St. Barts Welcomes Billionaires Like Jeff Bezos for Lavish Winter Escapes

A tiny island transforms into a playground for the ultra-rich. Why do billionaires like Jeff Bezos keep returning to St. Barts every winter?

, and Administrator

2026 January 3 . 1:22 PM

1 min read

In this picture I can see there is a super market here and it has some groceries and there are some... — In this picture I can see there is a super market here and it has some groceries and there are some lights and boards attached to the ceiling.

St. Barts Welcomes Billionaires Like Jeff Bezos for Lavish Winter Escapes

St. Barts remains a top winter destination for the world’s wealthiest, attracting billionaires like Michael Jordan and Jeff Bezos this season. The small Caribbean island, home to just 10,000 residents, sees its population swell as ultra-rich visitors dock their superyachts in its harbour.

The island’s appeal is clear, with dozens of billionaires choosing it for their winter getaways. This year, Jeff Bezos moored his superyacht Koru, known for its towering masts—six times taller than Gustavia’s highest building. Michael Jordan also arrived on his yacht, M'Brace, smaller than Koru but still an imposing vessel.

Despite the island’s popularity, most superyacht owners register their vessels elsewhere. Malta’s flag is the most common among yachts in St. Barts, as owners often avoid French registration. The trend highlights the island’s role as a luxury retreat rather than a maritime hub. St. Barts falls under the category of non-sovereign Caribbean territories, unlike fully independent or semi-autonomous islands. Nearby, Sint Maarten’s Princess Juliana Airport is famous for its beachside runway, adding to the region’s allure for high-profile travellers.

The influx of billionaires and their superyachts transforms St. Barts each winter. While the island’s permanent population stays small, its temporary residents bring global attention. The preference for foreign yacht registrations, particularly under Malta’s flag, reflects the unique dynamics of luxury travel in the Caribbean.