The Caribbean’s Bucket-List Rum Experience Is Back in St. Barth — With Rare Spirits, Luxury Villas and a Perfect Island Vibe

You don’t just attend the Caribbean Rum Awards St. Barth. You live it.

It begins with your arrival — on a sleek Tradewind Aviation flight that sweeps you from San Juan to a landing that’s unforgettable, dropping onto the runway just outside of Gustavia. And from that moment on, the week is all about the slow swirl of a rare agricole, the flash of sunlight off turquoise water, and the unmistakable magic of this island.

There is nothing else like it in the Caribbean.

Held every November, the Caribbean Rum Awards St. Barth is the region’s most exclusive rum festival—and the only one of its kind: a celebration of fine, rare, aged rums that turns an island into a dreamscape for both connoisseurs and curious newcomers.

And here’s the secret: you don’t need to be a rum expert to enjoy it.

You could know nothing. You could know everything. What matters is that you’re here.

You Taste. You Learn. You Soak It In.

One moment you’re on the beach sipping a ti’ punch made by the world’s best rhum artisans. The next you’re at a rooftop dinner pairing vintage rums with St. Barth’s finest cuisine. And then you’re in a sunset tasting of a rum that hasn’t seen the outside of its distillery in decades.

The week is immersive. It’s intimate. You’re not just watching — you’re part of it.

Expect master classes, blind tastings, cocktail competitions, cigar pairings, and the kind of encounters you’ll be talking about long after the rum is gone.

Where to Stay: Four Ways to Do It Right

WIMCO Villas
Want the full Rum Awards experience? WIMCO is the official accommodation partner — and their curated villas put you in the heart of the action. Think private pools, hilltop views, chef-prepped breakfasts, and optional full event access.

Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth
A perfect match for the elegance of the festival, with private beach access and a menu of luxury spa treatments that pair nicely with a neat pour.

Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa
This is where the festival begins—literally. The opening party happens right here. So does the lounging, dining, and island-strolling between events.

Les Ilets de la Plage
Low-key luxury steps from the sand. It’s a favorite among festival insiders for its charm, privacy and proximity to the action.

What You Need to Attend

Getting in is easy — and unforgettable.

All you need is an All-Access Ticket, which are available for $695 per person, which includes entry to all core events throughout the week (excluding the Rum Dinner and Rum Brunch), a custom Caribbean Rum Awards hat, and a curated bottle of rum to take home.

It’s your backstage pass to the island’s most spirited celebration — master classes, tastings, pop-up cocktail events, and exclusive pours in intimate settings.

Here’s where you can find your ticket.

Space is limited and advance booking is strongly recommended. For the full VIP experience, book your villa or hotel early and plan to arrive by November 11 for the kickoff.

Why This Week Matters

The Caribbean Rum Awards is the crown jewel of Gourmet Month, a St. Barth culinary celebration timed perfectly at the start of the high season. That means near-perfect weather, vibrant streets, and just enough buzz to remind you you’re on one of the Caribbean’s most sophisticated islands.

How to Get There: The Easy Way

There is only one way to arrive properly: Tradewind Aviation.

Hop a scheduled flight from San Juan, Antigua or St. Thomas directly to St. Barth. It’s elegant, comfortable, and avoids the ferry. You can even charter your own if you want to start the week in style.

This Is the Caribbean’s Most Luxurious Rum Week

It’s not a massive crowd. It’s not a tourist trap. It’s a curated, luxurious experience celebrating something real: the craftsmanship of Caribbean rum and the culture that created it.

There’s a rum (or a dozen) here you’ll never taste again. A moment you’ll never quite repeat.

So whether you’re swirling a vintage agricole or just learning the difference between pot still and column still — this is the week that welcomes you in.

Here’s the full info about the event. Have other questions? Email rum@caribjournal.com.