A Fairytale Life on St. Barts: How the Elite Unwind on the ‘Millionaire’s Island’
A Fairytale Life on St. Barts: How the Elite Unwind on the ‘Millionaire’s Island’
While some celebrities revel in the frost and snow of Courchevel, others bask under the bright Caribbean sun beside the turquoise lagoons. The tiny French island of St. Barts has once again attracted the crème de la crème of global society. On this 25-square-kilometer paradise of pristine beaches and tropical gardens, billionaires, Hollywood stars, and top executives of multinational corporations bid farewell to the old year and welcomed 2026 amidst sirens and fireworks.
The Symbol of Luxury: Superyachts
The ultimate symbol of New Year’s holidays on St. Barts has long been the superyachts, and the 2025-2026 season broke all records. The port of Gustavia and the surrounding bays transformed into the ‘richest port in the world,’ showcasing a true ‘parade of floating palaces.’ Among them, the legendary yacht Koru, owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, stood out, accompanied by its support vessel Abeona.
Bezos enjoyed his vacation with his wife, Lauren Sanchez. They were joined by Leonardo DiCaprio and his girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti. The friends spent much time on the luxurious yacht and were spotted at various parties. Nearby, media mogul David Geffen’s massive Rising Sun, a 454-foot vessel with 82 rooms resembling a private island, dropped anchor. The Kismet, a dazzling yacht owned by billionaire and Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan, was another highlight. As darkness fell on December 31st, this fleet lit up with thousands of lights, and at midnight, fireworks soared over the bay, with the powerful sirens of the yachts merging into a triumphant chorus to herald the new year.
Life Beyond the Water
Life on St. Barts thrives beyond the water. The island, often dubbed the ‘Caribbean St. Tropez,’ has long been a favorite among global celebrities. This season, beaches and restaurants were graced by supermodel Heidi Klum, who celebrated the holidays in grand style with her husband, guitarist Tom Kaulitz, and his brother. Klum actively shared details of her vacation on social media, from caviar tins to bottles of elite champagne and parties at the legendary Nikki Beach, where DJ Diplo played.
Photos of Heidi in a bikini once again prove that age is just a number, and her figure is the envy of any young woman. Each time she appeared on the beach, the supermodel showcased a new swimsuit. Heidi also indulged in some nude sunbathing, with all the photographic evidence in our gallery. Natalie Portman also captivated with her stunning form. In photos taken by paparazzi, the actress looked absolutely radiant.
Celebrity Sightings
The New Year holidays on this elite island were also spent by Tom Brady, Irina Shayk’s ex-boyfriend. In December 2025, rumors circulated that the athlete and the model were back together. However, Tom arrived on vacation with 25-year-old TikTok star Alix Earle. According to insiders, the celebrities spent all their time together.
Among the palm trees and near the pristine beaches of the island, Nadezhda Obolentseva also enjoyed her vacation. The socialite, who married billionaire Eugene Shvidler in February, fits perfectly into this glamorous setting. Nadezhda arrived in St. Barts with her husband and son Mark, who is about seven months old. They were joined by Oksana Bondarenko with her husband Vladimir Tsyganov and their children.
In her personal blog, they actively share moments of their vacation with followers, showcasing the diverse facets of a Caribbean getaway. Naturally, their accounts feature photos of them posing in stylish swimsuits. They also engage in activities for the soul and body. Nadezhda practices yoga on the beach, enjoying the tranquility and harmony against the backdrop of the endless ocean. Oksana does not miss her paddleboarding sessions.
However, for our compatriots, the vacation is also an opportunity to shine. In her personal blog, Nadezhda showcased several looks with limited-edition Hermes bags and exorbitantly expensive jewelry. Oksana is not far behind her friend. In one of the photos, the owner of the Li-Lu showroom posed on the beach in a total Dior look. It’s not a life; it’s a fairytale on St. Barts!
For more insights into the luxurious lifestyle on St. Barts, you can visit Forbes.
