The pristine waters of the Caribbean have once again transformed into a floating showcase of extreme wealth as the global elite descend on Saint Barthélemy for New Year's Eve. The volcanic island, a mere 9.7 square miles, is playing host to a who's who of tech titans, retail magnates, and sports icons, all arriving via private jet and some of the world's most extravagant superyachts.
The A-List Arrival: From Nikki Beach to Fort Oscar
The festivities are already in full swing. US tech billionaire Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sanchez, were spotted kicking off celebrations at the celebrity hotspot Nikki Beach. The couple danced among sparkler-waving revellers at the beachside restaurant, setting the tone for the lavish parties to come. Also on the island is Chloe Green, daughter of retail tycoon Sir Philip Green, who enjoyed a double date with her husband, Manuele Thiella, her brother Brandon, and his partner, actress Tessa Thompson.
The climax of the night will be the spectacular midnight fireworks display over Fort Oscar, illuminating Gustavia Harbor. As the clock strikes twelve, a cacophony of foghorns from hundreds of megayachts will create a traditional chorus of jubilation across the glittering bay.
A Fleet of Floating Palaces: The Superyachts Revealed
The true stars of the show, however, are the breathtaking vessels anchored in the turquoise waters. Leading the pack is Jeff Bezos's 417-foot sailing yacht, Koru, valued at a reported $500 million, easily identified by the wooden sculpture on its prow fashioned in Sanchez's likeness. Not to be outdone, Bezos also has his 246-foot support vessel, Abeona, nearby.
They are joined by an armada of other floating palaces:
- Michael Jordan's 244-foot M Brace, worth £115 million.
- Sir James Dyson's classic 300-foot motor yacht, Nahlin.
- David Geffen's colossal 454-foot Rising Sun, complete with a basketball court and cinema.
- WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum's 328-foot Moonrise, featuring a helipad and beach club.
- British billionaire Tom Morris's 181-foot Moskito, with annual running costs of $4 million.
Other notable vessels en route or already in the region include the Mayan Queen of the Mexican Bailleres family, New Zealand's richest man Graeme Hart's Ulysses, and the Bravo Eugenia belonging to Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
Exclusive Parties and Celebrity Spotting
Onshore, the island is a hub of exclusive gatherings. Insiders point to Gyp Sea, with headliner DJ Calvin Harris, Hotel Le Toiny, and the ever-popular Nikki Beach with DJ Diplo as the top party choices for New Year's Eve 2025. For the ultra-wealthy, luxury travel advisors are on hand to navigate the social circuit, advising on the best tables and late reservations.
The celebrity presence is unmistakable. Supermodel Heidi Klum and her husband, Tom Kaulitz, were photographed swimming and relaxing on a sandy beach, weeks after Klum presented at the World Cup 2026 Draw in Washington. Media mogul Kris Jenner was also seen looking chic while boarding a luxurious motor yacht, underscoring the event's status as the ultimate year-end retreat for the world's most famous and affluent.
