to Shell Beach or St Jean in the afternoon.
This year, the dates line up perfectly.
The result is a destination experience like no other: St Barth at its most elegant and indulgent, with every day offering another chance to taste, sip, and celebrate.
Looking for a place to stay during the month? In our opinion, the best bet is a Wimco villa. Here are some great options.
Caitlin Sullivan began her career with Caribbean Journal as Arts and Culture editor before shifting to travel full time. She writes frequently on the Caribbean cruise industry, flight networks and broader travel news. Her most frequent Caribbean destination? Nassau.
