St. Barts Welcomes Billionaires Like Jeff Bezos and Michael Jordan This Winter
St. Barts has once again become a winter hotspot for billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Michael Jordan. The tiny Caribbean island, home to just 10,000 permanent residents, sees its population swell as wealthy visitors arrive with their superyachts. This year, the presence of some of the world's largest private vessels has drawn extra attention.
The island's appeal lies in its luxury lifestyle, exclusive beaches, and high-end amenities. Dozens of billionaires choose it for their winter getaways, though most do not register their yachts there. If they did, the vessels would fly the French flag, as St. Barts is an overseas collectivity of France.
Among the notable arrivals was Jeff Bezos, owner of the superyacht Koru. Its masts tower six times higher than the tallest building in Gustavia, the island's capital. Michael Jordan also docked his yacht, M'Brace, which, while smaller than Koru, remains an impressive sight.
The island's popularity contrasts with nearby Sint Maarten, home to Princess Juliana Airport, famous for its beachside runway. St. Barts itself has no such airport, reinforcing its reputation as a secluded paradise for the ultra-rich. The upcoming St. Barths Bucket 2026 regatta, scheduled for March 12–15, will feature the 78-metre M5 as the largest participating yacht.
Caribbean islands generally fall into three categories: fully independent, semi-independent, or non-sovereign territories. St. Barts belongs to the last group, governed under French law. Despite its small size, its harbour often hosts some of the world's most extravagant yachts—though few are permanently registered there.
The winter season in St. Barts highlights its status as a playground for the super-wealthy. While billionaires like Bezos and Jordan enjoy its luxury, the island remains a temporary stop rather than a permanent base for their yachts. The presence of such vessels, however, continues to shape its reputation as an elite destination.
