For decades, St. Barth has cultivated an image as one of the world’s most glamorous and exclusive destinations—a Caribbean paradise where billionaires, celebrities and power players escape the public eye. But according to bestselling author Michael Gross, the island’s carefully crafted mystique hides a wealth of surprising stories, feuds and scandals.
In his new book, Treasured Island: The Story of St. Barth…and Its Barbarians, Billionaires, and Beauties, Gross explores the fascinating history behind the luxury hotspot and reveals how a once-overlooked Caribbean island became a magnet for the global elite.
Timed for summer beach-reading season, the book draws on more than three decades of the author’s visits to St. Barth and offers a rare look into the people, personalities and controversies that helped shape its reputation.
Among the book’s most eye-opening revelations is the story of a vacation property that passed through the hands of politicians, smugglers, entertainer Jimmy Buffett, television host David Letterman and eventually a Russian banking executive. Gross also recounts how a caretaker employed by David Rockefeller helped spark political unrest that ultimately changed the island’s future.
The book delves into the private lives of famous visitors as well. Gross reveals how screen legend Greta Garbo and her longtime female companion reportedly found refuge on the island decades before celebrity tourism became commonplace. He also explores the rise and fall of influential local businesses, including a villa rental empire that helped create St. Barth’s luxury vacation market before being torn apart by family conflict.
Readers will also find stories involving Wall Street executives, luxury hotel developers and billionaire business moguls. One chapter details how financiers connected to Goldman Sachs believed they had secured a prized hotel property, only to see luxury giant LVMH emerge victorious. Another recounts how cosmetics magnate Ronald O. Perelman reportedly arranged extraordinary measures to meet religious obligations while vacationing aboard his yacht.
Food lovers will discover that even celebrity chefs have struggled to conquer St. Barth. According to Gross, renowned restaurateurs Pino Luongo and Jean-Georges Vongerichten both faced setbacks during their early attempts to establish themselves on the island.
Known for previous bestselling books examining wealth, privilege and power, Gross has built a reputation for uncovering the stories that often remain hidden behind luxury lifestyles. With Treasured Island, he offers readers an entertaining and revealing portrait of one of the world’s most coveted destinations.
The book arrives June 16 from Harper and promises to be one of the summer’s most talked-about reads for anyone fascinated by celebrity culture, extreme wealth and the secrets that lie behind paradise.