You'd think it were a local political faction given the polarization of local residents to the St Barts outpost of Nikki Beach. Some think it's neuvo riche at its worst with champagne showers, topless sunbathing and hip-hop noise. Everyone else thinks it's the chicest place to be lying belly-up to the sun with magnum of Dom, oily bronzed models and yacht-hopping billionaires never more than an ass grab away. Nikki Beach occupies a strip of St. Jean sand that takes a bit of navigating to get to if arriving by town. Once there, however, it's an all-white beach club paradise of nonstop DJs spinning Jay-Z and Rihanna tunes to one of the sexiest clusters of bodies you'll find on the island. The space is divided between an indoor dining room and lounge of canvas director's chairs emblazoned with Nikki logo overlooking a sandy beachfront of teak cabanas draped in endless swags of white fabric. The action lasts from 11am till around 5pm, where that quintessential scene of tabletop dancing and girl-on-girl make out sessions unfolds at the end the day. By 7pm the show is usually over, as everyone sobers-up, packs into their cars and makes their way back to town for evening dinner and nightlife revelry.
Tips
Nikki Beach is as good as it gets, a global beach club franchise that unites all ages, body types and demographics into one sandy location of frivolous party excess.
Last Word
Serious tanners will want to arrive by 12pm to grab the best spots along the beach. Those looking for the party fun can delay till 2pm, as everyone finishes lunch and starts to hit the champagne bottle.